What is identity theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, Social Security number, credit card number, or other personal information without your permission. It is a crime and creates chaos in people’s lives.

People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years—and thousands of dollars—cleaning up the mess thieves leave behind. In the meantime, victims of identity theft may lose job opportunities or be denied credit.

What Identity Thieves Do Identity thieves can steal your personal information or get their hands on it if you lose it. Either way, it creates serious headaches and a lot of work. Some things identify thieves do:
•	Change the billing address on your credit card account (or complete a “change of address” form at the post office) then charge items to your account. Even though you stop receiving your credit card bill, it might take you a while to notice that. By the time you do, your account could be maxed out.
•	Open new credit card accounts in your name using your Social Security number. The accounts rack up charges you don’t know about, go unpaid, and show up as late payments on your credit report.
•	Open a bank account in your name and bounce checks.
•	Forge your signature on blank checks or authorize ATM transfers in your name, draining your bank account.
•	File for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts they incurred under your name.
•	Buy a car by taking out an auto loan in your name.
•	Get identification, such as a driver’s license, issued in your name but with their picture.
•	Give your name to the police during an arrest. When you don’t show up for the court date, an arrest warrant is issued in your name.