Effects Of Identity Theft

Once identity thieves have your personal information, they use it in a variety of ways.

• They may call your credit card issuer to change the billing address on your credit card account. The imposter then runs up charges on your account. Because your bills are being sent to a different address, it may be some time before you realize there's a problem.

• They may open new credit card accounts in your name. When they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, the delinquent accounts are reported on your credit report.

• They may establish phone or wireless service in your name.

• They may open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account.

• They may counterfeit checks or credit or debit cards, or authorize electronic transfers in your name, and drain your bank account.

• They may file for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts they've incurred under your name, or to avoid eviction.

• They may buy a car by taking out an auto loan in your name.

• They may get identification such as a driver's license issued with their picture, in your name.

• They may get a job or file fraudulent tax returns in your name.