What Do People Do With a Stolen Identity?

After a thief has successfully gained access to your information, they become capable of many illegal activities. If performed properly, the thief can assume your personal identity, and all that comes with it.

Financial Frauds

Since they are now in prime control of your identity, identity thefts will often use your identity to contract new financial accounts, mainly in the form of credit cards. The thief will open an account in your name, but you will end up assuming all pending charges. Sometimes, the thief will request for bills to be sent to a different address, leaving you unaware of their activity. After charges are amassed and lenders become concerned, you will be contacted by collection agencies, told surprisingly of recent fraudulence on your account.

With your identity, thieves will also be able to manage your bank account, gaining access to your funds. In most occasions, they are aware of sources to obtain replica checks and banking cards.

Utility Fraud

After stealing your identity, a thief can easily contract to services under your name. They may create new accounts under you name, or add themselves as part of your service, unbeknownst to both you and your service provider. Thieves can perform such activities with most household utilities - electricity, phone, heating, and even TV.

Government Documents

As mentioned earlier, the prime benefit of theft is the assumption of the false identity. Thieves will gain admission to fake licenses and identification, allowing them to perform beneficial activities which they were previously unable to do. Sometimes, a thief will gain governmental benefits, such as social security or subsidized housing. Assuming your identity, some thieves will even evade their tax obligations, often forcing the victim to pay their dues.