What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft or identity fraud (true name fraud) is the taking of the victims identity to obtain credit, credit cards from banks and retailers, steal money from the victims existing accounts, apply for loans, establish accounts with utility companies, rent an apartment, file bankruptcy or obtain a job using the victims name. The Impersonator steals thousands of dollars in the victims name without the victim even knowing about it for months or even years. Recently criminals have been using the victims identity to commit crimes ranging form traffic infractions to felonies.
Identity theft is a crime where someone steals key pieces of your personal information – your name, driver’s license number, Social Security Number, or an account number – for fraudulent use. Often, identity thieves can drain assets from your existing accounts, open new accounts in your name, apply for credit, and charge purchases to you.
Identity theft occurs when someone obtains your personal information – such as your name, date of birth, Social Security Number, or bank or credit card account numbers – without your permission. Identity fraud occurs when another individual uses your personal information to commit fraud or another crime, for example, opening a bank or credit account, writing bad checks, or taking out a loan using your information.
