How Identity Theft Happens
My wallet was stolen in December 1998. There has been no end to the problems I’ve encountered since then. My identity was used to write checks, open credit card accounts, obtain cell phones and run up enormous bills, print fraudulent checks on a computer with my name, and more. I’ve spent 2 years trying to repair my credit report and have suffered the ill effects of having a marred credit history. I’ve been denied a student loan because of inaccurate information on my credit report.
Even with your best efforts to manage the flow of your personal information, skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to gain access to your information.
How Identity Thieves get Your Personal Information
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Steal wallets and purses which contain your personal information.
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They steal your mail, including your bank statements, credit card bills, utility bills, credit card offers, new checks, etc.
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Thieves will complete a change of address form having your mail sent to a new address where they have access to it.
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They go “dumpster diving” where they go through your trash gathering personal information.
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They fraudulently obtain your credit report by posing as a landlord, employer, or someone else who may have a legitimate need for it, and legal right to, the information.
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They break into your home and steal personal information.
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They used technology to get your personal information off the internet.
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They scam you, often times through email, by pretending to be a legitimate business or government agency.
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They get your personal information from the work-place in a practice known as “business record theft” by: stealing files out of offices where you are a customer, employee, patient or student; bribing an employee who has access to your files; or “hacking” into electronic files.
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Identity thieves may call your credit card company, pretend to be you, and change the mailing address to their address while running up your balance.
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If they gather enough information they may even open up a new credit card account using your name, date of birth, SSN. When they use the credit card and don’t pay the bills it goes on your credit report.
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They establish a cell phone in your name.
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They open up a checking account and write bad checks in your name.
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They file for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts they’ve accumulated or to avoid eviction.
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They counterfeit checks and drain your bank account.
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They make large purchases such as buying a car by taking out a loan in your name.
- They give your to police during an arrest. If they are released from custody and don’t show up to court a arrest warrant is issued in your name.
Finance and Money Resources
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
The Ultimate Depression Survival Guide: Protect Your Savings, Boost Your Income, and Grow Wealthy Even in the Worst of Times
Bank on Yourself: The Life-Changing Secret to Growing and Protecting Your Financial Future
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not!
Maverick Money Makers - The Club
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