Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft.
The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make— or until a debt collector contacts you.
The most common is the theft of credit cards where the thieves get access and randomly use the card for various purchases - and why not - he is not bothered to pay the bills. With as few a details like your name and social security number they may open new credit card accounts in your name. When they use the cards and don't pay the bills, the delinquent accounts appear on your credit report. They may change the billing address on your credit card so that you no longer receive bills, and then run up charges on your account. Because your bills are now sent to a different address, it may be some time before you realize there's a problem.
Other forms of identity thefts are bank / finance frauds, government documents fraud and phone or utilities fraud. But we as responsible citizens have to take charge. As soon as you realize there has been an identity theft of any kind report to the police and take appropriate action like informing the FBI, and notifying the credit tracking bureaus. Do not encourage these people to do as they wish. Next time the damage they cause you could be much bigger.
