Identity Theft Explained

Identity theft happens when crucial parts of personal information, such as Social Security or driver's license numbers, are stolen so that someone else can use this information to become you. This stolen information can be used to obtain merchandise, credit and services.

Illegal immigration scams can benefit from identity theft as the stolen ID is often used to give false credentials.

Thieves can tap into a victim's account once they have obtained the stolen information. They then have free range with your credit, your life. They could get more credit products, open new accounts, connect themselves to a new cellular phone plan. Even change your address so that your aren't aware of any of the new transactions happening under your name.

The Internet is a playground for identity thieves. Their transactions can occur in a heartbeart - at anytime and from anywhere.

Although today's identity stealing methods are much more high tech, technology has changed the way we look at identity theft. Gone are the days of sifting through trash to find old reciepts or peeking at customers when they purchase items using their credit cards. It is done much less frequently, using database hacking methods.