17 Ways Identity Thieves Inflict Pain on Victims: Identity Theft Fraud Tactics

By Dawn Handschuh, Personal Finance Writer Archive

About identity theft and fraud

Meet John Doe. He just stole your identity. He wants to be just like you, but don't be too flattered. Here's what he's planning on doing with your personal information:

  1. Open new credit card accounts in your name, and go on a whopping shopping spree for himself or for big-ticket items he can resell.
  2. Max out your existing credit cards.
  3. Hide his spending activity from you by filing a change-of-address form with the U.S. Postal Service so you don't get future bills; this delays your catching on to his scheme. (Fortunately, the U.S. Postal Service now mails a follow-up confirmation after any request for a change of address, thwarting many would-be identity thieves.)
  4. Use your name to get utility services like telephone accounts, electricity, heating, or cable TV.
  5. Create counterfeit checks using your name or account number.
  6. Open a bank account in your name, and write bad checks.
  7. Clone your ATM or debit card, and make electronic withdrawals in your name, emptying your accounts.
  8. Take out an auto loan in your name.
  9. Get a driver's license in your name with his photo.
  10. Use your name and Social Security number to get government benefits.
  11. File a fraudulent tax return using your information.
  12. Get a job with your Social Security number, a ploy that's popular with illegal immigrants.
  13. Rent a house.
  14. Receive surgery or medical services using your name — potentially jeopardizing your health in the process.
  15. Use your personal information if arrested. (If he doesn't show up for his court date, guess who the police will be looking for?)
  16. Sell your identity to other identity thieves.
  17. File for bankruptcy in your name to escape his debts without repercussions.

Don't underestimate the cost of identity theft fraud. Personal identifiers like your Social Security number, date of birth and even seemingly unimportant personal details about you is all a thief needs to impersonate you over the phone, on the Internet and even in person.