What Do Identity Thieves Usually Steal?

Since identity theft is a fairly broad term and refers to many different ways in which someone can use your information for monetary gains, identity thieves can be responsible for stealing quite a bit. Here are some of the things identity thieves usually steal:

• Social Security numbers
• Credit card numbers
• Bank account information
• Log-in information such as passwords
• Employment information
• Other personal data, such as phone numbers and addresses

What Can Identity Thieves Do With This Information?

Depending on what an identity thief is able to get a hold of, they can do a large amount of damage to your name and end up costing you thousands of dollars. Check out some of the common acts of identity thieves:

• One of the most common things an identity thief does is open new credit card accounts using your personal information. Of course, they never make a payment on these accounts and you’re left with the surprising bill.
• Some identity thieves may even go as far as to change the billing address on a stolen credit card, that way you don’t even realize someone is using the card.
• Identity thieves have been known to even take out auto loans in someone else’s name, and then drive off in a brand new car.
• Another common identity thief act is to withdraw all of the money in your bank account if they’re able to steal your banking information.
• If an identity thief is more interested in destroying your name or reputation, they could commit crimes or make false statements under the guise of your name.
• While it may not be as common, it is possible that an identity thief could live their life under your name, especially if they move to another state. Some have been able to live as another person for many years before being caught.

Additional Resources:

• How Do Thieves Do It?
• ID Theft Usually an Inside Job