Identity theft may affect many aspects of our lives beyond the immediate financial losses.
Get more information (PDF) about how to resolve any of the following problems that may result from identity theft:
U.S. Mail Tampering
A thief submits a “Change of Address” form to redirect your mail to himself or simply steals your mail.
Utility theft
A thief uses your personal information to obtain phone, cable, electric, water, or other utility services.
Misuse of your Social Security number
A thief steals your Social Security number and sells it, or uses it to get a job or other benefits.
Income tax fraud
If a thief uses your Social Security number to get a job, his or her earnings will show up on your Internal Revenue Service (IRS) records.
Medical identity theft
A thief uses your name to obtain medical treatment.
Bill collectors
A thief opens accounts in your name and runs up charges, but doesn’t pay the bills.
Fraudulent student loans
A thief uses your personal information to get a student loan.
Theft of a child’s identity
A thief uses a child’s name and Social Security number to get a job, government benefits, medical care, utilities, car loans, or even a mortgage.
Criminal violations
A thief uses your personal information during a criminal arrest or investigation, and you are into your state’s (and possibly the national) criminal database.
Lost or stolen driver’s license or other government–issued ID
A thief steals or finds your lost identification to obtain other identification, such as a driver’s license, Medicare card, passport and a state-issued ID.