Once identity thieves obtain your personal information, they will probably use it to further a fraud scheme. For example:

Fake ID Card

While some ID cards, like a police ID card, are non-falsifiable, it is possible for people to obtain other forms or false identification, such as a driver’s license. They may be issued in your name but could have their picture on it.

Forgery

They may forge your signature on checks, credit card slips, and bank withdrawal slips. They may even use a fake identification card with your identifying information to complete the transaction.

Bank Account

They may open a new bank account in your name and write bad checks, or they may steal funds directly from your account using a stolen, counterfeit, or “skimmed” bank card.

Credit Card

They may open a new credit card account in your name. When they use the card and don’t pay the bill, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report. They may also use a stolen, counterfeit, or “skimmed” credit card to put fraudulent charges on your account.

Change of Address

They may call your bank or credit card issuer and change the billing address on your account. It may be some time before you realize that charges are being run up on your account. The may also submit a “change of address” request to the post office and have your mail re-directed to delay your discovery of the scheme.

Phone Service

They may open up a cellular phone plan in your name.

loan

They may take out a loan in your name.

VIN Number

They may use you vehicle identification number (VIN) to register a stolen vehicle.

Police Contracts

They may give the police your personal information during a traffic stop or during an arrest. When they fail to show up in court, a warrant for arrest is issued in your name.