 |
|
||
 |
Identity thieves steal
other people's identifying information -- name, address, date of birth, Social Security
number and mother’s maiden name to take over the victim’s financial accounts;
purchase automobiles; apply for loans; credit cards or Social Security benefits; rent
apartments; or pay for utility and phone services.
Postal Inspectors investigate cases of identity theft because much of the criminal activity takes place through the mail. Mail may be stolen to obtain the information needed to apply for checks credit cards or to complete fraudulent applications for new cards. Financial institutions mail checks or credit cards that may be stolen by crooks, who can use anonymous addresses at commercial mail receiving agencies (CMRAs; also called "mail drops") to collect the proceeds of their crimes. More tips to avoid Identity Go to the U.S. government's central website for additional information about identity theft.
|
|
