User:SonoraArmour1346
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, medical services, employment, homes, cars or establish utilities and cell phone accounts in your name. You may not find out about the theft until long after the damage is done and your begin getting calls from a collector.
Identity theft is serious and can be costly to your finances and reputation. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many months or years repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars and pay higher interest rates and premiums because of negative information on their credit reports. They may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit.