Types of Identity Crime Activities
Types of activities used in identity crimes include:
- Going through a trash can and looking for straight cut or unshredded papers. This activity is commonly known as dumpster-diving.
- Stealing mail or wallets.
- Gaining access to vital documents such as birth/death certificates, driver’s license, or Social Security card.
- Listening to public conversations.
- Tricking victims into giving information over the telephone or by e-mail.
- Buying the information either on the Internet or from someone who may have stolen it.
- Stealing the information from a loan or credit application form the victims completed or from files at a hospital, bank, school, or business the victim dealt with.
- Getting it from the victim's computer, especially one that lacks firewalls.
- Obtaining it from a friend, relative, or someone who works with the victim and has access to the victim's information.
- Using skimming devices designed to get information from the magnetic strip on credit cards.
- Completing a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service to divert mail to another location.
