Identity theft occurs when a criminal steals key pieces of information to gain access to a person’s financial accounts. This information could include a name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, or mother’s maiden name. Armed with this information, an identity thief may open new credit or financial accounts, buy cars, apply for loans or Social Security benefits, rent an apartment, or set up utility and phone service — in someone else’s name.
Information in this guide comes from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, financial and retail industries, and other members of the Financial Industry Mail Security Initiative (FIMSI).
Identity theft is a criminal offense. It occurs when a person knowingly transfers or uses, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit or to aid or abet any unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of federal law or that constitutes a felony under any applicable state or local law.
— Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, 18 USC 1028(a)(7)
