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We live in a numbers society: phone numbers, personal identification numbers (PIN), driver's license numbers, credit card numbers, date of birth (DOB), Social Security numbers, bank account and 401K numbers . . . you get the idea. As the lyrics of the song "Secret Agent Man" tell us, "They have given you a number and taken away your name." Also, employee and medical record numbers and other tidbits of information are used to identify us as persons today, and that fact gives meaning to the term personal identification information, because all these numbers are like keys to your identity on the phone, online, or in writing.
Here's a look at the kinds of personal information that identity thieves find delightful — and critical to their schemes to impersonate you:
- Social Security number (SSN): This is, of course, the nine-digit personal identification number (compliments of the federal government) that everyone needs to get a job, pay taxes, and apply for credit. The SSN is like the key to the kingdom — your financial kingdom, that is. The identity thief uses your SSN to apply for credit, file false tax returns, get a job, open bank accounts, and so on.
- Date of birth (DOB): A DOB is a piece of the personal information puzzle, but if an identity thief has this piece by itself, it's not a problem. When the thief uses your DOB in conjunction with your SSN, he or she can become you.
- Mother's maiden name: This name is used to verify your identity when accessing financial information. Identity thieves use your mother's maiden name to verify their identity as being yours in order to access your financial records and open new accounts in your name.
- Personal identification numbers (PINs): Usually a five or more digit number used to access your bank accounts when using your ATM card.
- Passwords: Your passwords are the keys to any information stored electronically. When the identity thief has your password, he or she has access to the information you are trying to protect and uses the passwords to access the information, such as bank accounts, online bill paying services, and so on.
- Driver's license number: The number used to identify you is printed on your license. When the identity thief has your driver's license number, he or she can have a phony license made that shows your name and driver's license number with the thief's picture.
By using your personal information, identity thieves can party hardy on your nickel and good credit reputation. They spend like there's no tomorrow because they know that someone else (you) is picking up the tab. Identity thieves can use your personal information to open accounts, such as a cellular phone account, in your name. Of course, they don't pay the bills and continue to use the phone until you discover the theft and the heat is on; then they drop that account and move on to another unsuspecting victim.
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