A New Form of ID Theft Ruining Lives

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Story Published: Aug 17, 2007 at 5:06 PM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 17, 2007 at 5:06 PM MDT

By Abbey Gibb

Newswatch 3 has uncovered a new and dangerous form of identity theft that could be the perfect crime. Thieves are taking identity theft to a whole new level. They steal your social security number and then use it under a different name, creating fraud without a trace until it's too late.

Luke Erickson, identity theft expert: "Once someone has your social security number, then they can reek havoc on your life."

There are a myriad of ways a crook can take your most precious information. And Erickson advises, if it hasn't happened yet, thieves just haven't tried.

Erickson: "Your number is out there. It's all over the place. If you stopped using it today, you would still have a high chance of your number stolen."

The thieves open bank accounts and credit cards, even get jobs. Yet it could be years before you know. Why? It's difficult for creditors and authorities to unravel the mismatched information.

Erickson: "The credit reporting agency has four or five records for one individual and because they haven't taken the time to match stuff up."

And forget about credit reports snooping out fraud. Since the acts aren't created in your own name, it usually doesn't show up on the report because there's not enough identifying information to link you.

Erickson: "It's not showing up anywhere else. It's almost as if that's a different person account at least for now."

Until 10 years down the road, when the dots are connected and creditors come knocking...

Erickson: "You don't need to break and enter into places to steal. All you need is information and you can be a career criminal."

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