In the course of a busy day you may write a check at the grocery store, charge tickets to a concert or ball game, rent a car, mail your tax returns, change service providers for your cell phone, or apply for a credit card.  Chances are you don't give these everyday transactions a second thought.  But an identity thief does.

Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in America, affecting half a million new victims each year. 

Identity theft or identity fraud is the taking of a victim's identity to obtain credit, credit cards from banks and retailers, steal money from a victim's existing accounts, apply for loans, establish accounts with utility companies, rent an apartment, file bankruptcy, or obtain a job using the victim's name.  Thousands of dollars can be stolen without the victim knowing about it for months or even years.

The imposter obtains your social security number, your birth date, and other identifying information such as your address and phone number.  With this information and a fake driver's license, they can apply in person for instant credit or through the mail posing as you.  They often claim they have moved and provide their own address.  Once the first account is opened, they can continue to add to their credibility.

They get the information from your doctor, lawyer, school, health insurance carrier, and many other places.  "Dumpster divers" pick up information you may have thrown away, such as utility bills, credit card slips, and other documents.

  *Crime prevention tips provided by the: National Crime Prevention Council and the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office