If you are mistakenly identified as somebody else, it can get you into a lot of trouble if that person were a criminal right? Imagine the vice versa is true for a criminal. If he takes on your identity life is much easier for him! No harm done? Not until he commits a crime again, and then YOU are the one who will be called in for questioning.

How it's done:
The criminal of modern day has made use of technology to get personal information in a very subtle way. A hacker, if he has access to your mail id, can probably get your bank information and your social security number from there. Using these he or she could start a new bank account under your name, get a credit card under your name and even make a drivers license in your name. Imagine now, how vulnerable we all are to these hackers. The bad guy uses all your personal information to establish a new and verified identity of his (yours!). Using this identity he may commit crimes like online harassment to other people, obscene phone calls from a number listed to you, and sometimes even robbery and murder. Finally the police end up on the wrong trail and come knocking at the wrong door. Needless to say the judicial system is efficient enough not to punish the wrong man, but the guilty gets away scot free, and by this time he is probably using a different identity to cover his tracks.

Imagine a guy with a fake drivers license (in your name) being stopped for something like over speeding. He escapes the fine by leaving his (yours) driving license number with the police. He doesn't show up at court and the summon is sent to your doorstep. And you are left wondering what you did!

Criminal identity theft is exactly what these examples tell you it is. It is the theft of your identity for criminal usage. It is definitely a personal crime, and directly affects the person whose identity is being used - sooner or later he or she will be in trouble for something they never did. If you feel that your identity may be under threat of theft, or if you are suspicious of it having happened here are a few ideas for you -

1. The first thing you should think of doing is the obvious. Call the cops, and tell them why you think your identity is being used by an imposter.

2. You need to fill out a convincing report about the impersonation incident. Think clearly and objectively while filling out the report, It is what will help the officials track down the guilty.

3. Get a lawyer if the matter turns serious or if you are unsure of the state laws.

About the Author:

Abhishek is a Personal Security expert and he has got some great Identity Theft Prevention Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 136 Pages Ebook, "Identity Theft - Don't Be The Next Victim!" from his website http://www.Survival-Today.com/14/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.