Because Federal law requires dependents to have social security numbers for tax reporting purposes, even children can have their identities stolen. Law enforcement experts recommend that parents periodically check the credit histories of their children, as well as their own. Businesses can have sensitive employee and customer records stolen or copied, or they may actually have their own financial accounts accessed fraudulently. Legal liability could result. Repairing the damage diverts employee time from more productive activities.
Financial gain drives most thieves, many of whom are also involved with drugs.
Others seek to escape poor employment and credit histories, or the law. Still others simply want to destroy somebody else's credit and reputation. Thieves go under cover of darkness to scavenge for documents in commercial and residential dumpsters. Often they dress as street people. To discourage thieves, limit access to your trash by waiting till the morning of pickup to set it out.