Identity thieves can also use personal information to open false bank accounts or make unauthorized withdrawals from existing accounts, obtain personal or other types of loans, or even file for government benefits under the false identity. In the Internet age it has become increasingly easy for identity thieves to gain access to critical, personal information and then use it for their own gain. On average, it takes 15 months for a consumer to become aware that their identity has been stolen. The most common way thieves gain access to personal information is loss or theft of a wallet or purse, but there are other ways that thieves can steal an identity. Dumpster Divers go through the trash of office or apartment buildings searching for valuable information.
Some thieves steal mail or file a fraudulent change of address.
Others set up false web sites hoping some unsuspecting consumer will just type in personal information such as a social security number or mother s maiden name. Once thieves get access to this information they are off and running. It is important that consumers check their credit reports once a year and, if they notice any suspicious activity, that they immediately report it and request a fraud alert be placed on their account. The fraud alert will help stop the thief from opening any more accounts. In 1998, Congress passed the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 to address the growing problem of identity theft.