Identity Theft

In a recent press release by the Maryland Attorney General

"Identity theft occurs frequently through fraudulent credit accounts, or even utility and phone accounts. Identity thieves are able to steal personal information such as name, address, social security number, and use that information to open accounts in a consumer’s name. Often, identity thieves will use their own address and consumers are unaware of the crime until they check their credit report. When a consumer places a credit freeze, the credit report is blocked. Most retailers and financial institutions will not grant credit without first checking the credit report; once it is frozen, a thief will be unable to open new lines of credit in the consumer’s name. A frozen credit report can only be accessed by the consumer or businesses with which the consumer has an existing relationship."

Watch this 10 minute video from the Federal Trade Commission.