Identity Theft Resource Center. Identity Theft Prevent it from destroying your credit. Identity theft occurs when someone steals personal information and pretends to be you to obtain credit cards, loans, and even jobs. Identity thieves have a "buy now, pay never" shopping spree at your expense. Identity thieves only need to know your Social Security number, name, and address to wreck your good credit. Using easily accessible public records, they can learn your place of employment, date of birth, and mother's maiden name. They can open a credit card account and immediately charge up to the limit with no intention of paying.
Some get this information the old fashioned way: They steal your purse or wallet. Others steal official looking mail from your mailbox. Some use change-of-address cards from the Post Office to have your mail forwarded to another address typically a vacant building. Getting a credit card issued is quite a simple process, especially department store cards. Here are steps to take to protect yourself from identity theft. Do not sign a blank charge slip. To Prevent Identity Theft. Charge.Com Merchant Services.