Identity Theft Surge: 6 in 10 Crimes Now Start with New Online Accounts
Two women in Bremerton, Washington have been arrested for opening credit cards and lines of credit in other people's names, a tactic now being used by nearly 6 in 10 identity crimes. The pair used stolen mail to obtain the necessary documents for their scheme.
A growing trend is emerging in identity crimes, with 6 in 10 incidents now starting with the creation of new accounts by perpetrators using stolen identities. The modus operandi typically involves opening credit cards and lines of credit using documents pulled from stolen mail. Authorities have identified two women, Emily Vranic and Heather Marquis, as being behind a string of similar crimes in Bremerton, Washington. This shift to online account creation highlights the evolving tactics used by identity thieves.
