And because your billing statements are being sent to a different address, it may take some time before you become aware that someone is using your card. Criminals may also be able to open up new accounts on your name and use it without paying the bills. You will realize this as a problem when the delinquent accounts turn up on your credit report. Report identity theft to the FTC Even though the police station would be the first people you will think of when asking for help or when reporting an identity theft, do not place much hope that the police will get very far in investigating your case. Identity theft cases rarely end in arrests because the guilty party can too easily cover his or her tracks. Online transactions saved amount of time and effort like no other methods can. It has a complex yet very lucrative system all business people will avail for better services. The convenience itself is the beginning of horror. Identity theft cases happen when another person gets access to use private information not belonging to them. This can be a major problem for anyone because not only will you have to worry about your personal properties like credit cards and bank accounts, you also have to think about the fact that someone else is using your name and your reputation to do god-knows what. According to the FTC, there are more than 160,000 reported cases of identity fraud in the country in 2002. Know the people handling your records in the office/workplace. Make sure to verify how they dispose private information and rule out carelessness in exchanging or disclosing them to other people. No matter how you take care of your information, there are instances where it slipped off your fingers uncontrolled depending on your daily activities. This will make it harder for you to upgrade or make effective use of your own credit account because of your worsening credit record without you even knowing it. It can even go as far as using your name to the police during an arrest. If they do not appear in court to answer the charges, a warrant of arrest can be issued on your name and sent to your address.