Now we have Synthetic Identity Fraud

[thewayne]

Basically they get a valid SSN and use a name similar to yours, then use a network of corporate business stooges to create a good credit history. Get a bunch of credit cards, have fun! Theoretically you may never know it is happening to you because the not-quite-match on name causes a second credit file to be opened on you.

Interesting methodology. One specific incident is referenced, and they say more is happening.

http://biz.yahoo.com/brn/070516/21861.html?.v=1

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119362045526074445.html

http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2007/11/synthetic_ident.html

Comments

[annaonthemoon.livejournal.com]

My last name ends in -sky. How many times do you think I get something in the mail with -ski?

[thewayne.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm sure that NEVER happens! (more than once a day) :-)

[annaonthemoon.livejournal.com]

Heck, I can spell my name out and end it with "Y as in YELLOW" and still they spell it with the 'i' on the end.