Network World reports here that the FBI is concerned that identity theft may just be the first step in stealing people's houses right out from under them.
From the FBI website:
... The con artists start by picking out a house to steal - say, YOURS.
... Next, they assume your identity - getting a hold of your name and personal information (easy enough to do off the Internet) and using that to create fake IDs, social security cards, etc.
... Then, they go to an office supply store and purchase forms that transfer property.
... After forging your signature and using the fake IDs, they file these deeds with the proper authorities, and lo and behold, your house is now THEIRS.
A scary possibility no doubt and one which apparently has occurred at least once but the sad reality is that once someone successfully assumes your identity, stealing your house is only one of the many examples of fraudulent commerce that can, and eventually will, be carried out in your name. Ironically, since Congress and state legislatures have yet to get serious about the cavalier way the corporate world treats our personal information, entrepreneurs have sprung up who are filling the void with what amounts to identity theft insurance. I hope they have a real estate division.
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