 TITLE: What to Know About the Effects of Identity Theft CONTENT: How Identity Theft May Affect Your Credit\n-----------------------------------------\nAs previously mentioned, identity thieves may use your SSN to commit what's called new account fraud, where they open unauthorized credit accounts in your name. In most cases, it may be a credit card or loan, but it can also be a cell phone plan or utility account.\nIf the thief succeeds in opening the new account and doesn't make payments, it could wreak havoc on your credit history, making it difficult to get approved for credit, get a job, qualify for low insurance rates and more.\nRecovering from these effects can take time, but it is possible to work with creditors and the credit reporting agencies to set the record straight. END