While the usual form of identity theft refers to the unauthorized use of personal information obtained from databases, another form has evolved; this form uses sophisticated hacking techniques over wireless networks to acquire the necessary private information. In this form of identity theft, hackers typically breach security systems and install programs to obtain personal and financial data that is then either sold to a third party, or used by the hackers for personal gain.

Many identity thieves resort to getting un-opened credit card applications from mailboxes and filling them out, turning them in, and then making your credit go down the drain.