The person who steals your identity does not have to look like you or sound like you, or live in the same country as you. In less time than it takes to brush your teeth, they can steal your identity. All they need is your personal information. From there they can open accounts, even buy anything from airline tickets to furniture. Clothes. Smartphones. Holidays. All in your name and on your account, and when the fraudulent credit isn’t paid, it’s your credit rating and your reputation that is negatively affected.