There are many different types of identity theft. State laws as well as federal laws provide criminal prosecution for the intentional procurement of anyone else’s personal information for criminal intent. This can include using someone else’s information to avoid criminal prosecution, to open bank accounts or loans fraudulently, to obtain credit cards or to remove funds from the individual’s bank account. Often identity theft starts with the willful provision of this information by an individual to another, often through some type of identity theft scam. This can include false websites, phishing scams or any type of phone or mail information theft. When information is sent through the mail in an attempt to complete identity theft there will be other serious charges involved for using the United States Postal Service. Often identity theft is not discovered for months by the individual, resulting in significant financial and credit damage done before the issues is discovered.