Experts warn about Bill Me Later option

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A popular online shopping option could be putting your identity at risk.

ID Theft 911 has received multiple complaints about online services, such as "Bill Me Later." The PayPal company allows customers to make purchases on credit after a simple sign up process and credit check.

Experts say this convenience comes with big risks.

"They're seeing it as a way to get access to your credit without the same amount of information they'll normally need to apply for a credit check, " said Matt Cullina, CEO, Identity Theft 911.

All that is needed is the last four digits of your social security and date of birth.

"With that they're off running, buying devices, whatever... and never paying the bills and you're stuck with it, " said Cullina.

According to ID Theft experts, thieves usually tweak the address or phone number so there's no direct verification contact between Bill Me Later and the customer. Many customers don't find out about the fraud until they start getting calls from bill collectors.

You can protect yourself by signing up for credit monitoring and regularly checking with all three of the major credit reporting bureaus.