Latest Identity Theft News:

1 July 2009

Identity Theft Victim Charged!

Identity Theft Victim Charged With Identity Theft!

Margot Somerville 64, a retired Wells Fargo Bank vice president, wallet was stolen in 2006 on a San Francisco streetcar. But she would later end up facing felony identity-theft charges 950 miles away. Authorities claimed she had put the woman up to it. “They thought I hired her.” But She says she’d never even seen the woman before. She spent the next six months trying to clear her name. At long last, the charges were dropped.

1 July 2009

Different Types of ID Theft

We all hear about identity theft in the news and how a national retail chain’s computer system has been hacked or we hear of a new phone or email scheme trying to obtain your information but other wise we don’t give it much thought (unless you have been a victim yourself). But what do you think of when you hear the words identity theft? Probably as the definition states Financial and Social Security IDT. Identity theft is much more than just financial information theft. There are new types of ID theft which are growing at alarming rate as well. Lets look at some of the new types that aren’t commonly thought of.

What is in almost everyone’s wallet besides a credit card? Your drivers license! What can it be used for? A lot! Someone can use your License and register a vehicle in your name, get into a car accident, and guess who is responsible…you. Or they can get a traffic violation or a DUI and it all goes back to you!

Another scary one is Medical IDT. I once heard of a family that fell victim to this. Someone stole their insurance information and when the family had to take their daughter to the ER they found out that their insurance had been canceled because the person who stole their insurance card used it to get an HIV test and tested positive which resulted in the loss of their entire family’s coverage! Someone can still your insurance and rack up medical bills in your name!

And have you thought about your character? We have seen the movies where a person’s identity has been erased and their is no record of them or someone has taken over their life, but can this really happen? Well the last part can. Someone can steal your Character and commit a crime in your name. Next thing you now you get pulled over for a traffic violation and all the sudden you are informed their is a warrant in your name and explain to the officer you didn’t commit the crime (which I am sure they hear a lot). A bit extreme but this has happened. What do you do?

Well I know all of this can cause some anxiety and we rather sweep it under the rug than deal with educating ourselves but that is exactly what we need to do. Make your self aware of the key areas and learns some pointers on how to protect yourself. Although knowing can cause some stress, it is better than ignorance because ignorance is not bliss in the long run!

The 5 Types of ID Theft:

1. Social Security Number
2. Financial Information
3. Driver’s License
4. Medical
5. Character/Criminal

30 June 2009

What is Identity Theft?

According to Wikipedia, Identity theft is a crime used to refer to fraud that involves someone pretending to be someone else in order to steal money or get other benefits. The term is relatively new and is actually a misnomer, since it is not inherently possible to steal an identity, only to use it. The person whose identity is used can suffer various consequences when he or she is held responsible for the perpetrator’s actions. In many countries specific laws make it a crime to use another person’s identity for personal gain.

According to the FTC, Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft. The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make—or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.

Identity theft is serious. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit.