|
The biggest problem is most people feel identity theft is something to deal with after the fact. How do you prevent identity theft? Can you protect yourself from, or avoid identity theft? As you view the various stolen identity reports, ask yourself, if this same thing happen to you, would you have the time, money and knowledge to fix identity theft? And why would identity theft matter to you anyway, after all you can outsmart all these thieves can’t you?
Audre - Went to apply for work, and was told she already worked for the company. Her stolen identity or rather her name and social security number had been used over 81 times, she was charged with 1.5 million in tax fraud, and her social security account was drained of 14 years of work. Can you avoid this type of identity theft?
Brian - (3rd story) His mortgage lender had stolen his identity and became him, literally. Also know as character or criminal identity theft, because a criminal, drug addict, or even someone trying to avoid child support, assumes your identity, at a different location to avoid charges they may face using their own name. If your information was stolen, would you know if bills are being paid at a new address? Or would you find out about the stolen identity when the crook stopped paying the bills?
Nicole - (1st person on video) her credit report was 54 pages long, with 170 accounts. The report had 42 different names, and fraud of 65 different addresses. Credit card or financial identity theft is the most commonly known form of identity theft, but it only accounts for 28% of all identity theft. Most identity theft victims find out when they need the money the most, when they apply for a job or a loan, and then they’re denied. Can you avoid this identity theft?
Because the banks and credit card companies (sometimes the police) believe you’re just some deadbeat trying to avoid paying a debt, you now have to prove you’re you. Just go show your drivers license! Right? Not quite that easy. Remember the thief had stolen your identity, so he or she also had an id card (fake of course), and your social security number. You have to prove you’re you, and that you had nothing to do with the charges! Because most victims of stolen identity have no idea of where to start, who to contact, time limitations, or fail to do things in the exact order, the restoration process can be a nightmare in its self. The average victim speeds 175 hours, and $1200, plus attorney fees - JUST TO RESTORE their name. Not to mention the financial loss.
|
