The crime of the future involves information about YOU! With seemingly the entire world's information at a computer hacker's fingertips, identity theft has become to be the emerging crime of the millennium. There have been several cases reported to the police department involving this crime. Most often, the victim does not even know he or she has been victimized until receiving a phone call from a bill collector.
The call would go something like this:
You: Hello?
Caller: This is Josh Notjoken, I'm calling about your past due bill here at Snigglefritz Department Store.
You: Snigglefritz Department Store? I don't have an account there!
Caller: Oh yes you do, and you owe $3,798.45, plus late fees!
You: What are you talking about? I never obtained credit with you!
The caller, Mr. Notjoken, would quiz you about your credit secret passwords (mom's maiden name, etc.) and you will be surprised that Mr. Notjoken held that information too. How did this happen?
The following is an interesting story in which a victim loses her wallet, credit cards, and essentially her identity.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PURSE OR WALLET
We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed using your name, address, Social Security Number, credit, etc. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this ever happens to you or someone you know.
As everyone always advises, cancel your credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily (having to hunt for them is additional stress you WON'T need at that point).
File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation.
But here's what is perhaps most important tip: Call the three national credit-reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security Number. The thief can open new credit accounts in your name using the Internet. If an alert is in placed on your name at the agency, the alert means that any company who checks your credit will be advised your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
The thieves work fast, time is of the essence.
The credit-reporting agencies telephone numbers are:
Equifax 1-800 525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW) 1-800-301-7195
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289
The Social Security Administration also has a fraud line at 1-800-269-0271.
Identity theft is serious business.
Contributed by:
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Willam Barry