Introduction to Identity TheftMy purse was stolen in December 1990. In February 1991, I began to receive notices of checks bouncing. After about a year, I received information that someone using my identity had defaulted on several lease agreements and purchased a new vehicle. In 1997, I learned that an individual had been working under my social security number for many years. A man was arrested and used my SSN on the arrest report. There’s a hit in the FBI computers for my SSN of this incident. Because of all this I have been denied employment, a home loan, credit cards, and medical care for my family. This sort of thing is starting to happen to millions of people across the world. On any average day you may write a check at the dry cleaners, use your debit card, charge concert tickets, rent a vehicle, mail off bills, order checks, or apply for a credit card. Normally you wouldn’t give these types of transactions a second thought. But someone else may. With the 1990’s a new type of crook was born called identity thieves. Their goal: to steal your personal information and use it for their gain illegally. Most transactions you do require some degree of personal information to be shared. Identity thieves gain access to personal information such as; bank and credit card numbers, SSN, your name, address, phone number, etc and use this information to commit fraud or theft. A prime example is when a thief gets hold of your information and opens a credit card account in your name. Identity theft is a serious crime. Those that have been victimized end up spending months or even years to repair the damage. In the process victims may lose job opportunities, refused loans, have difficulty renting a home, or buying a car. In some cases they might even be arrested for crimes they did not commit. Humiliation, anger, and frustration are common feelings identity theft victims experience as they work their way through the process of restoring their identity. Because of this threat and what is involved in fixing the damage it is best to be careful when giving personal information to others. Preventing identity theft altogether may not be possible but there are many things that can be done to better protect you, your name, and your money. Finance and Money Resources
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
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