IDENTITY THEFT CAN BE DEVASTATING

By Barbara Linker, Linker Mobile Notary Service - "Your San Diego Notary Link"®

Identity Theft is what happens to you when someone uses your personal information to commit fraud in your name. The resulting damages can cause you much devastation!  Identity thieves can go on spending sprees using your credit card, open a new credit card in your name using your and Social Security number, get cell phone service in your name with your credit history, and even get arrested and give your name to the police.  You can also lose out on job opportunities, loans for education, housing or cars, and may even be arrested for crimes that you didn't commit.

Identity Theft can also occur in the business environment where employees steal information, or bribe another employee for information, con information from other employees, hack into computer records, or simply take information from the trash. 

Beware of phishing scams in your e-mail.  Never click on links to visit a website where you will be asked to update your personal information, the web site may be bogus and set up only to steal your information.  

Telemarketers use pretexting, which is when someone obtains your personal information under false pretenses and it is against the law.  Your information can be sold to people who may use it to get credit in your name, steal your assets, or to investigate or sue you.                                                      

Skimming is a hi-tech method where thieves capture your personal or account information from your credit card, driver's license, or passport. When your card is swiped, the skimmer captures your information from the magnetic strip on the card and stores it on the device itself, or on a device attached to the skimmer.

Once thieves have your information they can...

•·        Call your credit card company and change your address

•·        Open credit cards in your name and not pay bill

•·        Apply for phone and wireless services and rack up the charges

•·        Open a bank account and write bad checks

•·        Drain your bank account using counterfeit checks, EFTs, credit/debit cards

•·        File Bankruptcy in your name to avoid paying bills

•·        Get a Drivers License in your name with their picture on it

•·        Get a job or file fraudulent tax returns in your name

•·        Give your name to police during an arrest, don't show up in court, and there is a warrant out for your arrest.

It may take some time for you to realize you're a victim of identity theft, and the damage can be devastating, but you can take some practical steps to minimize your risk and reduce the damage.

Resources:  Talking About Identity Theft: A How-to-Guide, www.ftc.gov/idtheft

                    Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft, Federal Trade Commission, June 2006                   ________________________________________________________

About the author:  Barbara Linker is owner of Linker Mobile Notary Service - "Your San Diego Notary Link"®.  As a value-added service to her Notary business, she offers a free 20-minute presentation on Identity Theft by the FTC.  She is certified by ICFE as an Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist.  For information call Barbara at 858-565-2346.