This cartoon is truer than I want it to be. A few weeks ago we got new Visa cards in the mail with a different account number. When I called Visa I was notified that our old account number was compromised when TJ Maxx computers were hacked back in January. So, in light of that, I thought I'd give you a few sentences from the Federal Trade Commision (FTC) on the topic.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. Read more here.
Identity theft hits more people than I ever could have possibly imagined -- including me. I got a call from American Express last year wanting to confirm nearly $5000 in purchases of stereo and electronic equipment; needless to say it was a shock -- particularly since the equipment hadn't arrived at my house:-) They quickly rectified it, but explained that my number was probably obtained from someone who swiped a card reader right after I had at either a gas station or checkout line somewhere. Frightening!
ReplyDeleteI was a victim myself they had a grand time in Chicago. I receive a call asking me if I was having fun in the windy city. I responded with a big NO then I was asked if my hubby was. That was a big NO. They then wanted to know if we had or cards on us. That was a big YES. They must have hacked in from a restaurant we had recently gone to. I don’t know nor did they. They asked if I had been to Chuckie Cheese. I said I’m not that kind of parent. Thank goodness the cc companies do a great job at fixing things. The bank not so much. They took someone’s car payment out of our account and caused a few checks to bounce. It took way too darn long to fix and they refused a letter so that we could let those who had gotten those rubber checks to know it wasn’t us. For our troubles they did send a five dollar bill.
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