What Identity Theft Can Do To You

We often take our liberties for granted. What you know life to be can suddenly change if you’ve been a victim of identity theft.

While you’ve been busy with your day-to-day life someone could have stolen your personal information and racked up debts or committed fraud – all with your name on it. What happens then can be anything from being denied employment, credit or even being arrested for a crime you didn’t commit.

Identity theft is that serious.

Victims of identity theft can spend years paying back debts or fighting to restore their credit as well as their reputation. Finding out you are a victim of identity theft can be frightening and a source of anxiety even after you’ve resolved the issue.

According to a survey conducted by the FTC (Federal Trade and Commission) 4.6% of Americans involved in the survey responded that they had been a victim of identity theft within the past year. That means about 10 million Americans dealt with some form of identity theft – from using existing credit cards to setting up new accounts or giving false identification when arrested for a crime.

It doesn’t stop there. The cost of clearing up the theft ranged from an average of $500 to $1200 per victim. It took them on average 30 hours to resolve the issue while also costing time and money for businesses and agencies who assist these victims.

With all the tools available to potential thieves along with our increasing reliance on paperless money transfers (credit cards, debit cards and online payments) we are incredibly susceptible to having this nightmare come true.

How can you reduce the risk and what do you do if it happens to you or your family?

How Serious Is Identity Fraud

Imagine waking up one morning. You are on your way to an interview for a new job. Maybe you’re looking to jump up the corporate ladder or perhaps it’s for a second job to help get ahead of the bills. Whatever the case you are optimistic about the day. A friend of yours has given their personal recommendation and you are confident the job is in the bag.

The interview goes well. The interviewer seems pleased with you and you have a good feeling about the offer. While nothing is promised you are more than certain the job is yours as soon as the paperwork is approved.

You finish the interview and stop by the car showroom. It’s looking like a good time to finally get that new car you’ve had your eye on! You’ve been thinking about it for months. The salesperson takes you for a spin and it’s everything you’ve dreamed of – and more!

Stepping back into the showroom the salesperson suggests you sit down. “Grab a cup of coffee and we’ll talk about driving this baby away today!” Sounds good.

Bantering over the paperwork you sit back with a sigh of contentment and put down the pen. “Let’s just check your credit and you should be off in a few minutes” he says. Today is a GREAT day!

As you sit back and gaze at the gleaming cars on the showroom floor you notice the salesperson has become rather silent.

“I’m sorry but it looks like this might not work out right now” he says. You look at him and see a sudden sternness in his eyes. “Really,” you say “why’s that?”

“Well, you’ve got a few things on your credit report that are a concern. I’m afraid this car would be impossible to finance.”

“What do you mean? My credit is fine!” you start to sputter “let me see”.

“I’m not allowed to share your report with you, but maybe in a few months you can come back and look again.”

You head out the door in confusion. You KNEW you could get that car. What was he talking about?

As you open the door to your home you see the message light flashing on your phone. That was fast! The job offer – that will put you back in a good mood!

“…I’m afraid we won’t be able to offer you a position with us right now…” you don’t even hear the rest of the message. WHAT??

Ding-dong. The doorbell. Who could that be?

“Hello, I’m Officer Brown, may we have a word with you…”

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