As a victim of identity theft, believe me this IS the time of year…
I will tell you, you REALLY don’t want to have to deal with that. Two plus years, changing EVERY account you own, getting involved with multiple agencies fraud units, etc… NOT fun!
And it’s becoming more and more sophisticated… THIS story out of San Diego is probably ‘a’ tip of one iceberg!
According to the release the pair ran a large-scale, sophisticated ID theft and mail theft ring out of their home where they stole the identities of more than 1,500 individuals. Much of the personal information is believed to have come from stolen real estate files. The extent of the information and items found indicate that this was a sophisticated group. The question remains: Are there more thieves that are part of this ring that have not yet been identified or prosecuted.
The release stated that investigators found numerous items involved in the ID theft scheme at the defendants’ home including computers, printers, dozens of stolen credit cards, card scanners and readers, lists describing how to make counterfeit IDs, mail, and stolen briefcases. Also found were handwritten binders with detailed personal identifying information of the victims’, credit card numbers, and credit information applied for by defendants in their names.
Also, this is the BIG time of the year for card skimmers…
Especially when you’re traveling and not familiar with the ATM machines in other locations!
I always ‘try’ to use machines that are in bank lobbies, but as THIS story points out some of these assholes are pretty brazen!!!
Again, if something doesn’t look right, let somebody know!
I will tell you, you REALLY don’t want to have to deal with that. Two plus years, changing EVERY account you own, getting involved with multiple agencies fraud units, etc… NOT fun!
And it’s becoming more and more sophisticated… THIS story out of San Diego is probably ‘a’ tip of one iceberg!
According to the release the pair ran a large-scale, sophisticated ID theft and mail theft ring out of their home where they stole the identities of more than 1,500 individuals. Much of the personal information is believed to have come from stolen real estate files. The extent of the information and items found indicate that this was a sophisticated group. The question remains: Are there more thieves that are part of this ring that have not yet been identified or prosecuted.
The release stated that investigators found numerous items involved in the ID theft scheme at the defendants’ home including computers, printers, dozens of stolen credit cards, card scanners and readers, lists describing how to make counterfeit IDs, mail, and stolen briefcases. Also found were handwritten binders with detailed personal identifying information of the victims’, credit card numbers, and credit information applied for by defendants in their names.
The “money” quote, so to speak…
“These individuals were sophisticated enough to know the local agency thresholds on the amount of money that would require an open investigation. Using this knowledge, they stayed under this dollar amount to avoid law enforcement detection,” said Chula Vista Chief of Police David Bejarano.
Also, this is the BIG time of the year for card skimmers…
Especially when you’re traveling and not familiar with the ATM machines in other locations!
I always ‘try’ to use machines that are in bank lobbies, but as THIS story points out some of these assholes are pretty brazen!!!
Again, if something doesn’t look right, let somebody know!
I know it’s a whirlwind right now, but for your own good, check those credit card and bank statements WEEKLY at the minimum… And if you’re not sure about a purchase, call somebody!!!
FWIW, you can also get fraud watch placed on your credit cards/debit cards. That does work, even if it is a PITA to call and pre-authorize larger purchases. Doing that saved me about $4000 in charges against my debit card…
Other than that, Happy Holidays… sigh
‘Tis the season.
My bank does the ‘fraud’ watch thing for you automatically. They’re rung me a couple of times to confirm purchases which are out of sync with my normal spending.
But even so, I check my bank statements frequently (every second day or so) .. so far so good.
If the law would allow for curbside justice for these #%&@ people, there would be far less of it. I do know that it’s difficult to find them, but those who are caught need to be hoisted by their arms up on light polls — to remain there until the crows peck out their eyes.
it does suck, and will get worse as our economy continues to tank. Just like home invasions…
Every time I use an ATM, like you its usually at a bank…if not then I jiggle the card reader and make sure nothing is out of place.
I try not to use my debit card anywhere except at the bank, and pay for as much as possible with cash. Its me against the world when it comes to protecting my identity.
MikeyB
thanks for the information
Ed- Yeah…
Julie- That’s good!
LL- Arms hell… NECKS…
JUGM- Good idea!
Mikey- Good point!
Rick- You’re welcome!
My credit union (NFCU) is pretty good about catching these things, but I do check two or three times a week (mostly to verify that I really am as broke as I think I am).
Arms…the shoulders dislocate and you want them awake when the crows peck their eyes out.
You can put a hold on your information with the three major credit reporting agencies. Severely limits who they can share your information.
Pain in the keester to undo when you want to apply for credit. Less hassle than recovering from identity theft.
I just had my AmEx skimmed this week. I’m almost paranoid about my cards, but somehow someone still got to it. The company caught it within 24-48 hours and called me…home phone, cell phone, and e-mail.
They had the old card cancelled and a new card into my hand the next morning. All charges that weren’t mine are gone, but it’s still a sickening feeling.
And I -do- check all of my bank and credit card info online at least weekly, but the company still caught it before I did.
Larry- I know the feeling…
LL- Point.
WSF- yeah, that works too, and yes it IS a PITA!
pediem- It does happen, at least you didn’t get stuck with the bills!