A Stolen Identity

  

A man dressed as a thief, sneaking away with a social security card

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information to open up accounts in your name. An identity thief can use your social security number to open credit cards, get utilities , rent or buy properties. They can file fake tax returns and various other criminal activities.

The effects of having your identity stolen could lasts months or even years. It will be expensive to fix. You need to protect your identity as well as your credit. This means you have to be careful of what you throw in the trash, information you enter on websites, information on your computer and information in your wallet or purse.

You may also want to consider a credit monitoring service, especially if you already were a victim of identity fraud.

Just check out this horrible story of a victim of identity theft.

“ Kevin Wehner, a hard-working construction worker and father of three living in Jacksonville, Florida. It’s all detailed in this Sun Sentinel story. His wallet was stolen while he was vacationing in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Soon after, bills started showing up in the mail for cars he never purchased; he reported the identity theft to Florida police. Fast forward four years. The man who stole Kevin’s identity — Shawn Labeet — shot and killed a Miami-Dade police officer. Labeet’s girlfriend then gave police his alias — yep, Kevin Wehner. Next thing you know, Kevin is hearing reports he’s wanted for killing a cop. What a mess.”

Identity theft can cost you immense time and money. Protect your information at all times, protect your Identity and protect yourself

Sources:

https://www.libertyid.com/blog/real-life-stories-criminal-identity-theft-detail-can-happen-criminal-commits-fraud-even-murder-using-name/