Identity Theft: The Aftermath

     Identity theft is a crime that invades the lives of the victims.  It is unlike any other crime in that you have to prove that you are a victim.  Most other crimes have clear perpertrators and clear victims.  The victim of the crime is often unaware that it has taken place until it is too late. For instance, someone may think that they have lost their ID's and have taken the steps to replace them.  Initially, all seems well. Then, the person that stole the ID, use it at a traffic stop or worse, then the victim's name is in the system, along with any other charges that may incur. Think about trying to convince the courts that it wasn't really you, you did not get that ticket, or you did not buy or charge that item. It can become a living nightmare.

One instance that comes to mind is Victoria( not her real name).  While at an outing at the beach, her vehicle was broken into. The thief made off with cash, credit cards, jewelry, and other personal effects.  Not only did she incur outrageous charges to her credit card, the thief actually went to an unnamed store and used her cash to get her big screen television out of lay-a-way! It can be even worse if the thieves decide to get a mortgage in your name. So, you must protect your idenity at all costs or it could happen to you.

published 2 years ago

janiek13

762 points