Identity Theft - You're The Victim
Your about to make an offer on a rental and your real estate agent pulls your credit report. A few quick glances sets your heart racing. Seems you have been a victim of identity theft.
No longer the crime of the 90's, the cons have become techies. No need to assault you while accessing your money, or have a bird's eye view of your PIN login. They have engineered new systems that don't hurt you, at least physically. You can have your wallet stolen, but you are also at the mercy of dishonest employees and "dumpster dippers" who go through the garbage of banks, auto dealers, restaurants, etc. The damage to your assets, however, can be quite extensive and the maze of remedial effort on your part is tedious. More disturbing is that less than 10 percent of the perpetrators are ever caught.
Nationwide there are more than 371,000 ATMs, one for every 296 households. No longer bank lobby territory these handy machines have appeared everywhere - convenience stores, supermarkets, coffee shops, etc. For our convenience we are paying a hefty price.
It's fairly easy to install alternate card readers on top of or behind existing bank systems. And in our hurried world, they are just as easily overlooked by the consumer. Then again, ever wonder what happened to that server who disappeared with your credit card for just a bit longer than expected? How about that good Samaritan, who was too too helpful at the ATM. Have you questioned that strange sign that says "Swipe Here First." My advice to you "DON'T."
New systems being used operate on a manual insertion, where the parts are less accessible than the swipe card machines. The industry change over to a "Jitter" system - using speed variation, direction and random reversal - outsmarts the skimming systems need for smooth operation.
If you are a victim of identity fraud you must first notify one of the credit card companies. That one company will contact the other two, and all three will place a "fraud alert" notification within 24 hours on your file. This will stop any application for credit cards from going forward for those creditors who check. (Please be aware that all creditors are not as concerned about checking for alerts.)
Notify the police departments in both your home city and the city where the theft occurred. Ask for the name of the investigator and his number. Also notify the Federal Trade Commission, which monitors identity theft.
You will receive a credit report from each of the three agencies. Complete a "ID Theft Affidavit" and have it placed in your file. It's very important that you document everything, and supply copies to law enforcement as well as the credit bureaus.
As the victim you may also need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles, telephone company, and utility companies. Receipts and your license are often used as ID for the thief to substantiate proof of residence.
Credit Bureaus: Equifax, Atlanta, Georgia
www.equifax.com
Experian (formerly TRW), Allen, Texas
www.experian.com
Trans Union LLC, Chester, Pennsylvania
www.transunion.com
Federal Trade Commission: http://www.ftc.gov
Your about to make an offer on a rental and your real estate agent pulls your credit report. A few quick glances sets your heart racing. Seems you have been a victim of identity theft.
No longer the crime of the 90's, the cons have become techies. No need to assault you while accessing your money, or have a bird's eye view of your PIN login. They have engineered new systems that don't hurt you, at least physically. You can have your wallet stolen, but you are also at the mercy of dishonest employees and "dumpster dippers" who go through the garbage of banks, auto dealers, restaurants, etc. The damage to your assets, however, can be quite extensive and the maze of remedial effort on your part is tedious. More disturbing is that less than 10 percent of the perpetrators are ever caught.
Nationwide there are more than 371,000 ATMs, one for every 296 households. No longer bank lobby territory these handy machines have appeared everywhere - convenience stores, supermarkets, coffee shops, etc. For our convenience we are paying a hefty price.
It's fairly easy to install alternate card readers on top of or behind existing bank systems. And in our hurried world, they are just as easily overlooked by the consumer. Then again, ever wonder what happened to that server who disappeared with your credit card for just a bit longer than expected? How about that good Samaritan, who was too too helpful at the ATM. Have you questioned that strange sign that says "Swipe Here First." My advice to you "DON'T."
New systems being used operate on a manual insertion, where the parts are less accessible than the swipe card machines. The industry change over to a "Jitter" system - using speed variation, direction and random reversal - outsmarts the skimming systems need for smooth operation.
If you are a victim of identity fraud you must first notify one of the credit card companies. That one company will contact the other two, and all three will place a "fraud alert" notification within 24 hours on your file. This will stop any application for credit cards from going forward for those creditors who check. (Please be aware that all creditors are not as concerned about checking for alerts.)
Notify the police departments in both your home city and the city where the theft occurred. Ask for the name of the investigator and his number. Also notify the Federal Trade Commission, which monitors identity theft.
You will receive a credit report from each of the three agencies. Complete a "ID Theft Affidavit" and have it placed in your file. It's very important that you document everything, and supply copies to law enforcement as well as the credit bureaus.
Password/PIN, Credit Tips
- Never use your mother's maiden name
- Never use the last four digits of your Social Security number
- Save your receipts to check against your statements
- Track all your accounts
- Check your credit report periodically
As the victim you may also need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles, telephone company, and utility companies. Receipts and your license are often used as ID for the thief to substantiate proof of residence.
Credit Bureaus: Equifax, Atlanta, Georgia
www.equifax.com
Experian (formerly TRW), Allen, Texas
www.experian.com
Trans Union LLC, Chester, Pennsylvania
www.transunion.com
Federal Trade Commission: http://www.ftc.gov
posted by Helene Ashukian at
7:30 AM
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