Identity Theft The faceless crime( This was a research assignment based on my own experience with identity theft).

The Faceless Crime

Its 9:00 A.M. April 25, 2003 an identity thief has just purchased a new car using your identity. You may not find out about your new car purchase until someone shows up at your doorstep to repossess your new car. You may think you have a handle on your personal information, but unfortunately no one does. I myself was cautious about whom I gave personal information to and thought I was safe. I never gave out any type of personal information on the Internet and tried to take all necessary precautions with personal information. Apparently I didn't do enough to prevent someone from stealing my identity. August of 2002, I received a credit card bill in the mail with a balance of $1700. The card company was unfamiliar, but the card was in my name. I immediately called the card company, cancelled the card and was told the charges would be investigated.

Credit Cards

Credit Cards

Identity Theft on iTunes

One month later I received another statement from the same credit card account, but the balance had increased. I called the credit card company and was told someone claiming to be myself asked to reopen the same card account. The customer service representative explained that there was no way for anyone to open an account or reopen a cancelled account without personal information on the cardholder. The representative said they had given my social security number and mother's maiden name. I was in complete shock, because I had always tried to safeguard personal information. I spent a total of four hours that day on the phone with the credit card company. I finally got the card cancelled and under investigation. It's been seven months since it all began, but it's not over yet. The charges on the credit card are still under investigation and I...