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If you have ever known anyone victimized or
yourself been a victim of identity theft, you know the long hours spent
speaking with banks, credit card companies, and other agencies trying to
explain that someone has stolen your identity. Identity thieves can be
as low tech or high tech as you can imagine having little fear of being
caught and less fear of being charged criminally and prosecuted. Until
recently, the Rhode Island General Laws have lagged behind as technology has
grown, giving these criminals the advantage. That is until the
§ 11-49.1-3 Identity fraud statute was written
into law.
In Smithfield, I have encountered a number of victims
who have been cheated out of money through online auctions such as Ebay and
had their information compromised and used to open PayPal accounts and other
online services, of which they had no knowledge.
Ebay, the largest online auction service is safe
when simple rules are followed such as:
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Researching a sellers feedback. How many transactions they have
conducted will be highlighted next to their name. The lower the number,
the more suspect you should be. You can also look at whether the
seller’s feedback is positive or negative based on other buyers
messages. This is represented by a percentage. The higher the
percentage, the better the sellers track record.
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Never,
respond to, or click on a link which
appears to be from Ebay. This is a potential Phishing scam. This is a
practice by which criminals lure unsuspecting people into thinking there
is a problem with their account, or their account is going to be
closed. This is done through an email which appears to be from Ebay.
It has the Ebay logo, their colors, even the internet address says ebay,
however you are being tricked into clicking and being redirected to a
page that will ask you to log in to ebay. Your identity has now become
compromised!
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Use a trusted method of sending money such as a credit card, paypal, or
other online banking service. Never send cash or Western Union. If a
seller contacts you and requests a money transfer, this should be a red
flag. Also, any overseas transactions should be suspect as
international laws are difficult to enforce.
What can be done with your stolen
information?
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Open new lines of credit.
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Open bank accounts, phone services, department store credit cards, apply
for home and auto loans.
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Commit other crimes and give your name, instead of their own to police.
Ways to protect yourself from Identity Theft:
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Shredding credit card statements and bank statements before putting them
out to be picked up on trash day.
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Not writing your PIN number on the back of your ATM card or keeping your
Social Security card in your purse or wallet.
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Periodically requesting a credit report through the three major credit
bureaus. (Experian,
Transunion, and
Equifax)
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Never give out personal information over the phone, mail or the internet
unless you know the receiver and have initiated the contact.
Here are some useful links to help in
protecting your identity and helping you if you do become a victim.
Federal Trade Commission
Internet Crime Complaint Center
Identity Theft Center
Social Security Administration
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