scams, hackers, and identity theft

Several months ago I got an email from a very dear friend selling - viagra - then porn. I suspected foul play and contacted the very embarrassed woman just to find out that she, and everyone on her email list, and their email list had been hijacked.

We are getting an alarming number of calls of hackers getting into private accounts stealing money, selling Social Security numbers, ruining credit, and making life confusing, difficult, and frustrating. Identity theft and malice does not discriminate.

Once the victim of identity theft herself, Webster County Prosecutor Danette Padgett told an audience at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Marshfield earlier this month how to avoid falling prey to scam artists.

Padgett said she had been an attorney a little more than a year when a woman called her, claiming to be from her credit card company. The woman told Padgett that someone was trying to use Padgett's card to send stereo equipment to the Philippines.

For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:

www.marshfieldmail.com/articles/2010/09/29

We have a temporary, trustworthy volunteer who can talk with you or your employer on how to get back on track if this has happened to you or how to protect yourself from a nightmare that can ruin your life.

Matt Gerhardt, CIC at: matt@southwestindependent.com
recommends the following steps if you suspect foul play:

1. Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. This alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert. A call to one company is sufficient:

•TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

•Expertian: 1-888-397-3742

•Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

2. Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently:

•Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your approval or knowledge. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.

•Use the ID Theft Affidavit, also called Identity Theft Victim’s Complaint and Affidavit to support your written statement.

•Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged. Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.

3. File a police report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime. This report will also help you claim your rights as a victim of identity theft.

4. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling 1-877-438-4338. This helps law enforcement with their investigations.

Identity theft is not to be taken lightly, protect yourself today!