Identity theft

[pk]

Wisconsin is great for many things and now we can also add one more thing to the list. I just read that Wisconsin is at the bottom of identity theft in the entire nation. The lowest city being Eau Claire.

Apparently only 46 out of every 100,000 people living in Wisconsin reported victims of identity theft last year. That makes up the ninth lowest over the entire country.

It seems you hear more and more about identity theft on the news that it's great to find out our State is fairing much better than many others in this country.

:?: Has anyone been a victim of identity theft? Know someone that has gone through this ordeal? Share your story here. Maybe your experience can help someone else.

pk

[shockedonlooker]

Well, let's just say I usually "pretend" that I work for Enron and shred everything, then I burn it in my portable fire pit. Hasn't failed me yet 8)

I can pass along a little bit of info along about my sister who was scammed by a contracting company.

Mind you, many contractors are legit and an asset to those of us who need home improvements. But there are a few snakes out there who prey on young married couples who are somewhat ignorant sometimes about finances and "deals".

This company sold my sister and my husband new, installed siding on their first "fixer upper" home. It was a fly by night job done in two days by a shoddy work crew. They were conned into a very bad deal with extremely high interest and financed the job with about $200. down payment.

Here is another tipoff **They were also told that their house would be photographed and used in the company's marketing materials and would get a price break for allowing their home to be used for their company publicity, which of course never materialized.

What they got was a nasty looking siding application, terrible finance deal, and a next to nothing guarantee. Yes, the company was crooked, but also, more importantly I think was that my sister and her husband just didn't know how to shop for financing or smart contracts and things of that nature to protect themselves.

You know what they always say, "once bitten, twice shy". They were happy to learn an important lesson early on in their marriage.

[imkaydee]

I know someone who was recently the victim of identity theft. The thief, attorney Alexis Michael, is being charged with more than 13 crimes related to one victim. I believe they may find more victims, before this story ends. Read the full story from local people on this blog:
Lake Manor, Alexis Michael aka Sarah Billard - Topix

The problem with Wisconsin's low reporting rate is that this DOES NOT mean it doesn't happen here. It does AND it is on the increase. Because identity theft is a "new crime" law enforcemnt doesn't always know the correct procedures to take in reporting it or to assist the victims.

The Federal Trade Commission has provided some great resources for both law enforcement and victims. Many people think victims of identity theft are rich people with lots of great credit. This is not true. Anyone can be victimized. It doesn't just affect your credit, but your reputation and future ability to get credit.

Please familiarize yourself with the facts. It only takes a few moments to become informed. They have information and a short 10 minute video. Please click on this link to go to the Federal Trade Commission website and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones:
Helping Victims - Deter. Detect. Defend. Avoid ID Theft

[chankya]

That kind of things are usual nowadays as there are lot of persons or i have to say hackers who just penitrate in your security ad get the credit and debit and other online things and get money and useful data from there. But it is good to hear that only47 after 10000 people are get effected by the identity theft in your city.