More Info/Tips
When you think of "Identity Theft" you usually think of an actual act of theft---like someone stealing your purse or wallet, and your credit cards with it.
But identity theft in the new milennium is much scarier.
A thief never has to touch your personal belongings to glean private information that could bury you in debt without even knowing it.
Every day, like it or not, know it or not, you are sharing your most private information -- sometimes its out there for the whole world to see.
Most of the time, you're safe.
But more and more, you're not.
Just ask Camille Swain, or Gene and Connie Brown, or Ernie Reed-- just a few of the thousands of people who are recent victims of the crime of the millenium.
Camile's story started when she tried to apply for more credit, and was abruptly denied.
Camille Swain/Identity was stolen: "THEY SAID 'NO' BECAUSE MY DEBT TO INCOME RATIO WAS TOO HIGH. AND I ASKED THEM 'WHY?' AND THEY JUST STARTED READING OFF ALL THESE LOANS, AND I JUST FREAKED OUT."
Police say another Camille---Camille Johnson-- had racked up $40,000 in debt under the real Camille's name.
The imposter applied for dozens of credit cards, received two bank loans, bought a Jeep Cherokee, placed a $10,000 lien against the real Camille's home and tried to buy a $90,000 mobile home....all in Camille Swain's name.
Camille Swain: "SHE JUST FIGURED SHE WAS GETTING FREE STUFF. AND IT WOULD BE ON SOMEONE ELSE'S CREDIT---EVENTUALLY THEY WOULD COME AFTER ME."
And they did go after the real Camille ---who now spends her days in front of a computer, on the phone and in court trying to clear her good name.
Camille Swain: "I FEEL LIKE I WAS BEING TREATED LIKE THE SUSPECT. I WAS GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT."
Stacey Butler/Eyewitness News: "A LOT OF VICTIMS PUT THEMSELVES IN JEOPARDY WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT. THE MAN WHO LIVES IN THIS HOUSE SAYS HE WAS CHEATED OUT OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WHEN HE RENTED IT OUT. FOR WEEKS HIS MAIL WASN'T FORWARDED TO HIS NEW ADDRESS, AND CARD BILLS ENDED UP IN THE HANDS OF HIS TENANTS."
Ernie Reed/Victim of Identity theft: "I WAS GETTING BILLS, CHARGES ON MY CREDIT CARDS, THAT UH---PLACES WHERE I'VE NEVER BEEN."
He has only recently learned that was just the tip of the iceberg.
Ernie says, the couple gathered enough of his personal information to apply for additional credit cards, order cable and internet services, pay utilities, and spend $4,000 in cell phone service---all in his name.
Ernie Reed/Victim of Identity theft: "I NEVER GAVE IT A THOUGHT THAT SOMEBODY COULD DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT. BUT--WELL-- I'VE LEARNED DIFFERENT."
If you've ever received a credit application in your mail box,
used your credit card to purchase anything, or written a check, you are at risk.
Just ask Connie and Gene Brown.
Their imposters were brazen enough
to rent two apartments in their name, and buy a cell phone, apply for credit cards and bank loans.
Gene Brown/Identity theft victim: "IT'S SCARY. SOMEBODY'S OUT THERE PRETENDING TO BE ME."
To keep Gene and Connie in the dark--the thieves had all their bills sent to their own address.
Connie Brown/Identity theft victim: "IT'S LIKE AN OCTOPUS THAT HAS TENTACLES THAT REACH EVERYWHERE. AND IT'S TERRIFYING. IT'S ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING."
Had these victims taken a few precautions, it would have been almost impossible for the thieves to use their names.
The first step you can take to protect your name--
Contact the three credit reporting agencies and tell them to put a security alert on your credit.
Representatives then have to contact you in person each time you or anyone else applies for credit in your name.
But that's not the only thing you can do. Watch Stacey's report Friday night for more ways to protect your privacy or go to:
More Info
Tips For Prevention/Link To More Info
Did You Know/How Thieves Steal Your ID/If You're A Victim
