Identity Theft - It Can Happen to You and Your Clients
Just sending out a little reminder of how easy it is to get robbed, and one of the best defenses is to keep an eye on your bank statements, online checking account, etc. on a regular basis - so when something pops up, you can follow the path back to its source.
A lovely client of mine purchased a home last May. During escrow, she wrote three checks - the earnest money, the inspection, the termite inspection. She gave her financial information to her mortgage broker for the appraisal, etc.
During that same week time frame, someone in Texas paid $325 to a leasing, real-estate company. At this point, she is trying to get that person's name. But here's the deal. They made that payment with her name and her routing number - without her knowledge.
She called me to inform. I called my vendors to inform. No one is pointing fingers anywhere, but the point is - some one, some where, saw that information and copied it. It was that simple.
That's just scary. 
I personally know that I took the check from her hands and went directly to Title. Title said they do immediate deposit. The vendors said they personally deposited her check.
Could her checkbook information have been lifted weeks/months previously and then used in May...or is there a shady person somewhere?
I read that the most successful identity thieves hit many accounts with small amounts, to avoid detection.
So here's the bottom line - have you READ your banking activity closely, lately?
I know as professionals we strive to guard our clients' information as closely as possible. Another way we can help is to warn them how easy identify theft can take place.
I always tell my clients that if ANYTHING goes awry after they move into their new home - just call me first and let me see if I can help.
I maybe can't help in this situation, but I can call all my vendors and associates and spread the word.
It's a thieving jungle out there. Protect yourself and your clients.
Photo used by permission: http://www.vectorportal.com
Comments(11)