An article in this morning's newspaper was too good not to share.
While identity theft is a very serious crime - one that harmed over 10 million Americans in 2008, I laughed out loud when I read this.
First of all, the gentleman (?) in the story had already been convicted of identity theft, among other things, and served 28 months in prison beginning some time in 2004. So his face was known to local law enforcement.
So for him to wheel his wheelchair into WalMart and steal an electronic device right in front of the security cameras was pretty stupid. The cops recognized him right away.
When they arrived at his residence, they found the trappings of identity theft: stacks of blank checks, credit cards and drivers' licenses that were not his own. Plus, they found two wanted criminals - people who had been featured on America's Most wanted.
And here's where it gets really insane.
When he went to court he swore that the charges against him were completely false. He had nothing to do with any identity theft or other criminal activity.
His excuse for what the cops found?
"I woke up in the morning and those things were in my house with a bunch of people I didn't know."
OK then...
Seriously, identity theft is a real threat and you could be a victim and not know it until you attempt to use your credit. Meanwhile, the longer the thieves can operate using your identity, the bigger problem you've got when you try to straighten it all out and regain your credit standing.
So check your credit report often, and monitor it. You can compare several different "free credit report" offers and find more articles on protecting your credit, building your credit, teaching kids about credit, and more at www.allcreditscoresnow.com
Meanwhile, keep your drivers license and credit cards safe - never leave them in the car or in any unsecured place where they will leave your sight.
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