Identity Theft : They Got Him

His hard earned money? Gone. Creditors on his back everyday. Police knocking on his door. His family strained to the breaking point. He didn't do anything wrong but my business partner's life got turned upside down a few years back. He became a victim of what is now the fastest growing crime in the world. Identity theft.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, since 1999 over 27 million people in the US alone became victims of this epidemic 10 million more last year. Harris InterActive,a marketing research company, reports that between 2002 and 2003 roughly 19,178 people per day fell victim.

Your identity can be stolen in many ways. For my partner, the thief gained access to his social security number and address then applied for a series of loans in his name. When the bills came due, guess who the creditors and law enforcement held accountable?

He and his family felt the full impact. Identity theft can cripple and even destroy a person's life. Not just the time loss trying to recover your identity but also the out of pocket expense. U.S.Treasury Secretary John Snow calls identity theft "the greatest threat to consumers and far more insidious and harmful to our national welfare than many people realize."

The internet doesn't make it any better with its almost limitless access to information but a great deal of identity theft still comes from the offline world. Wherever it comes from the goal stays the same. Get your personnal information and steal what belongs to you for as long as possible.

In many cases, this can lead to the victim filing for bankruptcy or worse. As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, one man whose identity got stolen recently spent 54 days in jail before authorities realized their mistake.

Yet even when the thief finally gets caught, victims find out all too often the worse part still lies ahead. The recovery of their identity. For my partner, that meant never ending battles with the same credit bureaus that previously gave him good ratings.

They destroyed his credit almost overnight eventhough he did everything they told him to get it restored. The agencies refused to clear his record and instead, started sharing his information with each other. His mortgage rates went thru the roof. He paid more for everything but still got declined. With all of this came the burden and fear of him not knowing if he would ever recover his identity.

Six years later he finally did. He started working with a company that within 90 days restored his credit. His mortgage rate dropped and he went back to paying full price for everything like the rest of us.

And like my partner, all of us risk becoming victims. In San Antonio Texas, television station KENS 5 spoke with a man convicted of identity theft who warned "Don't take for granted what you have because anybody could take it away - I mean at the snap of a finger."

He would know. The ways of stealing an identity have turned this crime from nuisance to worldwide crisis.

Daryl Campbell is a technical and screenplay writer and CEO of Campbell Marketing, L.L.C. His website winthemarket.com, mini-sites, and articles submitted to ezines help the reader to grow and protect their internet marketing business.

Can you afford to hire professionals who will give you 24/7 protection, complete identity restoration and the best legal services? Identity thieves hope you answer no. Upset them by going to http://digbig.com/4cmcg now.

---

Have You Checked Your Permanent Record Lately?

As a young student I feared getting bad grades because... Read More

Shoppers Beware - Tis The Season

It's the number one complaint from consumers and it only... Read More

Good Credit -- Essential for the Prospective Home Buyer

Credit is a funny thing. It can be a useful... Read More

Can You Acquire Good Credit Overnight? You Bet

Your credit file may not reflect all your credit accounts.... Read More

Choosing the Right Credit Counseling Agency for You ? Some Tips Part 2

Credit counseling companies come in all shapes and sizes. Whether... Read More

Making Sense of Credit Card Fees

In addition to the APR (annual percentage rate) and the... Read More

Are you paying higher interest on your credit cards than you think?

Many credit card holders sign up for a credit account... Read More

Credit Counseling -- Why It Doesnt Work For Most Debtors

"Cut Your Payments in Half!" the headline screams. "Consolidate Your... Read More

Stop Struggling Because Of Poor Credit And Improve Credit Rating Now

Did you apply for a personal loan only to be... Read More

The Exact Action To Take When You Find Errors In Your Credit Report

There are times when you may be turned down for... Read More

Rewards Cards - Are They Right For You?

Rewards cards have become the latest rage in the credit... Read More

Establishing Credit ? What You Need To Know Part 2

In my previous article "Establishing Credit ? What You Need... Read More

Why Your Credit Score is Important

Your credit score can either haunt you or reward you.... Read More

All About Balance Transfers

What is a balance transfer?A balance transfer can be explained... Read More

Ten Steps To Building A Good Credit History

Are you thinking of buying a house? Do you want... Read More

Simplifying Your Search For a New Credit Card

Today, selecting the proper credit card can be a bit... Read More

Credit Report ? Look Out for Your Debit Report, Too

Most consumers are aware that there are companies that keep... Read More

To Repair Credit Is No longer Satisfactory - Learn How To Earn A Millionaires Credit In 30 Days...

To repair your bad credit does not necessarily mean that... Read More

Bank Robbery Growing In U.S.

Bank robbery has grown to become a huge problem in... Read More

Defeating Credit Card Debt With Self Control

Credit card debt is a major social problem in some... Read More

Bad Credit Credit Cards

Chances are you've gotten your share of offers like this... Read More

ChexSystems: Who They Are and How it Affects You

ChexSystems is a company that maintains a subscriber membership service... Read More

How To Repair Your Credit Report

A credit report is run on a buyer when he... Read More

How did a Thief get my Name? Don?t be a Victim of Identity Theft

How do these people get my name? If you have... Read More

Credit Card Debt: How To Control It

A lot of people spend more money than they can... Read More

What Are the Most Common Ways to Commit Identity Theft or Fraud?

It's the number one source of consumer complaints at the... Read More

Finding What is on Your Credit Report

A credit report is basically a file about you kept... Read More

Your Guide On Choosing a Credit Card To Suit You

Reach into your wallet or purse, pull out a card,... Read More

Choosing The Best Credit Card To Apply For

Always shop around to get the best deal when choosing... Read More

Are You The Only One Using Your Name?

Identity theft has become an epidemic. Millions and millions of... Read More

Credit Counseling: Could it Work for Me?

In the face of financial hardship, many seeking a responsible... Read More

Credit Reports: Find out why you have been refused Credit.

You may already have 2 or more credit cards in... Read More

Recognizing the Signs that You Might Need Credit Counseling

Most families in America today have a credit card; some... Read More