by xop

Created on: September 18, 2009

Nothing is as invading to your personal privacy than identity theft. The more advanced banks and credit card companies have created new policies and teach customers to learn tips on preventing identity theft. However, theives have circumnavigated and grown accostomed to new laws and protective measures making identity theft even harder to catch and report. For example, when my identity was stolen the perpretrator had withdrawn many small amounts over a two month period in amounts that were average for my account. The bank did not catch the extra charges but I did notice by checking the paper statements.

The desposits gradually increased in frequency and by the next month I half the account was gone. In tears and anger I drove to the bank and signed and affidavid with the manager claiming that this amount had been taken from the account and that I had not authorized those purchases. Within ten days the bank reinbursed the funds I claimed to have been stolen, however the forensic investigation could take ninety days or more and is still under investigation today. When the investigation is done, money that is due to me will be documented and money that they cannot find cause will be withdrawn.

In the process, which was emotional and unfortunate, I had to create a brand new checking account and close the old one down. All my bills and debits had to be transfered to the new account. Outstanding checks were put on hold and overdraft protection came through when the account dipped below a certain amount. The best advice is to report the crime directly to your bank. If it is physical identity theft where credit cards and cash are stolen, then also report it to the authorities. In my case the theft was electroniclly based or the number was taken from a resturaunt or gas station. The three most common places credit and debit accounts are attacked and then siphoned.

Overall it was a learning experience. I don't wish identity theft on anyone but if it happens to you or someone you love, then you know what to do about it now. In this day and age no one is 100% protected. Every transaction poses a risk, but it's a risk most people take on a day to day basis to continue business. Despite all of the hoops and aggrivation though, I still trust the business and the bank and move on to bigger and better things.

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