Chapter: Identity Theft

Identity Theft: The only crime where the suspect is presumed innocent before proven guilty, and the victim is "guilty" until proven "innocent."

To me, that sounds absurd. It not only sounds absurd, but it is. Identity theft is one of the worst crimes ever, Aside from murder. These people have the nerve to steal your name, date of birth, social security number, and claim to be the victim. Credit card fraud is the most common type of identity theft. This is where the thief pretends to be the victim, calls the credit card company and changes the mailing address on an existing account. If not, the thief opens a new credit card account in the victim's name. Since the bills aren't being sent to the actual victim, they have no idea anything is going on. In the meantime, the thief is using the credit card, not paying the bills and consequentially ruining your credit, along with your life. Excuse my language, but to me that's a genuine asshole.

There's other types of theft also. For example, some involve depository accounts. The thief opens accounts under the victim's name, makes electronic funds transfers, and/or writes bad checks on the account. There is also loan fraud, where they use the name to take out a loan. These jerks can buy a house under your name, and you have no idea.

Even though it's not a violent crime, the effect it has on you is almost equal. Your effected emotionally, financially and physiologically. It can take years to clear your name. In all that time, you can be denied loans, accounts, credit cards, jobs etc. It really takes it's toll on you. So unjust.

And, it can happen to anyone. Take this kid Zach's story. His identity was stolen when he was 7 years old. To buy a boathouse. He didn't find out until ten years later when he was denied a student loan and a job due to poor credit. He was $40,000 dollars in debt, and it took over ten years to clear his name. That's pretty serious.

If you suspect that your identity has been stolen, go to this website for further assistance, or go to socialsecurity.gov itself.

If you'd like to be safe, and protect your identity, look at LifeLock, they seem pretty legit about their stuff.

Friendly Reminder: Keep all your important papers at home. Never carry your SS card with you.