MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT/EASTERN RECRUITING REGION PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Every year, hundreds of people are victimized by a crime known as identity theft, a scam where personal information is fraudulently used to take money, credit, financial status and security.
Identity thieves use a victim's personal information to establish credit accounts, apply for loans, open and run up cellular accounts, print false checks, and even open bogus bank accounts. Some scam artists even go as far as to adopt a person's entire identity, using their name and the victim's social security number.
In addition to the financial impact identity theft has, more long-term effects plague creditors after the scam has ended. Credit history can be permanently scarred, causing victims to be denied credit, mortgages, and job opportunities. Some have even been arrested for crimes they did not commit. According to Jay Boulware, assistant manager of the Parris Island Navy Federal Credit Union Member Service Center, identity theft is a widespread problem that can potentially affect anyone.
"It doesn't matter if you're wealthy or poor," said Boulware. "Anyone can be a victim of fraud."
Many celebrities have been the victims of identity fraud, usually due to their financial status and easy accessibility to their personal background via the Internet or media outlets. Most recently, golf pro Tiger Woods was stalked and defrauded by a man who, before he was arrested, intended to take thousands of dollars from Woods. Although celebrities are the obvious targets, no one is immune.
"Celebrities seem like harder targets, because if you come try to cash a check and tell me you're Alec Baldwin, I know who Alec Baldwin is," said Boulware. "Regardless of celebrity status, the bottom line is if the thief wants your information badly enough and he's determined to get it, unfortunately it's virtually impossible to stop him from getting it."
Easy accessibility to private information is the hardest roadblock to prevention of identity theft, said Bouleware.
"Private information is so available out there," he said. "Anyone can find out all kinds of information about you on the Internet."
Identity thieves get personal information about their victims by stealing wallets or purses, reading mail, rummaging through trash, or obtaining the information via the Internet. The bandits then use your information like puzzle pieces to construct the scheme they have planned. While complete fraud detection may be impossible, there are some easy steps that can reduce your chances of being victimized.
1. Never give out your personal information over the phone unless you initiate the phone call or are sure of who you are talking to. Many scam artists pose as telemarketers and use the information you give them against you.
2. Guard your mail and trash from theft. Check your mail daily. If you're planning to be out of town, have the post office hold your mail to avoid any availability of unauthorized access. Also, before discarding paper with vital information on it, either completely mark through the information with black marker, or invest in a paper shredder. If nothing else, place your trash by the street right before it's due to be collected.
3. Don't horde information. It's incredibly dangerous to carry your social security number in your wallet. A thief with your credit cards and social security number can do damage that will stay on your credit repot for years. Also, never write pin numbers on ATM cards.
Additionally, Boulware cautions Marines from leaving sensitive materials lying in the open at the barracks.
"It's not a good idea to leave things like bank statements in the open in your barracks room," he said. "With how many people go in and out of those rooms, your private materials should always be put away."
If you feel you have been victimized, there are steps you can take to have the unauthorized activity removed from your account. Immediately request a credit report from each of the three main credit bureaus. Equifax, Experian and Transunion all have websites and toll-free phone numbers to assist customers in placing fraud complaints. After the credit reports have been received, write a dispute letter to each company who has been contacted without your consent. Consumer lawyers can also be a valuable resource, but may be expensive. After contacting all the parties concerned, file a police report with the local authorities. Make sure you obtain a copy of the police report. The creditors have also been defrauded, and many times require proof that you were not involved. If you can't get a copy of the report, at least get the report number.
For more information on identity fraud or to receive a booklet of information from the Federal Trade Commission, visit the Parris Island NFCU Member Services Center or call 525-6300.