We wrote recently about identity thieves. One of them is probably already working on this guy — a lottery winner who had the misfortune of having his picture published in the local newspaper, a picture in which all his personal information was visible, including his Social Security Number.
(Hat tip: Jim Romenesko)
and 
. You can also watch it on 
Fortunately for this guy, he already has a lock on his credit reports (so someone cannot open an account in his name). The real problem with ID theft is that most people do not know that their information is exposed, and so the perp does a lot of damage by the time the victim finds out – this is especially true in the cases where the credit agencies dutifully record a new address for the victim and so all the past due notices go to some coffee shop somewhere.
Fortunately for this guy, he already has a lock on his credit reports (so someone cannot open an account in his name). The real problem with ID theft is that most people do not know that their information is exposed, and so the perp does a lot of damage by the time the victim finds out – this is especially true in the cases where the credit agencies dutifully record a new address for the victim and so all the past due notices go to some coffee shop somewhere.
I recall a somewhat similar case. When Katrina passed, some agency or the other issued credit cards. One photo showed a woman holding this card showing the design. Unfortunately the quality of picture allowed others to read the card number, expiry date and owner name.
The credit limit has been maxed out in several minutes after said photo publication.
I recall a somewhat similar case. When Katrina passed, some agency or the other issued credit cards. One photo showed a woman holding this card showing the design. Unfortunately the quality of picture allowed others to read the card number, expiry date and owner name.
The credit limit has been maxed out in several minutes after said photo publication.
Ugh. Like a stone in your gut that hurts. It should have been a huge highlight but instead it’s a curse.
Ugh. Like a stone in your gut that hurts. It should have been a huge highlight but instead it’s a curse.
Looks liked they pulled it.
Looks liked they pulled it.