identity theft *READ PLEASE

[reed1285]

well, some things have happened in the last week or two to raise my suspicion about this. so this morning i became a ultimate member of LifeLock. anybody else use this service? the ultimate membership is $25 a month, or $275 for a year. Although i just signed up for it, im impressed at the extent of services they offer. Not to mentioin that $1,000,000 guarantee. Signup takes a little bit, because you have to put in alot of information regarding your personal and financial life. I have a little bit better piece of mind now.

Me and the wife have both had our banking information compromised in the past, and even though its not a fun thing to go through, our bank was great in making sure we got our money back. Unfortunately, it happens so often these days, they dont even try to catch the criminals that do this anymore. You get your money back and a new debit card and thats the end of it, which kills me to think these people get off wiith it clean as a whistle. We have yet to become the victims of full fledged identity theft though. What prompted me to sign up for lifelock is a strange call I got from Comcast about a week ago. The so called "representative" told me they were adding a premium channel upgrade, Cinemax to be exact, to my package for two years for free just for being a loyal "digital preferred" package customer. And she "just needed to confirm my address" which she already had. Thats what kinda scared me, is whoever this was, they already had my name, and home address. Well today, about a week later, Cinemax has still not been activated and I have started recieving all kinds of junk email since then. I mean a ton of it. Some of them are pretty alarming. About green work visa's and such.

As of this morning, according to LifeLock, no alerts have been posted and nothing is compromised. Joining them and seeing the level of protection you get for 25 bucks a month definately helps put my mind at ease some. Soooooo

1. If a "Comcast Rep" calls you and gives you a story similar to mine, dont buy it, just hang up on them unless you can somehow find out they are legit. Although they pretty much already had my information. They may yours too.

2. if you havent got any kind of identity protection or taken no steps at all to help prevent it, i strongly urge you too before its too late. at the very least every home should have a micro cut paper shredder. its happening at an alarming rate these days. My wifes bank info was compromised twice in the last year, once in Oct of 2011 and once in January of this year.

Thanks for reading and take into consederation what ive said!

Edited March 7, 2012 by reed1285

[Guest Ceolas]

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/05/lifelock-identity-theft/

[reed1285]

^ yeah i saw that, i researched LifeLock for a little bit before I joined. When you just do a general google search on it, most of the things you read are good. of course every company has its downs. For 25 bucks a month, I figured i'd run it for a couple months and see how it goes. If I dont like it or think it isnt a good service, Ill cancel.

[MacGyver]

There is really only one thing that matters in the case of identity theft. That is "fully managed recovery". Anyone considering coverage should ask their provider if they requrie a limited power of attorney in the case of a breach. If not, you're going to be the one doing the heavy lifting, and are going to be disappointed when you suffer an event.

Note that monitoring is a lot like a smoke alarm - it doesn't prevent identity theft, and really isn't that responsive to identity theft, but if it goes off, you're on fire. Take control of your life. As someone who deals with this stuff from a forensic perspective, consider at least the following:

1. Be religous about opening your bank statements and credit card statements. You're protected by federal law against losses so long as you notify within a certain period of time.

2. Check your credit several times a year. You're entitled to one free report per year from each of the three major bureaus. Go to annualcreditreport.com (not freecreditreport.com like on the commercials) and access one every few months.

3. Consider putting a credit freeze on your accounts with the bureaus. It's free to place one, there's a small fee to remove it. With this, no one can access your credit without you personally removing the freeze.

4. Forget the do not call registry. Use their system against them. Place the Special Information Tones at the beginning of your answering machine for a few weeks. Everytime they make a phone call it costs them money. If you answer, it costs them money. If your answering machine answers, it costs them money. They only way to make them quit calling is to make them think they are wasting money. The above link is to the SIT (Special Information Tone) for a disconnected number. If one of your friends calls you, they are going to hear the tone, and then your voice on the answering machine. They'll think - "that's weird" and leave their message. A computer will think differently. As soon as it hears that tone, it thinks - "uh oh, my data is corrupt. This number is not in service." It will delete your record from it's database.

That's not the best part. At the end of the day, most of these companies share data through a couple of different providers, so once the auto-dialer marks you as an error, they report that back to the main computer, which will delete your record from their database. You get deleted from the Matrix if you will.

5. Know that there are no magic bullets when you get breached. Deal with someone who requires a limited power of attorney to recover your identity. That is the only way that you can tell if they're going to be sitting on the phone instead of you.

6. Forget the "guarantees" that providers use. There has not been $1,000,000 payed out to a victim yet. In fact, you can take the combined payouts to all victims of identity theft so far, and you still won't reach $1,000,000. The reputable companies that recover identities get you back to a pre-event status and guarantee their service. Thus, no losses. The "guarantees" are all smoke and mirrors.

7. Once you have been breached. PAY ATTENTION. Continue to be vigilent. Talking to a friend of mine not to long ago who runs an identity recovery firm, they revisit half of all their cases within 18 months. Think about it. A criminal has stolen your data. They're going to misuse it, sit on it for a while and then resell it. If you've been breached once, it's likely to happen again.

8. Create a 'burn file" for yourself. Take the contents of your wallet and dump it out on a copier once a year or so. Copy front and back of cards. Give it to someone you trust to secure. This way, if you get compromised by the loss or theft of your wallet, it's a phone call and a two minute process to have that person burn your identity. You can cancel the cards quickly instead of fumbling around to gather information while someone is using your card at Best Buy. Criminals these days are applying JIT management principles to identity theft. You have to act fast - because they sure are.

Hope this helps.

[Guest A10thunderbolt]

My wife's card was charged for $138 at wal-mart, She immediately called it in and canceled the card. The Card CO said they would refund the money, then turned around the next day and said that Her $10 charge at wal-mart was within 30min of the fraudulent charge so they couldn't issue a refund.

Edited March 7, 2012 by A10thunderbolt

[k9wh91984]

My own dad stole my identity when I was a kid. When I turned 18 I couldn't even get a cell phone because my dad used my social for making investments and about 20 other accounts. We don't speak alot to this day. It took roughly 8 years for me to clear things up on my credit and that's because no matter what I used to prove I was a minor, the agencies and companies don't care. The bureaus wanted me to file charges against my dad but I couldn't do it. Til this day, I watch my credit like a hawk.

Edited March 7, 2012 by k9wh91984

[herr.baer]

LifeLock has saved us a couple of times with fraud alerts. Money well spent in my opinion.

[Caster]

Cash and a Glock. Identity thieves, come get some.

The only thing we have is a debit card for bills. The money goes in the bank the day before the bill gets paid.

The internet is still new technology. It's only been around in full force less than 20 years. Still, people are hooked on it like heroin. I don't understand why anyone would tie themselves to a fallible invention of man so tightly. I'm sure this steps on some of ya'll's toes but come one. Can you not admit how dependent your are on it. I'm sorry, if you whole life goes down with the internet that's NOT keeping up with the times, it's foolishness.

Sorry for your troubles Reed.

Edited March 7, 2012 by Caster

[Guest A10thunderbolt]

I don't think you understand the full impact the internet has on the existing world. The company I work for makes all its sales due to the internet. Our store is on the internet, if the internet goes down I think we all will have a lot more to worry about. By the way just because we rely on the net, doesn't mean we won't be of use locally if a disaster happens, we are a manufacturing facility so we have a lot of usefulness, and we are not numb to how the old world works. Yes, I said the Old. Brick and mortar have their place but its not worth the $ for those willing to wait a few days to have it shipped directly to them.

[RobertNashville]

I too have life lock ultimate and have been impressed with them.

Last November, some ###hole in Georgia used my debit card info to buy a child's car seat (of all things) from Walmart over the web. I caught the suspicious charge (about $230) easily the day it hit my checking account (because I update my accounts online every day). Called Walmart and they were able to cancel the shipment so the dirtbag didn't get their car seat and my bank returned the money that same day. I got LifeLock the next day.

Since then, I found out that someone filed a fraudulent IRS return with my SSN for the 2010 tax year....I hope there is a special place in Hell for these dirtbags (right next to the folks who sit in the passing lane and won't pass). And frankly, ANYBODY who steels another person's identity is a scumbucket of the highest order, that goes double when it's a relative.

Moving on...not using the internet today makes about as much sense as refusing to use a telephone in the 1930s....or limiting your music to 45rms singles - technology isn't the problem; good, old-fashioned dirtbag criminals are the problem and the only thing that can end that problem is to eliminate the criminals.

Edited March 7, 2012 by RobertNashville

[greenego]

This is a big problem this year with tax returns. IRS will now give you a special PIN if your ID has been stolen. Has to be entered on your return before they will accept it.

[Bubba0031]

My wife & I both have LifeLock. Last year between the 2 of us we had 3 ID theft attempts. All 3 times the CC co. was able to determine prior to allowing them that the charges were fraudulent. In my wife's case the CC co. called her cell phone to ask if she was attempting to make a transaction and when she confirmed she wasn't they refused the charge. In one of my cases the CC co. just refused the transaction and e-mailed me and in the other the CC co. (different provided) canceled the card without notifying me. In both cases I don't know how they determinded the charges were fraudulent. In the 2nd case I didn't know the card had been canceled until I was trying to pay a dinner bill and was rejected. In none of the 3 cases did we ever hear from LifeLock. I do get quarterly e-mails advising that my credit reports have "been monitored" and that there has been no change.

[RobertNashville]

My wife & I both have LifeLock. Last year between the 2 of us we had 3 ID theft attempts. All 3 times the CC co. was able to determine prior to allowing them that the charges were fraudulent. In my wife's case the CC co. called her cell phone to ask if she was attempting to make a transaction and when she confirmed she wasn't they refused the charge. In one of my cases the CC co. just refused the transaction and e-mailed me and in the other the CC co. (different provided) canceled the card without notifying me. In both cases I don't know how they determinded the charges were fraudulent. In the 2nd case I didn't know the card had been canceled until I was trying to pay a dinner bill and was rejected. In none of the 3 cases did we ever hear from LifeLock. I do get quarterly e-mails advising that my credit reports have "been monitored" and that there has been no change.

I get email updates monthly or whenever something has changed.

I was looking at refinancing last month and got an email alert from LifeLock the same day the inquiries showed up on the three bureaus.

I got an alert today that a new sex offender had moved into my zip code.

As was noted, diligence is the best defense but I can't check everything every day; LifeLock seems to do that or at least more often than I can and the faster you can spot a problem the easier it is to fix it.

[Caster]

I don't think you understand the full impact the internet has on the existing world. The company I work for makes all its sales due to the internet. Our store is on the internet, if the internet goes down I think we all will have a lot more to worry about. By the way just because we rely on the net, doesn't mean we won't be of use locally if a disaster happens, we are a manufacturing facility so we have a lot of usefulness, and we are not numb to how the old world works. Yes, I said the Old. Brick and mortar have their place but its not worth the $ for those willing to wait a few days to have it shipped directly to them.

Oh I understand it. It's truly a great tool. You can shop, get information and even chat with incredibly awesome people like me.

Seriously though, I'm just an old hat kinda guy. Look at how MUCH depends on a such a complicated cluster of wires. If you step back and look in through the looking glass, it's really mad.

[reed1285]

My wife & I both have LifeLock. Last year between the 2 of us we had 3 ID theft attempts. All 3 times the CC co. was able to determine prior to allowing them that the charges were fraudulent. In my wife's case the CC co. called her cell phone to ask if she was attempting to make a transaction and when she confirmed she wasn't they refused the charge. In one of my cases the CC co. just refused the transaction and e-mailed me and in the other the CC co. (different provided) canceled the card without notifying me. In both cases I don't know how they determinded the charges were fraudulent. In the 2nd case I didn't know the card had been canceled until I was trying to pay a dinner bill and was rejected. In none of the 3 cases did we ever hear from LifeLock. I do get quarterly e-mails advising that my credit reports have "been monitored" and that there has been no change.

LifeLock has saved us a couple of times with fraud alerts. Money well spent in my opinion.

I too have life lock ultimate and have been impressed with them.

Last November, some ###hole in Georgia used my debit card info to buy a child's car seat (of all things) from Walmart over the web. I caught the suspicious charge (about $230) easily the day it hit my checking account (because I update my accounts online every day). Called Walmart and they were able to cancel the shipment so the dirtbag didn't get their car seat and my bank returned the money that same day. I got LifeLock the next day.

Since then, I found out that someone filed a fraudulent IRS return with my SSN for the 2010 tax year....I hope there is a special place in Hell for these dirtbags (right next to the folks who sit in the passing lane and won't pass). And frankly, ANYBODY who steels another person's identity is a scumbucket of the highest order, that goes double when it's a relative.

Moving on...not using the internet today makes about as much sense as refusing to use a telephone in the 1930s....or limiting your music to 45rms singles - technology isn't the problem; good, old-fashioned dirtbag criminals are the problem and the only thing that can end that problem is to eliminate the criminals.

its good to hear other peoples opinions about it that actually use lifelock. i just started mine today, but as i said, im already impressed. as far as the internet thing goes. I shop online, alot. ebay, gunbroker, cheaper than dirt, midwayusa...just to name a few. Nowadays it really is more of an inconvienence NOT to shop on the internet. I agree that the more you shop on the internet, the higher your chances are to get your identity stolen, that crosses my mind everytime I buy from a place online. Ive grown comfortable buying online from my regular places though, becasue I have placed several orders through each of them. Also, I use my paypal whenever I can, instead of putting my CC number out there that much more. If there is ONE type of person I HATE more than anyone, its a thief. Me and my wife work for the stuff we have, and when some jackwagon comes along and just decides he likes it and says, hmm ill just take that, it boils my blood quicker than anything.

[peejman]

My understanding of LifeLock's $1M guarantee is that they'll spend up to $1M fixing things. They don't pay you because someone stole your credit card number.

[reed1285]

^ yeah that's what it is, if they just gave you a million bucks if somebody stole your identity..id be begging somebody to steal mine lol

[RobertNashville]

If somebody REALLY steels your ID they may well need to spend that $1M to put things right...the possibilities for bad things happening are almost endless.

How would you like to be arrested for a class A felony because someone using your info committed a serious crime or have the IRS come after you because they think YOU committed fraud against them?

We all need to be careful today.

[buck1032]

I got a DUI in Alaska, once. In 2003, the only problem was my physical self was actually onboard the USS John C Stennis in the Persian Gulf at the time of my arrest and lock up. I didnt learn about it until after I retired from the Navy and tried to renew my drivers lisc. and was told I couldnt. That was a very rough week getting that mess cleaned up. Every one, keep your eyes on your credit history, bank statements, credit cards, your credit score and anything and everything that has your name on it shred it if you dont HAVE to have it for tax/historical reasons.

Edited March 9, 2012 by buck1032

[Dolomite_supafly]

Here is the link to the tones:

http://www.scn.org/~bk269/zapper.html#zapper

The actualy link was shortcutted by Windows.

I have had my identity stolen as well. Someone ordered a bunch of tools from Sears to be delivered to an address in Waco, TX. They said they had a ship to address, a name as well as a contact telephone number for the person receiving the shipment. They had the delivery date and tracking info as well. Problem was they would not release the information to me. They said it was for privacy reasons they could not release their information to me. They knew and acknowledged that the order was a case of identity theft but still refused to give me any information.

They did say that they would release the information to LE. So my wife called a the local LE and signed a warrant, giving them Sears information to get a name. Problem was that LE would not call Sears and get the person's information. I had a good LE buddy in Waco that said he could wait for the delivery but because of the local LE and Sears he had his hands tied.

And on top of this the bank accused my wife of ordering the stuff then filing a false report to avoid paying for it. Me and the bank manager had a heart to heart on that call I made from Afghanistan.

I would have paid airfare to have the scum put in jail locally. Being released from here with no friends or family around would have given him some of the pain I felt.

Dolomite

[buck1032]

Dolomite,

It seems your story has ALOT of points to it that mirror another problem I had. I was stationed in San Diego in the late 90's and someone in Hawaii ordered tools and stereo equipment to be deliverd to Hawaii using my name and a credit card in my name. Keep in mind my address and duty station was in San Diego. I went round and round with Sears over it and like you, got the same story from Sears. That deal almost cost me my security clearance. Luckily my chain of command went with me to the CO to explain and show documentation to what actually took place. For about two years I tried to work with Sears to get it taken care of and they just didnt want to help fix it. All they wanted was for me to pay them even though I filled a claim with proof that I was in SoCal at the time of the charges. I had PCS orders placing me in SoCal and TAD orders that placed me at Warner Springs the time the charges were made. It never got taken care of and eventually it went to a collection agency and I would just have fun with them. They would call all the time and I just invite them to may place and they would wait till thier little heart was content because it would be a cold day in Hell before I gave them or Sears a penny. I did at one point get a regional manager on the phone and kindly explained that if his heart or any of his stores were on fire I would not take to time to piss on them. LOL

[MacGyver]

There is one cold, hard fact about identity theft. Your bank, credit card company and the merchants involved don't care about your issue. Their losses to identity theft are just numbers at this point. So long as their losses don't exceed a certain amount, they've transferred the risk via insurance and they don't care.

One of the most frustrating parts of my job is walking into a courtroom in an identity theft case. A victim walks into the courtroom with everything they've had to go through fully documented, and regardless of what happens in that courtroom that day, they walk out of the courtroom a victim.

[JReedEsq]

I got an alert today that a new sex offender had moved into my zip code.

Anyone can get the SOR updates for free from the TBI.

[RobertNashville]

I got a DUI in Alaska, once. In 2003, the only problem was my physical self was actually onboard the USS John C Stennis in the Persian Gulf at the time of my arrest and lock up. I didnt learn about it until after I retired from the Navy and tried to renew my drivers lisc. and was told I couldnt. That was a very rough week getting that mess cleaned up. Every one, keep your eyes on your credit history, bank statements, credit cards, your credit score and anything and everything that has your name on it shred it if you dont HAVE to have it for tax/historical reasons.

One of the things LiveLock Ultimate does is search all public records including arrest records where the customer's ID (name, ssn, DL #, etc) was use. As has been noted, that doesn't stop it from happening but it's a lot better than an nasty surprise like being hauled off to jail on a felony warrant issued by Texas that is actually for the thug that used your ID!

[RobertNashville]

Anyone can get the SOR updates for free from the TBI.

Yeah; I realize there are other ways to find out...I just like the simplicity of one company checking for me.

As I've gotten older, the thing that has become most important to me is my time...anything that can save me time and simplify things I tend to like!