Archive for November 2007

Takahashi: When ID theft hits home STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO GUARD AGAINST IT My identity has been stolen. Again. Last month, someone used my Visa credit card to buy three $29 video games on the PlayStation Network. As much as I like video games, it wasn’t me. Visa’s fraud department was on the ball. They…

Avoiding the theft for the holidays She might have been Jane Doe of New Hampshire on Black Friday, with little more than two credit cards, a house and a car. But by the time she checks her credit the next year, she might see that five credit cards, three houses and two cars have been…

Minors at risk of ID theft, too Did you know that nearly 5 percent of all identity theft cases reported to the Federal Trade Commission last year were filed for children under the age of 18? In the information age, minors — online and sharing personal information — are at a greater risk of falling…

Identity Theft: Do You Know Where Your Child’s Credit Is? Identity theft is happening at epidemic proportions these days, a crime that costs consumers, credit card companies, and financial institutions billions of dollars every year. Fortunately, awareness has spread about this financially devastating crime, spurring many consumers to monitor financial affairs and credit report activity…

Tips offered to aid shoppers avoid problems Identity theft ande disputes involving gift purchases can spoil the holiday season. In the excitement of a holiday season filled with the spirit of giving, it can be easy for people to take for granted the honesty of others. “The joy of the holiday season can quickly be…

‘Tis the Season for Financial Crimes Against Seniors Not everyone is full of goodwill during the holidays. Unfortunately, the holidays are prime time for financial crimes — identity theft, robbery and fraud — and seniors are often the target. “Consumers are reminded to Shred, Signup, Suppress and be Sensitive,” says Melissa Companick, Acting President of…

 Senate Gets Tough on Identity Theft Crimes The law is catching up to technology The Senate has opted to pass a bill enforcing tougher laws against identity theft schemes. The Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act allows victims of identity theft to seek restitution for the time and money spent to resolve problems caused by the…

Man who stole millions using mortgage scams sentenced to 26 years A man who stole millions of dollars through mortgage scams involving 125 properties in four states including Georgia was sentenced today to more than 26 years in a federal penitentiary, authorities said. Matthew Bevan Cox, 38, who at times lived in Atlanta, Nashville and…

“Substantial” identity theft ring found operating in local hotel Police believe at least 30 people are victims of a possible identity theft ring that was being run out of the Comfort Inn on Highway 13 in downtown Savage. The Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force has been called into investigate the multiple-victim identity theft case after…

Identity theft is on the rise Identity theft, Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce members were told Wednesday, is the largest white-collar crime in the country. John C. Venezia, an independent associate with Pre-paid Legal Services at 1028 S. Bishop Ave. in Rolla, offered a PowerPoint presentation to RRAC members during their monthly luncheon at Zeno’s…