In the course of a busy day, you may write a check at the grocery store, charge tickets to a ball game, rent a car, mail your tax returns, change service providers for your cell phone, or apply for a credit card. Chances are you don't give these everyday transactions a second thought. But an identity thief does.
Identity theft is a serious crime. In Wisconsin it is punishable by 6 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine or both, per incident.
People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years - and thousands of dollars - cleaning up the mess the thieves have made of a good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims of identity theft may lose job opportunities, be refused loans for education, housing, or cars, and even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit. Humiliation, anger, and frustration are among the feelings victims experience as they navigate the process of rescuing their identity.
Here in Franklin, we are seeing a steadily increasing reporting of Identity Theft and we have devised tips and strategies for you to use to avoid victimization and to correct the problems stemming from Identity Theft if you are victimized.
Working with other government agencies and organizations, the Federal Bureau of Investigations has created a website with reference material to help you protect yourself from falling prey to scams and identity theft. Visit their website to file a complaint and learn more about common scams and schemes.
The Federal Trade Commission also provides excellent resources and the opportunity to report Identity Theft, register for the Do Not Call list, and get alerts.