ProtectMyID

The purpose of this blog series is to educate people about the ways that identities are stolen.

Keep in mind, these stories are true (although I have omitted specific details for our members’ protection) and are described by our Identity Theft Resolution Agents. As you read these stories, think about ways that you can protect yourself from identity theft.

Fraud Case:
I don’t own this company!?!     

Fraud Story:
Jim*, a ProtectMyID member, and his ProtectMyID Identity Theft Resolution Agent, William* recently resolved a strange case of identity theft. The thief that targeted Jim had somehow gained access to Jim’s personal information, including his Social Security number, and started a fraudulent electrical company.

The company had been started so that the fraudster could enroll in a payment processing service and take debit and credit card payment. The thief then sent fraudulent bills to people in hopes that some would simply pay through the payment processing service. Of course, the thief had no intention of paying for the services of the payment processing company. In fact, Jim was alerted to the situation when the company that he was supposedly using sent him to collections for non-payment of bills. 

Both Jim and William were astonished at the brashness and complexity of the theft. William evaluated the case and determined what they would do to resolve the situation and reclaim Jim’s good name.

How the ProtectMyID.com Identity Theft Resolution Agent Helped the Victim

William helped Jim by adding a fraud alert to Jim’s files, contacting the credit processing company and informing them of the fraud, and encouraged Jim to file a police report. Several conference calls were needed, and the agent was with Jim every step of the way as he spoke with creditors and vendors to ensure that the fraud was noted, Jim was not held responsible, and to make sure no other accounts had been opened.

It’s not often that you hear of a thief creating a fake company with someone else’s information for financial gain. Luckily, in Jim’s case, he had ProtectMyID so when it happened to him, he didn’t have to clean up the mess alone.

To learn more about how you can protect yourself from identity theft visit ProtectMyID.

*Names have been changed

Be Sociable, Share!

•