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:
Customer tricked into providing sensitive information as part of an apartment search.

Fraud Story:
Stephanie*, a ProtectMyID member, was recently alerted to attempts to open credit cards in her name after she provided her Social Security number to a website that appeared to be a legitimate property management company. It all started with an apartment search. Stephanie saw an ad, clicked on a link from a company she didn’t know (something we advise against) and proceeded to fill out an online application for an apartment that seemed too good to be true. The application included a request for Social Security number, birthdate, current address and contact information – a veritable gold mine for an enterprising identity thief.

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

The agent helped Stephanie by doing the following to resolve her situation:

i. Placed a 90 day security alert on Stephanie’s credit reports

ii. Called all creditors where applications were filled out and new accounts opened

iii. Closed fraudulent accounts

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

*Names have been changed

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