Dear George Featuring well-known Consumer Advocate and Identity Theft Expert Cynthia Bercowetz - HOME - BIOGRAPHY - CALENDAR - BLOG -  NEWS - MY BOOKS - LINKS -

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Topic: Identity Theft 

Identity theft strikes like a bolt of lightning.

It strikes with full force. ID thieves steal personal information,, Social Security numbers and destroy your daily life.

They're out there waiting for you, ATM thefts, passing bad checks or opening a new bank account and getting loans in another person's name.

I tell you as a national identity theft expert, I am angry, frustrated and aggravated. I want them wiped out. 

One of the oldest con artist tricks is "phishng" and most consumers do not know about it.

This is a form of on-line identity theft, where a spoof e-mail is sent, as if it comes to the user from a bank, Pay Pal, eBay or anyone.

Mine came form thieves impersonating AOL. 

When I turned on my computer, an official-looking, large notice appeared on my screen. It was as big as life.

AOL supposedly was telling me that I had not paid for my December bill and if I did not, I would not be serviced by AOL anymore. How do you like that for a bunch of bananas?

It went on to say to click on the email. There was a form that the consumer could be duped into logging in your password, a bank account and a lot of personal information. AOL, the real AOL, informs you that it never would use a email to inform you that you are behind in an account or to verify your password. 

Who are these thieves? We never will know.

I was angry and deeply annoyed that these slick con artists are out there waiting for you to trick you.

We can, however, ban together and beware and be aware of all of these tricks. Let's be prepared. 

The Identity Theft Enhancement Act signed by President Bush adds two years to prison sentences for criminals convicted of using stolen credit card numbers and other personal data to commit crimes.

Violators who use the date to commit 'terrorist offenses' would get five extra years.

These thieves continue on.  I volunteer at the Attorney General's Office in Connecticut . I have seen letters from consumers who have been ripped off by impersonators of e-Bay. They have been stuck for thousands of dollars. Who would believe impersonators who tell you you are a second successful bidder for golf clubs or tractors. Just give a check to a courier, and your order will arrive Who would believe that? You would as I have seen letters from consumers who have been fooled. 

It is time for action against these thieves. 

In my blogs, I will tell you about these thieve, street gangs, how to prevent burglaries. Here is a message to all thieves on line. ATM"s and everywhere. I'm watching you.