What’s really scary about identity fraud is the final chapter, when victims – not their banks or credit card companies – discover the crime, usually almost six months afterward, with no real advocate to help them argue their innocence and get their money back.
Sometimes, that last chapter has no ending. More than 1 of every 4 victims of identity fraud are unable to resolve their cases after a year of trying, according to a survey by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. Even more alarming: 16 percent of victims wind up paying an average of $6,440.
“That shocked me,” says Kirk Herath, chief privacy officer for Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide. “I was not aware people would be liable for that much.”
The reason they would be in such a hole is because a criminal had used their debit card. Unlike credit card fraud, in which individuals are usually off the hook for anything over $50, liability for losses stemming from a stolen debit card can be anywhere from $1,000 to the total amount, regardless of how much.
Account holders are also responsible for all cash transfers, whether they made them or not. As for the unresolved cases, Herath says they usually drag on because of a lack of evidence; credit card companies are suspicious of their own customers acting dishonestly.
“It’s very hard to prove you didn’t do it,” he says.
(more…)
Tybee Police have arrested two people in connection with the worst series of car break-ins on the island in years. Investigators believe 24 year old Rachel Carter from Statesboro and 27 year old Joshua Graham from Savannah may have broken in to seventeen cars in the last month. Police say they stole credit cards, check books and electronic gear. They spotted the couple in a stolen rental car in a Tybee parking lot. Both are now facing several charges.
Police say if you are heading to the beach, be exceptionally careful, especially since you probably won’t take your wallet and valuables with you and someone could be watching to see where you leave them. Investigators say you should stow your valuables under your seat or in the trunk, preferably before you get to the beach. Tybee Police say you also need to lock your doors. Too many people don’t, said Tybee Police Chief James Price, including many of the victims of last month’s car break-ins.
“Some of the vehicles were left unlocked,” he said. “In fact, the majority of them were left unlocked.”
Cars with valuables in plain sight are ready targets. Unfortunately, you might lose more than your wallet. Last month, thieves stole identities and maxed out credit cards.
“They’re easy prey,” explained Price. “They (thieves) took one checkbook from a lady lives out in South Carolina. “They probably took her for about $18,000 in checks.”
(more…)
