A Tennessee woman became a victim of identity theft, and although she’s been working on resolving the problem, she still has no idea how it happened.
For the past two months, “Jane” has been trying to figure out how someone got hold of her name and Social Security number. Police are investigating the case. While applying for unemployment, Jane said the labor department checked her past employment and found a woman was using her information in Nashville. The report showed Jane working at two different places – places she’d never even set foot in.
Due to jurisdiction issues, Jane had to report the theft to two different police departments. By the time it reached the second one, it was too late. The woman who had stolen her identity had already been fired from her job at a janitorial service.
Although police haven’t given up, they now say the search will be even more difficult, since the woman seems to have disappeared.
Jane is still worried about what will happen next, and says she has lost sleep because of it.
“What if something happens to me and I pass away and my children need those (Social Security) benefits? Is it going to be an issue for them to get the money needed?” she wonders.
Jane is also really worried about the next tax season. The IRS told her that if she’s due a refund, she may have to wait up to six months while they verify her information.
She’s also spent countless hours calling government agencies, police departments, credit bureaus and creditors, trying to resolve the issue.
Here are some quick things you can do to help prevent identity theft. First of all, be careful when using ATMs and credit card machines in stores. Shoulder surfers can get your numbers and gain access to your accounts. Do not put checks in the mail from your home mailbox, and be sure that your mailbox is secure. Either use a locked box or rent a mailbox at your local post office.
You should also be careful to shred all documentation bearing your personal information, and opt out of pre-approved credit offers.
