Identity theft — what to do when it happens to you

Photo By Cpl. Khoa Pelczar | Marianne Espinoza, family readiness coordinator for 1st Marine Logistics Group, shared her personal experience with identity theft here, Jan. 27. Espinoza, from Tucson, Ariz., was a victim of identity theft when her credit card information was stolen online by a hacker. With the help of her bank and the Oceanside Police Department, Espinoza was able to stop the thief from using her information and have her savings refunded.  

CAMP PENDLETON, UNITED STATES

01.27.2010

Story by Lance Cpl. Khoa Pelczar 

1st Marine Logistics Group

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — People work hard everyday to earn money to improve their lives. What would happen if one day they came home and found out that all their accounts have been wiped out?

This is not a bad dream, they've been victims of identity theft. Marianne Espinoza, family readiness coordinator for the 1st Marine Logistics Group, shared her personal experience with identity theft here, Jan. 27.

"You never think it's going to happen to you," said Espinoza, from Tucson, Ariz. "These hackers, they're out there whether you believe it or not. Stealing your identity is all they do."

While shopping online last Christmas, Espinoza became a victim of identity theft. They stole all the information she filed online, like her full name, address, credit card number and even the three digit code on the back of her card. She found out weeks later that her credit card information was being used by someone else.

"As I'm finding out now, it's not a matter of if your identity will be stolen, it's a matter of when," said Espinoza.

According to the fraud victim's rights from Equifax, identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, Social Security number, date of birth, or other identifying information, without authority to commit fraud.

"Though you can't be scared of using your credit card, as it's convenient to us and a good way to build your credit score," said Espinoza. "Stay on top of your accounts. Shop only on the sites that use secured lines."

As Espinoza explained, identity theft happens more often than people realize. When online shopping becomes part of an everyday routine, information is more vulnerable to theft. Sometimes, people don't even know they're victims of identity theft until their accounts have been drawn out.

"Check out the policy that your bank has on fraud protection," said Espinoza. "Review your credit report at least twice a year and check for any flagged purchases and shred your important documents."

There many ways for people to protect themselves from identity theft. Military One Source offers ten quick tips for avoiding identity theft on their website at www.militaryonesource.com. Once people find out they have been victims of identity theft, they should report it to their bank, credit card companies and the law enforcement immediately. Also, they should contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies to put a fraud alert on their credit profiles.

"[My bank] has helped me through my situation," said Espinoza. "They made me feel more at ease."

Identity theft is an ongoing war that anyone can be a victim at anytime, but there are ways to protect yourself.

• Date Taken: 01.27.2010
• Date Posted: 02.02.2010 17:39
• Story ID: 44816
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, US