Police: Most people will be victims of identity theft in their lifetime

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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Elkhart police have busted five different labs making counterfeit IDs with stolen personal information

In the last couple of years, Elkhart police have busted five different labs making counterfeit IDs with stolen personal information. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: May 16, 2008 at 9:18 PM EST

Story Updated: May 21, 2008 at 3:09 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — More than 10 million people are victims of identity theft every year. Police say it's nearly impossible to prevent thanks to technology. All thieves have to do is send an email or make a phone call.

Every day, South Bend Police get at least one call about scams where someone wants people to cash a check or wire money.

"It's going to happen," said Detective Sgt. Dominic Zultanksi, South Bend Police.

He should know.

"I was here at 2:30 in the afternoon teaching a classroom of law enforcement officers on identity theft," said Zultanksi. "And at 2:30 in the afternoon, I was also in New York using my debit card to make a $400 purchase at Staples."

All a thief needs is one thing with your address on it.

"A lady took my name and address. She took my identity, married someone and took everything he had," said Carolyn Moore, an identity theft victim.

Now, Moore doesn't take any chances.

"I shred everything," she said.

And she watches her bank account closely.

"I've had someone take a $1.50 out of my account, $3 out of my account, $50 out of my account, but I got it cleared immediately," said Moore.

She's always looking for new ways to lower her risk.

Police say you should shred anything with your Social Security or account number. When in doubt, they say shred it, especially if it's junk mail addressed to you.

"I can set up the credit card, have it shipped to your house, change the address," said Zultanski. "So, definitely shred any of those offers."

If you shop online, police recommend you set up checking accounts with enough money to just cover the purchase. They also recommend getting credit cards with low limits.

Bottom line: Use common sense, pay close attention to your financial and personal information, and do not give it out to anyone you don't know.

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