VDJ44 asked:
Has anybody realized that even though identity theft is a huge cause for concern, some places are making it easy to do? For instance, my debit/credit cards state on the back “See ID” and NOBODY ever asks.. In some drive thru restaurants, you don’t need an ID or pin # for your debit card, not even a signature! Does anyone think this is bullsh*t? Also, some places are changing their policy on checks, where they just debit the account and void the check, but they never ask for ID or anything.. and the check doesn’t need to be signed.. Scary huh?
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Joe Santini has been advising people about identity theft protection for almost a decade.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Very scary. Banks are more concerned with making money than protecting its clients.
Yes, it’s pretty crazy. Anywhere you open your wallet, you can get your identity stolen. Use a credit card at a restaurant with a sketchy waiter, or get lose your wallet and have someone less than honest pick it up.
Stealing identities and committing credit card fraud is a $55 billion a year industry. The numbers are astounding and its on the rise. There are some services out that will protect you. Only one I know offers a guarantee unlike any other,
Yup, very scary. I have the same statement on the back of my cards and get asked about 5% of the time. I actually thank those few for checking.
Another thing you can do to help protect yourself. You can go to the credit report agencies and place a hold (I can’t remember exactly what it’s called) on your credit. What it does is, whenever you (or bad guy) applies for credit, the credit agency calls you at a number you supplied and asks if you are requesting credit and Xmart. If it’s you, then you say yes, otherwise, they won’t allow the credit line to take effect and it will keep bad guy from using your ID.
This actually worked for me when I went to a major electronic retailer. They told me there was a hold on my credit. Not more than 5 minutes later one of the credit bureas called and checked with me. I’ve since let it run out cause I keep forgetting to update it. I think it’s only good for 2 years, then you have to call them again.
I went to see Spiderman 3 at the theater. (great movie) I used my credit card to purchase the tickets and concessions (small popcorn & large pop $8.00). The “chronologically advanced” ticket lady didn’t ask for I.D. but the teenager serving me my snacks did.
Like Jim F said, “There are some services out that will [help] protect you.” The one I use is the Identity Theft Shield through Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. Take a look at