Impersonator Identity Theft

Impersonator Identity Theft is also known as Identity Cloning.

When this type of Identity Theft occurs, a thief has taken on the identity, or impersonates, the victim while living in another location.  The thief lives as the victim and assumes their identity.

Studies show that thieves are most likely carrying a poor work, personal or credit history.  The thief may pose as an impostor by misrepresenting their financial, marital, educational, social or family status.  The thief is then able to:

• Collect Tax Refunds
• Be Employed
• Commit a Crime in the Victim's Name
• Access Professional Licenses or Benefits
• Be Married and/or Have a Family
• Buy a Home or other Large Finance
• File for Bankruptcy

Reduce your risk for Identity Theft >>>

Impersonator Identity Theft Protection
The Federal Trade Commission's Authority mandates a particular act put in place specifically for victims of Identity Theft.

• The Fair Credit Reporting Act creates responsibility on the side of credit reporting agencies to correct inaccurate information on consumer's credit reports.  What is more, this act limits the accessibility to consumer credit reports through tougher restrictions.
• The Fair Credit Billing Act and Fair Credit Reporting Act both provide protection to victims who are trying to clear and repair the Credit Reports post-Identity Theft.
  
  In overview, this act offers limited liability to those consumers who have had unauthorized use of their credit cards.
• The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 not only increased the repercussions to criminals of Financial Identity Theft by making it a federal crime, it also helped to increase communication and references to the appropriate institutions:  National Consumer Reporting Agencies and Law Enforcement Agencies.

Another form of protection comes from the Credit Card companies. While Debit Card losses are a personal responsibility, credit agencies offer monitoring 24/7.  They monitor for fraud and misuse while providing zero liability to their clients.

Impersonator Identity Theft Prevention
Preventing Identity Cloning can begin with common sense.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends responsible guardianship of Personal Identifiers by consumers themselves.  Important steps every person should consider every day include:

• Be Cautious of Providing Personal Information
• Protect Information in Your Vehicle from Break-Ins
• Protect Information in Your Home from Invasion
• Shred Personal Information before Dumping

Victims of Impersonator Identity Theft
When you have become a victim of Impersonator Identity Theft, we can help.

Often, victims of this type of ID Theft find multiple addresses associated with their credit history.  Unfortunately, victims often spend in excess as restoration services are often very costly. They have to 'clean-up' after the identity thief by paying for lawyers and legal fees.

What to Do

• Contact Law Enforcement
  Start a report right away.  The report should include the local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies involved.
• Security Freeze
  Victims are able to freeze their credit reports to prevent further damage to your accounts.  These freezes are generally available at no extra charge.
• The FTC can provide more information on Identity Theft Reports:
  o www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm#Identity

Contact a CITRMS Professional today to protect your business from Impersonator Identity Theft.