I’m sure we all know someone who’s been a victim of identity theft, but it would never happen to us, right? One of the craziest stories I’ve heard is the woman who got a bill for a $40,000 foot amputation who still had both feet intact. According to Readers Digest, with the rising cost of medical insurance, medical identity theft is a hot commodity. So far, one third of the US population has been affected by identity theft. This month, it happened to me.
We received a call one Sunday morning recently saying there has been a series of charges from iTunes on our American Express for the last several months, totally nearly $300! I was wondering how the balance on a card I never used crept up so high… Since I had changed over to paperless billing (bad idea), I never caught it. I disputed the charges and since it was within the 90 day grace period, the money will be reimbursed on my next statement. Phew!
Thankfully, I felt a lot better knowing that we have incredible identity theft restoration services through Pre-Paid Legal Services and Kroll. Through the Identity Theft Shield, if our identity is ever compromised, instead of fixing it yourself, they take the wheel and put our identity back together again. If this issue with iTunes hadn’t been solved so easily, this would have been our next offense.
So be wise! In order to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, be sure to keep an eye on your statements, shred and avoid purchasing online from unfamiliar websites. Since our information is in many databases (school records, past jobs, government agencies) that can’t be avoided, it is smart to research and invest in identity theft restoration services to have the professionals watch your back, too. Spread the word!
On a lighter note… In the words of Dwight K. Shrute, identity theft is no laughing matter. Except sometimes.
Thanks, Tina!
Sarah + Tim 
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