The Hidden Cost of Identity Theft

A couple, Debra and Robert Guenterberg, experienced one of the worst types of financial disasters: identity theft. This couple alludes their experiences to those of a horror film, something that continously comes back to haunt them, day after day after day.

They first noticed that something was wrong when the couple tried to purchase a Ford truck, only to be rejected on the grounds of poor credit. The couple knew they had good credit in the past and pondered on this new phase of rejection. Soon after that incident, they applied for a home loan and a credit card, only to be rejected again. Collection agencies began calling their house, asking for money. Tha's when they realized that two men had stolen their social security numbers and had been making purchases under their identity. Now, when they go in to open checking accounts or make large purchases on credit, they are declined.

The sad thing about this situation is that it could potentially happen to anyone. Because many business transactions are conducted on the internet, it makes it hard to ward off criminals and keep personal information safe in cyberspace. That's why antivirus software is extremely important. Also, you should not release your social security number to anyone unless you absolutely have to. Also, you could purchase the identity theft programs through several credit check bureaus to get regular updates on purchases and accounts opened under your name.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/12/07/identity.theft.costs/index.html?iref=allsearch