Personal data was stolen from 100 million Americans this year in cyber-attacks and thefts from retailers, banks and hospitals. Many of them will become victims of identity theft. While the financial hit to people and companies is real, the emotional impact can be “life-altering,” says Terrell McSweeny, a member of the Federal Trade Commission.
“It’s essential to remember that there is a human face on each of these ID crimes,” he said, speaking at Google Inc.’s offices in Washington, D.C.
Depending on the information that’s stolen, problems go well beyond canceling a stolen card or changing a PIN. Criminals file false tax returns or misuse identities to get cellphone service, open utility accounts and obtain prescription drugs. Some victims have had their names wrongly invoked in arrest reports and court records of other people’s crimes. Victims say the violation brings with it anger, anxiety, sadness, shame and even suicidal thoughts.
While theft of credit card information remains the most common type of cyber fraud, medical identity theft is growing. It can result in victims being billed for medical services and prescriptions they didn’t receive, or finding another person’s health information in their medical records. Consequently, they can be denied health benefits or insurance.
At Benton White Insurance, we can insure you for the problems you could face with Identity Theft. Our endorsement to your home, condo or renters policy includes:
- Obtaining a free credit report from the three main credit bureaus
- Placing fraud alerts with major credit reporting agencies
- Eenrolling you in six months of daily credit monitoring
- Providing you with an Identity Fraud “First-Aid Kit”
- Lost wages as a result of time taken off from work to deal with ID Fraud – up to $1000 per week for up to 5 weeks
- Travel expenses related to resolving ID Fraud
- Costs for daycare or elder care as a result of ID Fraud
- Notary and certified mailing charges for completing and delivering fraud affidavits.
- Fees to reapply for loans that were denied due to erroneous credit information caused by the identity fraud.
