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By karen | March 4, 2008
This story is scary and once again another example of how the fight against identity theft is left up to the consumer.
The story goes like this, Robert Cockerham wanted to see what would happen if he mailed in a ripped up, then taped back together newly received Chase MasterCard pre-approved application.
Step 1
Step 2
Robert filled out the application, replacing his current billing address with his parent’s. And, he uses his cell phone as the authorizing phone number for the new account.
Within weeks, Robert receives his new credit card at his parent’s house and activates it using his cell phone.
Step 3
How sad that tearing up our sensitive documents is not sufficient. These creditors will process applications, even if they’ve been torn up, taped together and have a new address. A criminal could easily apply for credit in your name, change the address, and activate the account via a pre-paid cell phone. You wouldn’t even know what happened until creditors started calling you about your unpaid bills.
So purchase a shredder and use it diligently! I destroy all my sensitive documents using a cross-cut Fellowes shredder
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For a list of more options for reducing and protecting your mail link go to Lodrick’s List Tip # 5
Topics: Helpful Resources, blog home, karen lodrick's blog |
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