3 Rotten Truths Concerning Identity Fraud

4 years earlier Heartland Payment Processor suffered a  data breach that subjected over 130 million cardholder accounts to risk. Last year Sony Playstation Network was broken into. 100 million people had their card info exposed. This time internet thieves are at it again.

Spokesmen for the two major credit card companies confirmed that card processor Global Payments was broken into and the organization only discovered it just last month. While the figures are a far cry from the above noted this is little solace to the to the 1.5 million consumers who are now susceptible to identity fraud. Not surprisingly Visa Company is no longer conducting business with Global.

These types of data breaches make the national news yet the local media is filled with stories of identity fraud almost daily. For instance 2 people in Georgia were recently found guilty after going on a four year spree where they stole mail, credit cards and other information to open fraudulent accounts. Another group in New Mexico made use of court records accessible to the public on line to steal the identity of over two hundred people.

These occurrences as well as the countless others that go unreported bring to attention some very ugly truths with regards to identity theft and fraud

1. There Is Absolutely No Such Thing As 100% Guaranteed Prevention

No matter the financial institution or security service not a single one can stop your identity from being ripped off. Safeguarding the SSN along with other private information may reduce the possibility and in a few instances rather substantially. Yet the the main thing is much of your information is out there whether it's medical records, credit card details or as the Albuquerque mishap reveals courtroom documentation.

In addition identity thieves are discovering more and more ways to seize what belongs to you. Mobile phones are now under siege. Although a number of identity fraud companies do a good job of keeping track of what's happening and also assisting you to recover your personal identity they are not able to stop the fire from happening

2. You Probably Know The Criminal

Over half of all people victimized know the person that did it. Recently a lady was arrested by the police for swiping her sister's identity. The sad part is many of these crimes go unreported because the victim either does not know or just does not have the heart to call the police.

3. Mending The Credit Is Difficult

It remains not easy coping with the credit agencies particularly if you aren't utilizing some type of identity theft service. The bureaus still tend to be quite slow when it comes to clearing these charges from your records even after you provide ample details and proof demonstrating you are not responsible for the fraudulent charges.