When Ron Rehberg talks to people about identity theft, he knows of what he speaks.
Several years ago, Rehberg – who is a certified identity theft consultant specialist – was a victim of medical ID theft. An individual who had been diagnosed with cancer used Rehberg’s medical information, probably to get health insurance. Even though Rehberg was healthy, the medical ID theft compromised his health and medical history. His blood type and other vital information were changed in some records.
In Rehberg’s case, the company he works for – risk consultant Kroll – stepped in and cleaned up the damage. Still, Rehberg reflects that if certain medical records had shown an incorrect blood type and he had been in an accident, the ramifications could have cost him his life.
“Medical ID theft can be fatal,” he says.
Rehberg will be the featured speaker at an educational lunch, Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft, sponsored by Kim Last, CFP®, CLU®, CLTC, president of Kimberley A. Last Financial Services, Inc., and Barbara Traylor Smith, president of Retirement Outfitters, LLC. The lunch is scheduled for noon Tuesday, June 14, in the conference room at 244 N. 7th St. Those who attend should plan to arrive about 15 minutes early to get lunch and get settled before the presentation begins. For more information, call Carolyn at 256-1748.
ID theft is a broad term that includes many types of information theft. They range from medical ID theft, such as Rehberg suffered, to theft of credit card information, to theft of other data used in routine transactions. Rehberg says about 27,000 cases of ID theft happen each day, and people should take steps to protect themselves.
“There is nothing that can prevent it. But there are many things you can do to be careful and cautious,” he says. “The time to pay attention is before it happens, not after.”
Rehberg says it can take nine months or longer for someone to become aware that his or her identity has been stolen. After that, it can take three to five years to clean up the damage, and the recovery effort can require hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars.
Since many stolen identities are used for illegal activities, you might not even know your identity has been stolen until a police officer notifies you that you’re wanted.
“Sixty-two percent of people with an ID theft issue end up with a warrant (for their arrest),” Rehberg says.
So what are some common-sense steps you can take to reduce that chance that you’ll be a victim? Don’t put outgoing mail in your mailbox and put the flag up. Outgoing mail can easily be stolen, and much of it contains bank account numbers, credit card information, and other types of information that ID thieves relish. Use a secure outgoing mailbox to send your bills and other mail.
Make sure you burn or shred everything that has identifying information and/or account numbers on it. Try to make it as difficult as possible for ID thieves to learn anything about you through your mail or trash.
“You can’t live in fear. Do what you can, and feel you’re protected the best you can be for all types of ID theft,” Rehberg says.
Rehberg will provide more details and information about ID theft prevention at the educational lunch June 14. Plan to attend.
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