“How identity theft hits a 4-year-old is beyond me,” says 4-year-old Tyler’s father. “My wife and I are scared. If this can happen to us, this can happen to anyone’s kids. This creep knows Tyler’s private information…his social security number, his home address and who knows what else…! –Robert S, Tampa, FL
“When we received that letter from the IRS, we nearly fell off our chairs,” recalls Robert, Tyler’s dad.
Four-year-old Tyler S. had become another victim of identity theft. By the time Tyler’s parents discovered this horror, a whole lot of damage had already been done.
In the mail, Robert received a letter from the Internal Revenue Service, informing Tyler’s parents they could not claim Tyler as a dependent.
According to the IRS, another tax filer was already claiming their son as a dependent.
WHAT!!!!! That’s exactly how Tyler’s parents initially reacted…before fear overcame their emotions.
Somebody else was claiming their son as a dependent on HIS tax return.
THE ABSOLUTE HORROR
“That letter…that one moment in time… changed my family’s lives,” states shocked father Robert, still shaking after learning this disturbing news.
“You have no idea how it feels…knowing some sicko has personal information about your child and is using it to commit crimes.”
Tyler’s Parents Had No Idea The IRS Was But The Beginning Of Their Frustrating & Drawn-Out Fight To Protect Their Son!
Tyler’s parents soon discovered a much worse horror. The thieves didn’t stop with claiming four-year-old Tyler on a tax return. The thieves launched a full-scale crime spree using Tyler’s stolen identity.
Nearly impossible to believe, Tyler’s parents discovered the thieves had purchased vehicles, cell phones, gift cards, closets full of clothes, TVs, computers. They also had purchased cruises and received credit cards…all using Tyler’s identity!
Whoa, back-up…. Tyler is four-years-old…FOUR years old! How the hell does this happen to a 4-year-old!
How Does a Four-Year-Old Get Credit?
“The safety of our children is paramount to us,” says Robert. “We still do not know how this thief or thieves picked Tyler and got his information. We have no idea.”
In fear of Tyler’s well-being, Tyler’s parents sought answers and help. Overwhelmed with similar ID Theft reports, police appear unprepared for this type of crime…police told Tyler’s parents there was nothing they could be.
According to Tyler’s parents, the police were not helpful…not equipped to fight identity theft! This is a national epidemic. Approximately 15 million Americans fall victim to identity theft EACH year.
“It’s been months now. We’re scared,” says Tyler’s father. “We are moving. The police cannot guarantee Tyler’s safety or that this is purely identity theft. This person has Tyler’s social security number, his home address and anything else his social can bring up. As parents, we’re terrified and we cannot get answers or help.”
Recently, the Center for Missing & Exploited Children reported 400,000 cases of identity theft against children.
How?
Why?
It’s easy, claim experts. Children (and their parents) don’t pull credit reports. Why would parents pull credit reports on a FOUR-year-old???? Who would think for one second this actually could happen?
Easily, this crime often goes unnoticed for some time with children and elderly…easy targets. Further, many potential creditors don’t review applications closely enough before granting credit.
Identity Theft Hits Main Street
Identity Theft is exploding. It’s not a crime that only affects “…the other side of the tracks.” Identity Theft hits from all directions and at any time…it doesn’t care if you’re white, purple or black…male or female…young or old….baby or teenager.
It’s the faceless criminal striking from afar and leaving victims dazed & confused. Apparently, the police are as dazed & confused about ID Theft as the victims.
“If our situation is any indication, identity theft leaves people groping in fear well after the crime,” says Robert.
Security experts and police officials warn people against rising identity theft, suggesting police are not equipped to prevent this rampant crime. Identity Theft Special Investigator Jason B. says, “We can’t stop this crime…we can barely investigate this crime!”
The Federal Trade Commission reports some 50 million identities have been compromised or stolen in the last six months alone. Which (of your) friends, family & colleagues will become (or has become) a statistic?
When Is It Your Turn?
Are you alone out there against identity theft? Are your children or your elderly parents the next victims? Children and the elderly appear to be thieves’ two preferred groups.
What must you do to minimize–not prevent–identity theft? As you will discover, the rich & famous are not bullet-proof from identity thieves. In fact, in some cases they’re more vulnerable.
We’ve compiled excellent resources–video and special reports–inside our special members area to help you minimize the risk but confront this crime should you become a victim.
Avoid identity theft, no matter what you have to do. The alternative is not easy or painless. Already, you know I personally have battled this “thief,” and I never thought I’d be free again.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great Blog Mike, Ive been thinking more about protecting my identity with monitoring services like Identity Guard. I had them for a few months and they seem like a good company to work with. Its ashame to hear about these kind of struggles some families go through getting their lives turned upside down. fortunately we do have resources to protect ourselves from these scenarios. Whats your take on ID Guard and do you have others tips to protect my identity?
Ron
Good to hear from you, Ron!
ID Theft is MORE deadly than H1N1, though you wouldn’t think so by the media’s lack of attention.
How bad do I think ID Theft is? Let me give an example to punctuate my point. At age 16, I worked at a gas station located right off the freeway. One night, a fellow worker and I were robbed at gun point by wanted fugitives on a crime spree across the United States. I had a 357 loaded with hollow points pressed against my head.
I think most people would agree they’d have nightmares for years. In fact, the girl who worked with me that night never worked there again. That was it for her. I had heard she needed therapy as well.
In college, I got slammed with a bad case of Identity Theft. One day, I’m fine. The next day, somebody sucker-punched me…for what seemed like a daily occurrence for months! Without doubt, ID Theft caused me more sleepless nights and pain than armed robbery.
What I know about ID Theft terrifies me! ID Thieves today EASILY can wreck people’s lives with just a few key strokes. Worse, on the right day of the week, I know how to steal most people’s identity if I wanted to. It’s easier than you EVER could imagine.
Since I’ve been through it, ID Theft compares to getting surprised in a dark alley and beaten up…and it feels as if the beating goes on every stinkin’ day for as long as every stinkin’ debt collector calls and calls and calls. Good luck trying to get help from the police or FTC or credit bureaus. Absolutely forget about trying to get a debt collector to believe you or empathize. Ain’t gonna happen…never…ever!
You mentioned Identity Guard. From my experience, I recommend a different service (albeit less expensive as well).
See this blog post for my review of the top ID Theft monitoring services: http://www.fixmyuglycredit.com/blog/best-identity-theft/
For other posts I’ve written about ID Theft, check these out:
http://www.fixmyuglycredit.com/blog/lifelock-identity-theft-protection-suffers-major-setback/
http://www.fixmyuglycredit.com/blog/avoid-identity-theft-fran/
http://www.fixmyuglycredit.com/blog/repair-credit-fast-identity-theft/
http://www.fixmyuglycredit.com/blog/avoid-identity-theft-jobs/
http://www.fixmyuglycredit.com/blog/bad-credit-repair-watchdogs/
Identity Theft is SOOOOOOOOOOO serious I have devoted an entire newsletter to how to avoid (or minimize) getting the wind knocked out of you (issue #4).
Thanks, Ron, for seeing the seriousness of this crime that continues exploding EVERY year. Why is the media not talking about this epidemic as they are about H1N1.
Hope this helps you, Ron. I NEVER want anyone to go through what I went through.
Mike