Identity theft isn't about petty charges to an existing credit card. The scenario above, character fraud, occurs when someone else uses your good name to commit a crime. Medical identity theft occurs when others get medical services in your name, which can make an indelible mark on your medical records. There are millions of people that need your identity to work in the U.S., and those records get reported to the IRS, the Social Security Administration, and state and local agencies. Taxes are expected to be paid on the income earned under your Social Security Number, and you are responsible.
These are just a few examples of the complex nature of identity theft. People spend a lifetime trying to get back their name, and others rack up hundreds of hours to barely scratch the surface. Some lose thousands of dollars in scams, while others spend thousands to get legal and investigative assistance to resolve the crisis. The stress and strain of identity theft have pulled many families apart. As you may know, even attending to the issues associated with a lost or stolen wallet, can wear you out, and if your wallet or purse fell into the hands of an identity thief, the results could be devastating.
During the last several years a number of fee-based, valued-added "identity theft services" have evolved that range from credit monitoring services to full restoration services (qualified professionals do all the identity restorative work for you).
At the same time, a number of consumer advocacy groups and not-for-profit "identity theft resources" have also evolved. While these groups provide valuable services and fill a much needed niche, they suggest that consumers manage their own identities. In other words they promote do-it-yourself identity theft detection, protection, and restorative services. This position is a disservice to consumers, because most consumers do not want to become identity theft experts. Some can't, some won't, and others would prefer to pay others for a valuable service.
While it's true you can change the oil in your car, prepare your taxes, and even amputate your own leg, most people prefer to pay for some level of assistance to have someone do the often complex, confusing, and intricate work for them.
Everyone must understand that not-for-profits are a competitive force. They need to market and promote their services at the expense of others. They are in competition for funding and popularity. But their real competition are the free government sponsored programs, and not private sector services. Many state governments have set up identity theft resource centers and counseling services for victims. They provide counseling (resolution) services to victims, however neither the government nor the not-for-profits offer full services that will restore (restoration services) the victim's identity.
The not-for-profits would be served best if they focused on their strengths, realizing that identity theft is at a pandemic level there are millions and millions of victims that need help and hundreds of millions more that need preventive services. For profit, not-for-profit, and government sponsored programs are all alternatives that we have to choose from in a free enterprise system. Many people, but not all, if given fair and unbiased information would gladly chose to spend 10 or 20 dollars a month, to have the peace of mind that they will not have to later spend thousands of dollars; hundreds of hours of their time over a period of years; and go through a emotionally troubling time to resolve their own identity crisis.
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