Yesterday was National Slam the Scam Day. It happens each year on the Thursday during Consumer Protection Week to give a day about creating more awareness about scams, and being ready and able to steer clear of the scammer. The day was originally created to curb social security scams, but common sense states to be able to see through any scam. . .to steer clear to not to becoming a victim, in any circumstance.

It never ceases to amaze me at the actions of alleged criminals, stealing people’s identities. Now it happened to me, again–for the second time in my life. . .my identity was indeed stolen, and someone attempted at opening up a credit card in my name. I woke up to a welcome robocall–from LifeLock/Norton Protection stating to checking my Norton software for more information. The info indeed let me know that there was plenty of work cut out at correcting the problems and to checking my credit immediately. The past months continue to spur even more action for criminals to move in on our money–and we work very hard for our money. Criminals don’t care about the years and years it takes to save up, move in on people’s retirements and much, much more. Stolen identity never yields in a good outcome for the victim. Some scenarios even have victims going to jail! Here are some tools to coping with stolen identity.

Largest Scale Scams of Today

10 of the Biggest Scams of 2022

  1. Money “accidentally” sent to you on pay apps. Never send your “good” money back to anyone who sends anonymous money or gift cards.
  2. The good deal for a gift card in lieu of an amount of cash. Never purchase gift cards from second hand desperate people. People offer a store gift card or activated Visa. Mastercard, etc. . .sometimes offering the card for 50 cents dollar per dollar for your buying the gift card. Sounds like a deal? Usually not! What these cons do is have a card that is good and you check it even in the transaction, only to find later that same day that the card is no longer any good. These cons can try to sell the same number to multiple if not dozens of people in the same day. After you buy the card, it is sold to someone who uses it before you even get a chance to use it! Don’t give out your “good” money in an attempt to get what you think is a good deal from anonymous people with tampered cards!
  3. The great white out-buying tampered gift cards. The scammer brings in batches of stolen non-activated gift cards, or records the numbers and makes sure that the last numbers are not legible, but when the cards are brought back into the store. . .and then purchased by innocent people, the scammers keep checking the cumbers that cannot be seen, and cash in on them. Always make sure that cards are in mint condition, with the numbers covered completely from the factory. If the package do not look tampered but are obviously altered, take the cards right back into the store–right away. This is why it is imperative that you make sure cards you are due to purchase do not look tampered with–before you buy them! The only way to be able to take care of this is for the store to get in touch with the store card’s fraud department to shut the card down right away, so that they can provide a new card to you. Unfortunately the time factor may not be in your best interest on this one, but it is always best to make sure you don’t get taken!
  4. Facebook Messenger, Twitter Direct Message “new” friends/followers, or requests for friendship/following–followed by “Have you heard about the *** program?” You get a request to be someone’s friend. Next thing you know, a supposed good Samaritan is reaching out to you stating how great they are doing thanks to a government program or private beneficiary program–with a testimonial how much better their life has grown due to ***. I put the asterisks here because it could be any program, anything including a COVID-19 money that is running out–or any program. The types of programs that are great for people to enroll are general knowledge. I sometimes furnish information to assist you in obtaining resources, but really good people including myself share information at no price. People don’t hop onto Facebook Messenger to assist others for real assistance, generally– only their own assisting them into your pocketbook. These people even get irate and could be a danger to you to pursue. When I find out about cases and give then my treatment of such behavior, they get real mad and even threaten me, because I waste as much time as I can with them and investigate to see if it is possible to catch enough information about their situation and then turn the case over to law enforcement. I recommend that you do not do this! It is fun to do if you have security!
  5. Leaving messages/texts/emails about winning a lottery or prize. This includes international ones where money is going to be deposited into an account at a certain time. These people look  innocent victims and give instruction including wiring money or obtaining gift cards for insurance or so that taxes aren’t as high, or about one of a dozen more excuses. If you find yourself in front of the Western Union or other wire service; or buying a gift card for who know who–STOP! Don’t do it to yourself.. Your chances of winning a really large prize of over a million are ar odds of sometimes way over 1 in 100 million. A chance to win a Powerball jackpot when the prize is large can be at odds of over 1 in 1 billion. Your chances of being taken by a con-artist are around the annual odds of 1 in 10. That means a whopping 10 people per hundred annually get taken. Don’t be one!
  6. Virtual kidnapping. Two scenarios. Sometimes pot luck people will have kids yelling in the background in order trick you into thinking a family member is kidnapped. Or second scenario. Make sure that you disconnect information online about you and your family–and the personal information involved. People you don’t even know eye up families and start paying attention to them (especially when a member is longer distance) in order to state that a family member is kidnapped. Then they demand ransoms in order to get back in touch with their loved ones. Either scenario, you are asked to pay a ransom in order to get your family member back.
  7. President Biden’s offices are calling you to forgive your student loans. You know exactly where this one is going. I remember the President Bush’s stimulus payment taking over four years to stop getting spam mails about this. This is exactly like the now present “Forgiveness Loans” emails and text I get today. Over 99 out of 100 people and companies that offer “services” for loan discharge, forgiveness, cancelation, or debt relief–are not real. They offer assistance for a “fee”, dont fall for it because you never have to pay for help with your federal student aid.
  8. A survey in exchange for $$$ in a complimentary store gift card. Just for completing a survey! From someone your not even familiar with. A CVS gift card, a Walgreens gift card, a Yeti Cooler, Dick’s Spurting Goods, and more. . . Make sure you know who hosts a survey asking any personal information about you or your family, even on Facebook groups! If you cannot verify a privacy policy of some type on a verifiable website, don’t fill in the survey. You need to know how information will be used. I always conform to my privacy policy that is posted on my website, and if you are new to my website it will pop up at the bottom of the first page, until you take the time to view it or agree to the terms.. Anything more information than that is asking too much, so please for your personal and financial security, be very careful when completing surveys, especially when you don’t know the people hosting them. Oh, and that promised gift card will never show up, and the contact will never be able to be re-contacted!
  9. Investing into crypto for the novice. These scams (sometimes called “Feed the Pig” schemes) target people who don’t know the first thing about cryptocurrency. It is very easy to scam when you do not know the parameters. Invest wisely, only invest when you really know what you are doing. investing in a financial advisor could become quickly a very mush greater investment than any anonymous person or company instating that for a fee they can get you in on a good crypto deal.  Always be careful on get rich easy schemes and dreams.
  10. Answering “no” to the question “Did you approve this $500 purchase?” Don’t answer any texts, messages left on voice mail, or emails that ask you to respond to a question about any transaction. If your bank or other confidential financial resources have a problem, and contact by phone, they always ask you to hang up the phone and call the main branch with a number you have. They won’t provide a number for you to call. They won’t provide a link or sign-in or login. You will have to contact them–they way you always login, and then identify the caller by name, number etc. This is a security protocol. Then you are able to know that you are being contacted in a secure way. You should always have every credit card, debit card, bank account, even utilities and stores you do business with–their fraud department’s numbers should always be in your phone book, so that if you have a problem, you can get in touch right away. And if they contact you while you are at the store and the fraud department flags you, you are contacted right in the store that flagged the fraud department–and you can verify the information so you don’t get locked out of your accounts. Don’t ever respond to anonymous people or companies that question a particular transaction. Even question if you did do business, because these scammers put millions or contacting messages in hoes to catch a few fishes while “phishing”. Always be very careful!

Ongoing items to avoid as spring approaches (the order changes constantly):

  • Stolen identity (Multiple methods)
  • Phishing attempts: watch your emails and texts and scams
  • Zelle scamming started with Bank of America and has meandered to several other banks
  • Ticket scams
  • Vacationing scams
  • Unemployment scams
  • Unemployment scams: watch your mail for government issued income statements to file your tax return
  • Fake Cures: there really is no easy way
  • Utility company scams
  • Malicious “apps”: research and trust before going the the Play Store or Google Play, and especially manually installing with an .apk file
  • Connections to public wifi: NEVER use a password
  • Social media sharing: watch for cloned accounts
  • Selling puppies that don’t exist, especially with promises to deliver by the holiday

Scammers have been getting more and more desperate with no excuses to come up with the reasons that they do it. Always be careful.

Basic Questions – Stolen Identity; Resources to Steer Clear of Being Victim of Fraud

According to both The Motley Fool and AARP, there is still almost record amount of fraud going on, for the last year, right now, and probable for the near unforeseeable future. I recommend getting insurance like LifeLock/Norton Protection so that if you fall to be a victim, that you are contacted as soon as possible. I was contacted and within minutes, my credit was no longer at risk, and was able to start clearing up my credit report within minutes. So be very careful at protecting yourself, you don’t want to be caught with a big chunk of your wallet missing!

Questionnaire to See if You Are A Victim of Stolen Identity:

  • Did the stolen identity lead to monetary loss?
    There are plenty of other attributes involved with any type of loss. If you are at a loss, the minute you see criminal activity, drop what you are doing! Focus on the immediate stopping any further activity. Time is of essence! If you are a victim:

    1. Make sure that you always call or go to your local police station if you are at any monetary loss, especially if you have any recourse to issue a fraud claim, because they will need a police report number in order to initiate a claim.
    2. There are many other techniques of trying to pry into your wallet and portfolio. The information starting at number 2 right below will fill you in on activity in addition to calling police.
  • Did the stolen identity lead to a credit card being generated in your name that you did not open or have any idea about the creation thereof? Credit card fraud has been and is the most common identity theft of persons involved due to the amount of distance from the crime’s outcome.  If you are a victim:
    1. Call or go to your local police station if you are at any monetary loss, especially if you have any recourse to issue a fraud claim, because they will need a police report number in order to initiate a claim. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts.
    2. The Federal Trade Commission at FTC Report Fraud. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts.
    3. Check your credit for free due to criminal activity with  all three credit reporting bureaus. Report any inconsistencies and file a “dispute for any possible issues including a “hard Inquiry”. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts. The credit reporting agencies in the U.S. are:
    4. Your state or local consumer protection agencies. Visit NAAG for a list of state Attorneys General.
  • Did the stolen identity lead to an unidentified change of address with the Postal Service? Postal fraud can be used to keep distance yet also facilitate other sometimes really heinous criminal activity. A lot of times the criminal likes to remain anonymous through the use of postal service. Other times, it is used to make an innocent person’s identity mask and disguise a crime.  If you are a victim:
    1. Call or go to your local police station if you are at any monetary loss, especially if you have any recourse to issue a fraud claim, because they will need a police report number in order to initiate a claim. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts.
    2. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service if you received a check by mail or if the mail was used as a tool to facilitate the fraud.
    3. If it involves internet crime activity–involving cash, counterfeit checks and money orders, file an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center which is a joint project of both the FBI and National White Collar Crime Center.
    4. The Federal Trade Commission at FTC Report Fraud. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts.
    5. Check your credit for free due to criminal activity with  all three credit reporting bureaus. Report any inconsistencies and file a “dispute for any possible issues including a “hard Inquiry”. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts. The credit reporting agencies in the U.S. are:
  • Did the stolen identity lead to your checking or savings accounts having a debit? Criminal activity through use of getting hands on your funds by obtaining access to your checking, savings and money market funds.  If you are a victim:
    1. Call or go to your local police station if you are at any monetary loss, especially if you have any recourse to issue a fraud claim, because they will need a police report number in order to initiate a claim.
    2. If it involves a check or draft, notifying the bank whose name is on the check or draft.
    3. If it involved counterfeiting or other bank related criminal activities, contact FDIC.gov or call the FDIC:  (877) 275-3342 (877-ASK-FDIC)
    4. The Federal Trade Commission at FTC Report Fraud. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts.
    5. Check your credit for free due to criminal activity with  all three credit reporting bureaus. Report any inconsistencies and file a “dispute for any possible issues including a “hard Inquiry”. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts. The credit reporting agencies in the U.S. are:
    6. If it involves internet crime activity–involving cash, counterfeit checks and money orders, file an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center which is a joint project of both the FBI and National White Collar Crime Center.
    7. If it involves internet crime activity–involving cash, counterfeit checks and money orders, file an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center which is a joint project of both the FBI and National White Collar Crime Center.
  • Did the stolen identity lead to your checking or savings accounts having a mysterious small credit? There it is! A small and mysterious, sometimes a $1 dollar or even a 1 penny credit on your checking, savings or money market account. Pay really close attention, because it looks great to get a credit, but. . .beware of a looming future debit! Criminals use this technique to establish whether the credentials to use your account are valid. If you are a victim:
    1. Call or go to your local police station if you are at any monetary loss, especially if you have any recourse to issue a fraud claim, because they will need a police report number in order to initiate a claim. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts.
    2. If it involved counterfeiting or other bank related criminal activities, contact FDIC.gov or call the FDIC:  (877) 275-3342 (877-ASK-FDIC)
    3. The Federal Trade Commission at FTC Complaint Assistant. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts.
    4. Check your credit for free due to criminal activity with  all three credit reporting bureaus. Report any inconsistencies and file a “dispute for any possible issues including a “hard Inquiry”. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts. The credit reporting agencies in the U.S. are:
    5. If it involves internet crime activity–involving cash, counterfeit checks and money orders, file an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center which is a joint project of both the FBI and National White Collar Crime Center.
    6. If it involves internet crime activity–involving cash, counterfeit checks and money orders, file an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center which is a joint project of both the FBI and National White Collar Crime Center.
  • Did the stolen identity lead to a “hard inquiry” on any of the three credit reporting agencies? If you identify a “hard inquiry” or are contacted by phone call, text, notification or email, that there are inconsistencies with your credit reports at any of the three credit reporting agencies. Your failure to launch a dispute will make the inquiry valid, lowering your credit score, and usually will remain on you report for up to two years after the “hard inquiry”. If you are a victim:
    1. Call or go to your local police station if you are at any monetary loss, especially if you have any recourse to issue a fraud claim, because they will need a police report number in order to initiate a claim. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts.
    2. The Federal Trade Commission at FTC Complaint Assistant. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts.
    3. Check your credit for free due to criminal activity with  all three credit reporting bureaus. Report any inconsistencies and file a “dispute for any possible issues including a “hard Inquiry”. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts. The credit reporting agencies in the U.S. are:
  • Did the stolen identity lead to a transfer of title of any type including your vehicles? Being a victim of this crime can lead to two seperate activities. They outcome can lead to devastation in all cases. The criminal may do this to obtain your vehicle though forging the title. After the title is forged and sold off, someone appears and “repossesses” your car, and boy, what trouble indeed. They can also take your vehicle for the purposes of reselling it, trading it in and all sorts of commonplace ways that having a title in their name can take place. Also, this can lead to a criminal without your knowledge using your equity on “possession” of your vehicle, to obtain more credit–having that “fake” title can lead to all sorts of trouble for you financially. Furthermore, having a car registered in your name that does not belong to you leads to all sorts of really damaging liability, especially when they are not insured properly, which is the cast most often. If you think that you are having issues, contact The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state. The DMV keeps a record of every driver in the state. The DMV tracks the driver’s record, infraction history, vehicle type, and more. If you are a victim:
    1. Call or go to your local police station if you are at any monetary loss, especially if you have any recourse to issue a fraud claim, because they will need a police report number in order to initiate a claim.
    2. Contact the DMV in your state immediately. The receptionist may or may not be able to help directly, but hey will direct you to the proper department to rectify the problem. If an accident or abandonment has occurred, you may be on the hook to schedule an informal hearing with a hearing officer. If this happens, you must comply with the department. Your drivers license is at stake, and the problem will not go away without the hearing. Make sure that you bring in all supporting documentation, including police reports–to the hearing officer. Follow through with the explicit instructions and outcome of the hearing.
    3. The Federal Trade Commission at FTC Report Fraud. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts.
    4. Check your credit for free due to criminal activity with  all three credit reporting bureaus. Report any inconsistencies and file a “dispute for any possible issues including a “hard Inquiry”. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts. The credit reporting agencies in the U.S. are:
  • Did the stolen identity lead to a problem with your deeds/transfer of land or properties? Being a victim of this highest crime–losing the right to your own property can be the hardest possible outcome. The criminal does this through forging documents in order to go through a notary public in order to clinch a forged document, and obtaining access to your deed on your property. Even owing a balance to a mortgage does not disqualify you from this one, because the criminal pools moneys to fund this, by using owed balances on mortgages as “overhead” in order to weasel in on your deed. Once this is done, you may be served an order to vacate the premises, and you will need every ounce of help including the assistance of lawyers to correct this one! By avoidance, you just lose time, so not acting on this type of fraud only leads to legal eviction from your own premises. This type of fraud did suffer a slighing in the COVID-19 era due to the fact that evictions were on a hiatus. But now with evictions back, it has taken off with flying colors, and you really need to watch out! The motivation can be two-fold, being that it could be for the profit, or for the housing, or both. Some common types of schemes include:
      • Foreclosure rescue schemes
      • Loan modification schemes
      • Illegal property flipping
      • Builder bailout/condo conversion
      • Equity skimming
      • Silent second
      • Home equity conversion mortgage
      • Commercial real estate loans
      • Air loans

Visit: Real Estate Deed Fraud – Deeds.com to see steps that can be taken before you think that you are a victim. If you are a victim:

    1. Call or go to your local police station if you are at any monetary loss, especially if you have any recourse to issue a fraud claim, because they will need a police report number in order to initiate a claim.
    2. The following steps need to be implemented:
      • Contact any banking institutions that might be able to freeze the funds.
      • Call your county recorder immediately.
      • Report the fraud to the FBI’s Financial Institution/Mortgage Fraud website to open up an investigation.
      • Contact your title insurance company and learn if your policy covers post-closing forgery.
    3. Hire a reputable lawyer who deals with real estate fraud. If you are able to obtain information about the perpetrator, your lawyer will also be able to assist in suing for damages.
    4. The Federal Trade Commission at FTC Report Fraud. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts.
    5. Check your credit for free due to criminal activity with  all three credit reporting bureaus. Report any inconsistencies and file a “dispute for any possible issues including a “hard Inquiry”. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts. The credit reporting agencies in the U.S. are:
  • Did the stolen identity lead to a problem with becoming employed or continuing your employment? If you are a victim and an employer is using an incident of fraud that appears on your record, and uses it against your best interests, you have the same rights and/or more, as a criminal would. Immediately:
  • Did the stolen identity lead to being able to obtain credit whereby you had been previously able to obtain such credit? If you are refused credit to no fault of your own, can and often times is considered undue discrimination, by essentially determining a “sentence” on you by reprimanding you by unjustly executing an order to not extend credit, and not considering the circumstances–all without a judgement. Therefore if you are a victim to this:
    1. Call or go to your local police station to have it on record that the case of being refused credit is on official record. The police will not be able to assist you in rectifying the problem, only in making it official record. You will need a police report number in order to initiate and pursue a claim.
    2. If you are victim of being refused credit, a lawyer specializing in discrimination can assist. Always consider a lawyer before going pro-se with any case, as determination of any case must be fully considered, becaseu if you don’t use a lawyer and bring suit and find out later that the outcome could be much better, you will not be able to try the case again.
    3. Check your credit for free due to criminal activity with  all three credit reporting bureaus. Report any inconsistencies and file a “dispute for any possible issues including a “hard Inquiry”. If there is no monetary loss, claim zero dollar losses, but still report all the relevant facts. The credit reporting agencies in the U.S. are:
  • Did the stolen identity lead to having your lease terminated? If you are a victim and an landlord is using an incident of fraud that appears on your record, and uses it against your best interests, you have the same rights and/or more, as a criminal would. Immediately:
    • Contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Learn About the FHEO Complaint and Investigation Process. They may or may not be able to assist. They will never give you legal advice but they are obligated to assist in providing you with information on finding the right department in your state to pursue action.
    • Immediately, and without delay, hire a reputable lawyer who deals with housing discrimination issues in your state. If your lawyer recommends making it a police matter, do so with instruction. Your lawyer not only be able to rectify the housing issues, but also will also be able to assist in suing for damages including the additional cost of your having to move, extra rent incurred above and beyond the deal offered, and other damages.
  • Did the stolen identity lead to problems with an authority, i.e. police or other agencies? If you incur problems with law enforcement due to fault not your own, by all means be cordial and don’t over-react. Remember, law enforcement has a job to do, and are due respect of the badge. Before arrest, fully explain the situation as good as possible so as to not incriminate yourself unjustly, because before you are read your miranda rights, any and all information is not admissible in the court of law. Once arrested, insist on obtaining legal counsel! Even though you are not at fault, your having a lawyer is paramount at obtaining and reserving all of your legal rights as a citizen. Due process needs to be observed on both your level as being listed a defendant just as it would be the state being a plaintiff. Therefore if you are a victim to this:
    1. Insist on having a lawyer either called or appointed. Because in these cases, it is not your fault, not having a lawyer present is never in your best interest. Do not answer any questions. Exercise your right to remain silent!
    2. Talk to your lawyer about every detail. You have a right to talk to your lawyer without any surveillance and in privacy.
    3. Follow your lawyer’s instructions to a tee. They will assist in rectifying the problem and later on when it comes to restitution. Also they can provide much information in proper restoration as far as credit and other issues. Because this has become a criminal matter, all criminal actions need to be paired with civil action properly. Therefore you really need your lawyer in order to do civil action as well, so that your rights both civilly and criminally are not violated. Never assume action civilly, because civil action can supersede criminal action, and a criminal case could be capsized by your subsequent civil action. Always follow your lawyers advice!
  • Did the stolen identity lead to problems with Medicare, Medicaid or health insurance issues? If your identity is stolen in connection with Medicare, Medicaid and insurance, you could be on the hook very hard. Remember, when someone uses your personal information without your consent to commit Medicare fraud or other crimes, you will need to have all documentation as to the dates/times in question, and unfortunately have consistency in order to have the case civilly settled. If it becomes a criminal matter, insist on obtaining legal counsel! Even though you are not at fault, your having a lawyer is paramount at obtaining and reserving all of your legal rights as a citizen. Due process needs to be observed on both your level as being listed a defendant just as it would be the state being a plaintiff. Therefore if you are a victim to this and are under an arrest:
    1. Insist on having a lawyer either called or appointed. Because in these cases, it is not your fault, not having a lawyer present is never in your best interest. Do not answer any questions. Exercise your right to remain silent!
    2. Talk to your lawyer about every detail. You have a right to talk to your lawyer without any surveillance and in privacy. Your lawyer will be able to determine whether it is an issue with insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, and be able to assist in reserving your rights.
    3. Follow your lawyer’s instructions to a tee. They will assist in rectifying the problem and later on when it comes to restitution. Also they can provide much information in proper restoration as far as credit and other issues. Because this has become a criminal matter, all criminal actions need to be paired with civil action properly. Therefore you really need your lawyer in order to do civil action as well, so that your rights both civilly and criminally are not violated. Never assume action civilly, because civil action can supersede criminal action, and a criminal case could be capsized by your subsequent civil action. Always follow your lawyers advice!

If you are not arrested:

    1. See the Medical Identity Theft page and also contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Medical Identity Theft Reporting website or call the Medicare customer service (1-800-MEDICARE): (800) 633-4227. They may or may not be able to assist. They will never give you legal advice but they are obligated to assist in providing you with information on finding the right department to pursue action., and recommend the proper department to call if it is a Medicaid issue.
    2. If this is an private insurance issue, please adhere to your insurance booklet that states your rights under policy holder.
    3. Every case is very different, so make sure that you protect your rights and have legal counsel on standby. hiring a reputable lawyer who deals with Medicare and insurance issues can assist you dramatically. Your lawyer not only be able to rectify the issues, but also will also be able to assist in suing for damages.
  • Did the stolen identity lead to problems with an insurance related issue where funds were cashed in on in your name? This can go two ways. Either you are notified by arrest or follow up civilly. Remember, when someone uses your personal information without your consent to commit life insurance fraud or other crimes, you can be accused of larceny.  You will need to have all documentation as to the dates/times in question, and unfortunately have consistency in order to have the case civilly settled. If it becomes a criminal matter, insist on obtaining legal counsel! Even though you are not at fault, your having a lawyer is paramount at obtaining and reserving all of your legal rights as a citizen. Due process needs to be observed on both your level as being listed a defendant just as it would be the state being a plaintiff. Therefore if you are a victim to this and are under an arrest:
    1. Insist on having a lawyer either called or appointed. Because in these cases, it is not your fault, not having a lawyer present is never in your best interest. Do not answer any questions. Exercise your right to remain silent!
    2. Talk to your lawyer about every detail. You have a right to talk to your lawyer without any surveillance and in privacy. Your lawyer will be able to determine how to assist in reserving your rights.
    3. Follow your lawyer’s instructions to a tee. They will assist in rectifying the problem and later on when it comes to restitution. Also they can provide much information in proper restoration as far as credit and other issues. Because this has become a criminal matter, all criminal actions need to be paired with civil action properly. Therefore you really need your lawyer in order to do civil action as well, so that your rights both civilly and criminally are not violated. Never assume action civilly, because civil action can supersede criminal action, and a criminal case could be capsized by your subsequent civil action. Always follow your lawyers advice!

If you are not arrested:

    1. Contact a reputable lawyer. Life insurance fraud can be a very complicated matter, and doing this on your own can be detrimental to your case. Your lawyer will be able to assist you through the matter.
    2. If you think that you or someone you know is in danger due to a life insurance scheme and life is in danger, always call 9-1-1 or visit your local police to report any illegal activity that may transpire or be in action.
    3. Don’t be a vigil ante. Leave law enforcement to the officials. It is too dangerous to think that you would be able to assist such a matter yourself.
  • Did the stolen identity lead to problems with being logged off of an online account, including social media, business websites, or where you are not able to log into your accounts online? Very complicated. Every case is so different and some of the material already discussed can be relevant. The fact is, being logged out of your own account can have several motives. It could be a ransomware issue, a demand for holding a website hostage, or other motivating factors. If you find that you are victim of such a case , even if is is not a ransom demand, take the following steps:
    1. Preventatively, backup often. Keep your backups on the premises and remotely. Therefore if your website is ever held hostage, you would be able to have your website hosting and domain service “shut off” the perpetrator. Then you would be able to lock them out, and back up your website.
    2. Call 9-1-1 or visit your local police to report any illegal activity that may transpire or be in action. Business website takeovers are criminal. Let the authorities recommend your best strategies and maneuvers to rectifying this very serious issue.
    3. Don’t be a vigil ante. Leave law enforcement to the officials. It is too dangerous to think that you would be able to assist such a matter yourself.
    4. There are businesses that assist in rebuilding after these types of attacks. Get plenty of recommendations before hiring a professional. These type of companies have many solutions to a lot of problems. Rely on their sound advice.
  • Did the stolen identity lead to problems with the Internal Revenue Service or a state comptroller, whereby tax funds led to an unscrupulous refund in your name? If your identity is stolen in connection with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or U.S. Treasury, you could be on the hook very, very hard. There have been an exorbitant amount of cases directly in connection with filing of claims in connection with COVID-19 relief programs, and also just because the U.S. Treasury has been experiencing a high volume of cases, and sliding a lot of fraud cases has been a very relevant issue. Remember, when someone uses your personal information without your consent to commit financial issues including obtaining undue refunds from the U.S. Treasury, fraud or other crimes, you will need to have all documentation as to the dates/times in question, and unfortunately have consistency in order to have the case civilly settled. If you think you need a lawyer, you probably do!! If it becomes a criminal matter, insist on obtaining legal counsel! Even though you are not at fault, your having a lawyer is paramount at obtaining and reserving all of your legal rights as a citizen. Due process needs to be observed on both your level as being listed a defendant just as it would be the state being a plaintiff. Therefore if you are a victim to this and are under an arrest:
    1. Insist on having a lawyer either called or appointed. Because in these cases, it is not your fault, not having a lawyer present is never in your best interest. Do not answer any questions. Exercise your right to remain silent!
    2. Talk to your lawyer about every detail. You have a right to talk to your lawyer without any surveillance and in privacy. Your lawyer will be able to determine whether it is an issue with insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, and be able to assist in reserving your rights.
    3. Follow your lawyer’s instructions to a tee. They will assist in rectifying the problem and later on when it comes to restitution. Also they can provide much information in proper restoration as far as credit and other issues. Because this has become a criminal matter, all criminal actions need to be paired with civil action properly. Therefore you really need your lawyer in order to do civil action as well, so that your rights both civilly and criminally are not violated. Never assume action civilly, because civil action can supersede criminal action, and a criminal case could be capsized by your subsequent civil action. Always follow your lawyers advice!

If you are not arrested:

    1. Contact the Identity Theft Central | Internal Revenue Service or call customer service: (800) 829-1040. They may or may not be able to assist. They will never give you legal advice but they are obligated to assist in providing you with information on finding the right department to pursue action., and recommend the proper department to call.
    2. If you think you need to settle an issue, lawyers are a great way to start. Have all your documentation available. The U.S. Treasury is the best lawyer in the world. They do not operate with lawyers, so your chance to settle with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) without a lawyer can land you with a very stiff bill, losing your assets–including your home and vehicles, and also ending up in criminal trouble. Your best bet is to get a lawyer and settle financial matters after a settlement. Even though it is not your fault, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is never going to cite with you. Your lawyer not only be able to rectify the issues, but also will also be able to assist in suing for damages. if you are able to find the perpetrator.
  • Did the stolen identity lead to problems with a disposition that you are involved with welfare fraud or that a SNAP card is in your name without your knowledge? Even though the SNAP program is a subsidy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it is governed though each state independently. Therefore any issues that you have will be reported through the state’s own and independent Department of Human Services,  Each state has its own rules and regulations. If you find it become a criminal matter, you may need to hire a lawyer. Never give up your right to attorney! You can find your state’s information at the U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s hotlines at (800) 424-9121
  • Was a false or synthetic identity, or “ghost identity” created with signatures pointing at yourself–putting you “on the hook” for a fake person being generated? All of the scenarios above apply, the only difference is that you become “on the hook” when authorities move in to apprehend.
    1. Call or go to your local police station if you are at any monetary loss, especially if you have any recourse to issue a fraud claim, because they will need a police report number in order to initiate a claim. Your records are important and highly relevant to your case.
    2. Hire a lawyer. The majority of cases are highly complex, and you really do not want your rights violated.
  • Did the stolen identity lead to problems with you actually finding out that you are indeed found to have a death certificate drawn up in your name. . .and that life insurance had been taken on yourself and cashed out? Scenarios are very highly complex.
    1. If your case is life threatening, always dial 9-1-1. Don’t take a dangerous matter in your hands. Always rely on law enforcement.
    2. Call or go to your local police station if you are at any monetary loss, especially if you have any recourse to issue a fraud claim, because they will need a police report number in order to initiate a claim. Your records are important and highly relevant to your case.
    3. Hire a lawyer. You really do not want your rights violated.
  • Did the stolen identity lead to problems where your children’s identity has been compromised. . .for any of the above reasons previously listed? Any and all scenarios are the most complex. Protect your rights and especially your child’s rights! Don’t think of handling this on your own. A lot of situations involve the previously discussed issues in my article. The only difference is that since you are involved with a minor, you will need legal guidance, counsel in all matters. Do not think about handling this on your own!!
    1. If your case is life threatening, always dial 9-1-1. Don’t take a dangerous matter in your hands. Always rely on law enforcement.
    2. Call or go to your local police station if you are at any monetary loss, especially if you have any recourse to issue a fraud claim, because they will need a police report number in order to initiate a claim. Your records are important and highly relevant to your case.
    3. Hire a lawyer. You really do not want your rights or your child’s rights violated.

With Stolen Identity an Scammers, Always Beware:
Never become victim to offers convincing you to do a transaction. If it sound too good to be true, it probably is. I am there to help keep your money in your wallet and safe!

Hashtag:
#SlamTheScam

bitcoins-and-u-s-dollar-bills-730547 financial_1678513566.jpeg David McBee at Pexels

David McBee at Pexels

DISCLOSURE: I have zero tolerance towards bullying, especially online! I also had my identity stolen in the year 2018. A list of a business that I did business with had their intellectual property stolen by hackers. Next thing you know I had a store account hacked into and hundreds of dollars. Then my bank account had money wired to Poland. It could have been way worse. I did after a series of months get the money returned to me because the methods they chose had fraud guarantees, and with a police report number and the assistance of others, and doing all the formalities, this was possible in my case. Also, due to forensics, my computer was able to identify that the lists of the company I did business with were hacked at the computer’s security signature level, I was able to obtain a settlement of which I granted the company an Indemnity Form of Release. As I stated, my case could have been astronomically worse than it was. It is not an easy task to get out of the rut and go on with life, and the settlements are never worth the grief. I have experience at this, and would never want anyone have to go through what I had to go through. For these reasons–and because I care, I choose to share as many ideas to combat the crime before it happens. This is the reasoning that over the past few years sections I have featured articles concerning fraud and violence, including fraud watches and other usefully wise sections. I also never tolerate violence of any kind. I thank you for being my follower, and hope that this never happens to you!

National Slam the Scam Day

More on Versatileer:

5 thoughts on “National Slam the Scam Day – 2023”

  3. Yikes, Jerry, your identity was stolen? I am so sorry! But thank you for this super article it covers EVERYTHING!!! My brother’s wallet was stolen In Times Square last year, and the first thing he did was go to the police station. From there he called our cousin (a lawyer) who notified everyone. What a mess!

    • It happens to the best of us! Yes I did have it stolen. This is why I take these posts very seriously. I am going to feature the exact incident sometime very soon, but I did agree to indemnify the company that they used mailing lists from. I had another attempt right before COVID-19 hit in January 2020, and then by April, the whole modus operandi and the location of the call matched that of me, and some elderly lady I never met from Missouri was taken for $275,000 so I felt miserable that I could not assist in getting these people taken down quicker. These people were operating between first on Twitter, then a text and then a phone call. They did get taken off Twitter, but it wasn’t enough. Yikes!!

Leave a Reply to Debbie PCancel reply