Id Theft Alerts


April 15, 2010
Hospital Data Stolen for Identity Theft

Medical Records
An identity theft ring has been broken up by Cook County Sheriffs.  The 19 took medical records from unlocked file cabinets on three floors of Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

The stolen information was used to purchase items from local stores. The group was so proud of their crimes they took the time to post pictures of themselves with stolen items to their Facebook profiles.

The 19 have been charged with a range of crimes for the thefts. [article]

The shame is that it all could have been prevented by just locking up file cabinets. Physical security is always the easiest to fix but commonly overlooked.
Free Credit Reports get New Rules

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) requires the three major credit bureaus to provide consumers with a free credit report every year.

This was a great idea but the website with the free reports was never advertised and other sites that do charge a fee have launched major ad campaigns. To combat the confusion all sites are now required to let you know that you are entitled to a free report without signing up for any service.

The site you want to go to is www.AnnualCreditReport.com. It doesn't have the band or commercials but it is free.
Identity Stolen for Plastic Surgery

In in effort to boost our ratings we bring you the salacious identity theft story of the month. Yvonne Jean Pampellonne of Laguna Niguel was sentenced last month for identity theft. And what did she do with her stolen identity? Get liposuction and breast implants. [news story]
Attention Not Give to Identity Theft

While identity theft has climbed to its highest levels in five years, business and government have failed to give it the attention required.

A new report by Justice Department Inspector General say the effort to combat the problem has lagged. Recommendations from the President's Task Force of 2007 are still waiting to be addressed. [news report]
Room of Files
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