If you have ever known anyone victimized or yourself been a victim of identity theft, you know the long hours spent speaking with banks, credit card companies, and other agencies trying to explain that someone has stolen your identity. Identity thieves can be as low tech or high-tech as you can imagine, having little fear of being caught and less fear of being charged criminally and prosecuted. Until recently, the Rhode Island General Laws have lagged behind as technology has grown, giving these criminals the advantage. That is, until the § 11-49.1-3 Identity fraud statute was written into law.

In Smithfield, we have encountered a number of victims who have been cheated out of money through online auctions such as eBay and had their information compromised and used to open PayPal accounts and other online services, of which they had no knowledge. eBay, the largest online auction service is safe when simple rules are followed such as:

• Researching a seller's feedback. How many transactions they have conducted will be highlighted next to their name. The lower the number, the more suspect you should be. You can also look at whether the seller’s feedback is positive or negative based on other buyers messages. This is represented by a percentage. The higher the percentage, the better the seller's track record.

• Never, respond to, or click on a link which appears to be from eBay. This is a potential Phishing scam. This is a practice by which criminals lure unsuspecting people into thinking there is a problem with their account, or their account is going to be closed. This is done through an email which appears to be from eBay. It has the eBay logo, their colors, even the internet address says eBay, however you are being tricked into clicking and being redirected to a page that will ask you to log in to eBay. Your identity has now become compromised!

• Use a trusted method of sending money such as a credit card, paypal, or other online banking service. Never send cash or Western Union. If a seller contacts you and requests a money transfer, this should be a red flag. Also, any overseas transactions should be suspect as international laws are difficult to enforce.

What can be done with your stolen information?

• Open new lines of credit.

• Open bank accounts, phone services, department store credit cards, apply for home and auto loans.

• Commit other crimes and give your name, instead of their own, to police.

Ways to protect yourself from Identity Theft

• Shredding credit card statements and bank statements before putting them out to be picked up on trash day.

• Not writing your PIN number on the back of your ATM card or keeping your Social Security card in your purse or wallet.

• Periodically requesting a credit report through the three major credit bureaus. (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax)

• Never give out personal information over the phone, mail, or the internet unless you know the receiver and have initiated the contact.

Helpful Links

Here are some useful links to help in protecting your identity and helping you if you do become a victim.

• Federal Trade Commission 
• Internet Crime Complaint Center 
• Identity Theft Center 
• Social Security Administration
• Identity Theft Resource Guide
• Credit Monitoring and Flags