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by Christine_Devine from Work computer

Last Post 16 hours Ago


WARNING:   USE CASH ONLY AT GAS STATIONS AND RESTAURANTS
(so says my identity theft expert)
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We've heard such stories before... but boy do you feel yucky when it happens to you.

So... I get a call this week on my cell:

Caller:  "I'm calling to verify the purchase of electronics by your son."
Me:       "What electronics?  What son?"

I'd become the latest victim of identity theft!!!

The caller was an internet electronics vendor.  She got suspicious when this "customer" placed an order one day, then called again another day and wanted the items shipped overnight.   They'd ordered three TVs and a computer worth $3000.   The "customer" said he was in college and using his mother's credit card.

***A gold star for this vendor who had the smarts to sense a problem.  AND she spent several days trying to track me down.   Finally, the "customer" gave her MY cell number... and she took the time to call me twice... the first time my cell was full.  This super smart vendor held off shipping the order until she reached me.   We gave a high-five on the phone knowing this crook didn't get the goods!  She had pride in herself for following her instincts.  I LOVED knowing this loser failed.

Next step:  call and cancel the credit card.  Turns out someone had used my credit card number to make an actual card and shop at Bloomingdale's in ATLANTA!     A $900 shopping spree!  

THANK GOD the internet vendor alerted me to a problem. 

So... how does this happen?   And it wasn't my first time.  Someone got my ATM number and ripped me off for $150.  The bank got suspicious when $50 was removed at three different locations within a matter of minutes.

According to my identity theft experts... restaurants, hotels and gas stations are where most credit card numbers are being stolen.  One cites the low wage workers as the reason. Now, 9 times out of 10 you will be fine.  However, he swears, sometime in YOUR lifetime you will be the victim of identity theft.  Not today, not tomorrow, but think of how many times you use the credit card at the gas station or restaurant.  He says it WILL happen to you.   At the gas station thieves attach something to the credit machine that reads your card and data.  At the hotel you give ALL your info... phone, address etc.

My attorney recommends we ALL check our credit report.  She found someone had assumed her identity and was using her info on job applications.   www.truecredit.com.

It is a sign of the times.  BEWARE!

Anyone else have a horror story?


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Member Comments Total Comments: 32
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Christine_Devine read my blog view my photos
Mar 1, 2008 | 10:16 AM

After tossing and turning all night on this... I've come to terms that this is just a sign of the times. We live in a credit card society and it just seems unreasonable to carry cash for every expenditure. I will, however, aim not to use my credit at the gas station knowing crooks can easily attach a gadget to the machine which will read and copy all the data on your card. Someone else suggested getting gas cards and using only them... A Shell card, a Union 76 card.

My attorney urges we all keep our documents locked up even at home... and warns too about leaving financial info... credit card statements... on your work desk when you go home at night. Anyone guilty of these two?

steveincanton read my blog view my photos
Mar 1, 2008 | 2:17 PM

I just started not keeping my income tax forms where anyone can get them. Imagine how much they know about you simply from tax forms.

Media read my blog view my photos
Mar 1, 2008 | 3:05 PM

Christine Yes I did experence someone going to my Bank which is a major Bank and getting $10,000 using a mogus check.They got the money.The bank could not go after me since I had nothing to do with it at all. But they penalized me until after their investigation.I was finally cleared and still bank with this bank unto this day. But it is troubling when you know also that you have done no wrong and yet be looked at as a supect.I.D. thief,and all kind of schemces seemly are the orders of our time. And this costs us too as businesses charge comsumers for these losses. The thiefs figure a way around everything we attempt to stop them. But it is wise to do everything we can to protect ourselves. Doesn't this just you so upset? I know it did make me upset.

Gigi_Graciette read my blog view my photos
Mar 1, 2008 | 10:26 PM

Hi Christine,

So sorry to hear that someone swiped your identity.

This may be a good time to remind folks that in accordance with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act), consumers are entitled to request and obtain a FREE credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).

This can be done easily at:

www.annualcreditreport.com.

Coincidentally, I just did it last night.

Please remember that while the reports are FREE (once a year), once you are connected to the individual agencies they will try to sell you everything from credit monitoring services to your FICO score.

You don't have to buy anything to get your free copy.

As for someone swiping yours, all I can say is what were they thinking? After all, there is only one Christine Devine!

christianbearsly read my blog view my photos
Mar 2, 2008 | 4:00 AM

Hey Christine,

MAN! This is the Signs that we will have to be very careful with our credit cards & ATM cards. Our society has made us to use our cards for pay / buy everything.

I don't think you have a son, so I am sure that you was kinda confused, huh? I would be.

Just wait until we have to use Euro ... instead of dollars. Then that will be even more crazy as well.

Blessings!
Christian
http://www.cbcdesigns.net

DfDeportation read my blog view my photos
Mar 3, 2008 | 10:33 PM

Truly amazing! Another example of NOT telling the whole story. Not one mention of the stolen identities of Americans by Illegal Aliens like Elvira Arellano. And this convenient OMISSION by a so-called "Award-Winning" journalist?

Typical spokeshole for FOX...

Can you say.....1984?

Christine_Devine read my blog view my photos
Mar 4, 2008 | 12:59 AM

DfDeportation... I couldn't agree with you more.(except for the spokeshole part) Fox 11 News has done MANY stories on illegal aliens buying stolen identities. With undercover video. We have an INCREDIBLE investigative team and have certainly not ignored this issue. Have you seen our stories?
My blog was about my personal experience, but thank you for the greater perspective.

Thank you Gigi for the info!

Steve, so right.

Media, yes, it sickens me to think of what this kind of theft costs businesses. Luckily, in my case, the computer company sensed a fraud. However, Bloomingdales now may have to eat the cost of the theft there. I get really angry when vendors don't ask for identification. I ask them to PLEASE check identification.

Christine_Devine read my blog view my photos
Mar 4, 2008 | 8:23 AM

Blog author Christopher Null "The Working Guy" wrote the following JUST THIS MORNING:

According to a Federal Trade Commission... California was surpassed by only Arizona, which had the worst per-capita trouble with identity theft... credit card fraud tops the list.

The total fraudulent haul in California alone was $171 million, costing each victim an average of over $3,000.

These problems are growing at breakneck pace... So — be aware of the risks, keep tabs on your wallet, and pay cash if something seems the least bit fishy.
-----------------

Media read my blog view my photos
Mar 4, 2008 | 2:19 PM

Christine I guess Bloomingdales would have coverage for thief right? And they probably pass the cost to the bottom line right?
I don't know but does anyone have an idea?

Christine_Devine read my blog view my photos
Mar 4, 2008 | 2:26 PM

Now that I think about it more... Df... I'm mad at ya.
You question my journalism skills or ability over a blog on a personal matter??!!! This clearly was NOT a news report... for if it were it would have facts, figures, quotes, interviews etc. and it certainly would not have been my personal story. This was a lifestyle... slice of life... a day-in-the-life piece. So, to put this in the category of "award-winning journalism" or not is not even relevant. Question me on a news report I do... not a feature blog..."hey, this was my day update."

dasvics read my blog view my photos
Mar 4, 2008 | 5:45 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about what happened to you Christine. That must be an awful thing to go through. I hope it all works out and shame on the person who put you through this. The woman that alerted you deserves applause. Sometimes I get so discouraged by people who don’t do their job right, but then you come across someone like this woman who actually did. Applause to people like her.
As for DfD, I don’t know what to say, but...I will admit that after I've been mad at him, I end up finding out that something he told me is indeed true. He does have a point about certain people sugar coating certain issues. I understand that none of us want to be disrespected and we're all decent people who will not tolerate any form of discrimination against anyone...BUT, we should be able to discuss any issue honestly and not get upset with each other over it. As long as those discussing it are respectful and courteous of course. But we should definitely discuss things and get to the truth of the matter.

Christine_Devine read my blog view my photos
Mar 5, 2008 | 8:51 AM

You are right... issues may be discussed. Name calling... not cool in my book. I don't like that, wasn't raised like that and disappointed it is a sign of the times. My goal is to empower people... and that's what MY blog will be about.

And...I'll remind Df... a personal day-in-the-life writing is not the same as journalism/news. Feel free to criticize any news story I do on Fox 11.

This_Aint_Your_Land read my blog view my photos
Mar 5, 2008 | 8:57 AM

It's too funny the Christine Devine (who defended Tony Valdez's Aztlan ramblings) would be against identity theft. Especially when the vast majority of those thefts are perpetrated by illegal aliens who steal identities to secure the jobs they steal from American citizens. What a hypocrite.

mystere read my blog view my photos
Mar 5, 2008 | 12:30 PM

"Land", aren't you being hard on Christine? I've personally met her in 2004, and she is a very humble and nice professional person. I've also had things happen to me, and in my case, it was an Asian gang who happened to steal my checking account information from a check that I wrote out at a Circuit City during the holiday season. The forged checks had a woman posing as a Korean native and also as a Filipina...two different names at an address in Orange County.

Christine,

I hope you never have to go through an ID theft situation again. I also read your comment on Sebar's blog on Lauren Sanchez...I am so glad that you continually show your integrity, and stand up for what's right. If you ever see me stumble on any of my blogs, feel free to set me straight...I'll consider it God's rebuke to me. Oh yes, please let Gigi know that I salute her for her response to your blog, in case she doesn't see it. I always enjoy reading your blogs Christine!

Mr. E. from Cypress

dasvics read my blog view my photos
Mar 5, 2008 | 2:01 PM

I agree with Christine, I too am very rude and disrespectful to people and I’m ashamed of that. Sorry. That’s why I put my name and picture up now so I'll be reminded that there is a real person behind the screen, one whom Id probably never be disrespectful to if I was talking to them in person. Its just so easy to write non-sense when we don’t know each other, but its no excuse, I’m going to try to be courteous online as I would be in person. Now, there are times that I’m upset over something that’s happening around me or to me and I think its ok to express my discontent if I’m not directing it at a certain person. And I don’t like to generalize either, but when speaking about illegal immigration, its really difficult not to. I've been called a racist and a member of Azatlan, Mecha, among other things. But anyways, when are we going to discuss this issue honestly without insulting anyone or each other in the process? And that applies to other issues as well, such as homosexuality or what political party or candidate one decides to support.
I’m with Christine and looking forward to blogging and reading other peoples comments--MINUS the petty insults and accusations, otherwise what’s the point?

dasvics read my blog view my photos
Mar 5, 2008 | 2:09 PM

*oops- what I meant to say is that - I - can be rude to people, but the way I wrote that makes it sound like I’m saying Christine’s rude and I am too...sorry.. didn’t mean it like that. omgoodness, its kinda hard to write what I mean and not be misunderstood…..well for me it is anyways.. I'll try to be more careful :-)

whatdaproblemiz read my blog
Mar 5, 2008 | 5:12 PM

Hi Christine....I just want to start out by saying you have great blogs....Love the 10:00 show as well as the GDLA...Matter of fact, I only watch the Fox 11 News...period! Where else do you get glitz and glam as well as the 411....Gotta Love It!
Identity Theft....Something so horrible....I have been a victim as well and it's been about 8 years and I'm still suffering behind the horrific experience.I now have to monitor my credit reports on a monthly basis and have to be notified for verbal okay to proceed with any type of credit inquiries. I can not even apply for instant credit due to the block on my credit report.....Not to mention the person using my credit got utility bills in my name leaving very large balances...These have been the most difficult to deal with...It has been very hard to prove although I can prove I lived elsewhere at the time....What it is, is a hassle for the victim which concerns me a great deal!

Thanks for letting me vent Christine....You are truly Devine!!!!!!!!!!

Christine_Devine read my blog view my photos
Mar 5, 2008 | 5:17 PM

"Land"... seriously! Who isn't against identity theft and credit card fraud??? A crime is a crime. Punish them all!

whatdaproblemiz read my blog
Mar 5, 2008 | 5:33 PM

Just sat here and read these comments....DfD, this was a blog post, not a "Top Story", which I'm sure it could have been if Ms. Devine wanted it that way, but she choose to share her very personal experience with us, and you attack her journalism skills....Who made you Head Azzhole In Charge¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

What angers me the most is the non-constructive critizium that is given on these comments. The way people "talk about" people and the name calling......I believe everyone is entiltled to their own opinion; however, not all opinions have to be expressed! We can agree to disagree.

It is killing me softly how everyone is saying that the major idenity theft problems are due to the illegal alien issues, but that's just as wrong and Flavor Flav having a Dating Show!
Idenity Theft is EVERYWHRER and EVERY CULTURE.......Your next door neighbors could not be who they say they are, so it's bigger than the imigration issue.....It's a GREED issue!

Dasvics, atleast you can admit you can be rude behind the sceens and U R Working on that! So big ups to you for working on U...We can all take a page from that book.

Okay Christine....Look forward to the next post!

dasvics read my blog view my photos
Mar 5, 2008 | 11:11 PM

thanks whatdaproblemiz.
Not that I agree with DfD or tayl's form of expression, we've argued quite a bit and I’m not a fan of theirs ...but... I understand why they're so angry. I try to maintain an open mind on this issue, but its really hard because of thing like these: I just read an article saying that a Hispanic org. wants to censor programs on cable tv and keep certain people from expressing themselves. That makes me a little mad. I don’t have a problem with having to be respectful when we express ourselves, but we shouldn’t be ignored or silenced just because some people don’t like our views or opinions. For example: I left a comment on Gigis blog a couple of days ago (her post on stores shutting down) about how unhappy I am that a lot of the grocery stores that I like in my area are being torn down and replaced with stores that cater to Mexicans by caring Mexican products. She didn’t post it. How is that rude or disrespectful? I wasn’t cursing or aiming my comment at anyone in particular. I just expressing my discontent. Should I be happy or simply keep quiet because God forbid someone disagrees with me or doesn’t like what I have to say?
I like being pc, not a problem, but I do have a problem being ignored just because someone doesn’t agree with me on a issue. I'm in the middle, I don’t support illegal immigration, nor do I disrespect or discriminate against illegal immigrants in any way. I don't condone any type of racism whatsoever against anyone for any reason....BUT, does that mean I can’t be upset about a situation? I don’t think so.
We should all be abl

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Christine_Devine

Award-winning journalist Christine Devine anchors the Fox 11 Ten O'clock News, seen weekdays on FOX 11.

Member Since: 7/4/2006