Another ID Theft Report Locally
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 9:17AM As we continue to report, ID Theft or Identity Theft is an ever-increasing problem across the country and across Wilkes. The Wilkes Sheriff's Office has been contacted several times by Wilkes residents since the beginning of the year concerning ID theft and financial fraud. In the latest report, a Wilkesboro man told Sheriff's Investigators that he tried to get a loan from the Credit Association in Elkin. The company ran a credit report and found that the man had two credit cards in his name. The Wilkesboro man said he had not applied for either of those cards and does not know who might have stolen his personal information. The Sheriff's Office is currently trying to obtain some paperwork on the credit card applications in hopes of determining a suspect. Charges are pending further investigation. According to the Federal Trade Commission: Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It’s a serious crime that can wreak havoc with your finances, credit history, and reputation — and can take time, money, and patience to resolve. If identity thieves have your personal information, they can drain your bank account, run up charges on your credit cards, open new utility accounts, or get medical treatment on your health insurance. For more information on protecting yourself from ID Theft or information on what to do if you become a victim of ID theft, visit the consumer division of the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.ftc.gov









