Another Wilkes ID Theft Case

Yet another Wilkes County resident has fallen victim to ID theft.  Over the past couple of weeks, 3WC News has reported on at least 3 individuals facing ID theft problems involving a false tax return, falsifying a loan application, and online credit fraud.  Now add to that list the report of a North Wilkesboro resident.  She recently tried to get a power hook up in her name; however, Duke Energy refused due to outstanding bills in her name.  There were bills from two different addresses, one on Yellow Banks Road and one on Marshal Lane.  The victim had not applied for power at either location.  Apparently unknown individuals had used her name with the power company.  No suspects were given with the report, but the Wilkes Sheriff’s Office is investigating.  According to the Federal Trade Commission website--Identity theft is a serious crime. It can disrupt your finances, credit history, and reputation, and take time, money, and patience to resolve. Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission.  Identity thieves might:  go through trash cans and dumpsters to steal bills and documents that have personal information; misrepresent a business to call or send emails to trick you into revealing personal information; or steal your wallet, purse, backpack, or mail to obtain your credit cards, driver's license,  health insurance card, and other items showing personal information.  The FTC recommends to protect yourself:  Read your credit reports. You have a right to a free credit report every 12 months.  Go to www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228; Read your bank, credit card, and account statements. If a statement has mistakes or doesn't come on time, contact the business; Shred all documents that show personal, financial, and medical information; Don't respond to email, text, and phone messages that ask for personal information. Legitimate companies don't ask for information this way. Delete the messages.  For more information on protecting yourself from ID Theft visit:  www.ftc.gov