Katrina Identity Theft Scam Nets $100,000

As if the surviors of the Katrina hurricane didn't
already have enough challenges, a Washington area
identity thief has been busy stealing their identities
and defrauding the government.

Using the Katrina area identity theft victim's
stolen identities the criminal stole more than
$100,000 in benefits which were designated
for their disaster recovery.

It seems, this identity thief managed to acquire
the personal information of at least 50 hurricane
victims before he was arrested:

• Dates of Birth (dob)
• Social Security Numbers (ssn)

With that confidential information, the identity
thief applied for and received assistance funds
from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA).

The funds were sent via check to the identity
thief's fake addresses designated in locations
in Tennessee, New York, & Washington.

But, this Katrina identity thief did not just stop
there. He further perpetrated his fraud by even
opening up fake companies in D.C. and Alexandria,
Virginia.

Our tip for today is one of extended service.

So, coming on the 1 year anniversary of the
devastating hurriance Katrina, reach out to
any friends or loved ones you know who were
displaced. Let them know they are or could
have already been the target of identity
thieves.

Let those friends or loved ones know they should
contact any of three major credit bureaus to have
their credit report flagged for Katrina victim
status. Also, if the state they are currently
residing in is one of the 22 which allows for
a "credit freeze" to be placed on their credit
report - take full advantage of this important
right to protect their future.