Identity Theft on the Rise as Thieves Pilfer Personal Data

Scam artists have long made off with your money by pretending to be somebody else. Now, they’re pretending to be you. According to federal data, identity theft in 2022 became the most prevalent form of fraud reported in Michigan, replacing impostor scams.

The Federal Trade Commission says Michigan consumers filed nearly 22,000 reports of ID theft in 2022. Nationwide, ID theft is also the top category, making up 21.5 percent of reports in 2022 — more than 1.1 million for the year, the data shows. “It’s a 24/7 operation and you don’t have to leave your house to become a victim,” says AARP Michigan Associate State Director for Outreach Brenda Price.

AARP plans to host an event with the FBI in April to help consumers avoid scams. For AARP, consumer groups and law enforcement agencies, the increases in identity theft come as the state is battling a rash of other kinds of fraud, from improper charity solicitations and grandparent impostor schemes to work-from-home and investment scams. Aside from identity theft, Michigan consumers filed more than 49,000 fraud reports in 2022.

Stolen data on ‘DARK WEB’ What starts on the “dark web” — an online venue accessible through special software — can result in a criminal using your credit card to buy goods and sell them for cash. That’s what happened in a major case in Michigan involving eight members of a fraud ring based in metro Detroit.

According to court documents and the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, ring members used stolen information to buy gift cards and other goods at Walmarts around the country, resulting in at least £2.1 million in fraud. Ring members pleaded guilty for this and a related case and were sentenced to between two and eight years in prison. The prosecution concluded in 2022.

The criminals had used credit card information found on the dark web to create fake cards. In one instance, they cloned the credit card of an older Florida resident and tried to use it at a store in Arkansas. The victim told her credit card company she wasn’t in Arkansas and had the card deactivated.

But the criminals then impersonated her and answered security questions, getting the card reactivated. On that and another card, they rang up £95,000 in gift cards and goods, including Doritos, video games and contraception. “Fraud is at an epidemic proportion,” says Kathy Stokes, national director of AARP fraud prevention programs. “We’ve never seen this much fraud happening in this country.”

One of the most common ways it’s happening is also one of the easiest to fix: weak passwords. AARP recommends using a unique password for each account, monitoring credit reports and accounts, using transaction alerts, enabling two- factor authentication, and using a virtual private network, or VPN, for public Wi-Fi protection. Criminals stung Annie Mae Holt, 75, of Detroit, a couple of times by posing as legitimate businesses.

Once, she signed up to receive an item she thought was from Costco. It wasn’t. And then unauthorized charges started appearing on her credit card.

“It really enraged me because they used the Costco logo and I love me some Costco,” says Holt, who volunteers as an AARP fraud presentation leader. “Even though I know how serious it is, I still have to remind myself,” she adds. The AARP/FBI online event is Wednesday, April 19.

Register at events.aarp.org/LAL4-19. Other anti-fraud plans in Michigan include paper shredding events in various cities, Fraud Watch presentations, and TV, radio and print campaigns in several markets. Sarah Hollander is a writer living in Cleveland.

ID Thieves Target Older People | Fraud Watch Network

For more on Scams & Fraud

Tags:

bershka listed on couponmatrix.ukjaded-london listed on couponmatrix.ukmazuma-mobile listed on couponmatrix.ukmindful-chef listed on couponmatrix.uko-neill-s-pub-and-grill listed on couponmatrix.uktiffany-rose listed on couponmatrix.uk
bershka listed on couponmatrix.ukBershka should be on the radar of every fashion-loving guy or girl. This brand brings together the latest looks with unique designs that are bound to boost your everyday style. Shop the range for less with a handy Bershka discount code from us - it’s easy to nail a casual cool look with these gorgeous collections. Bershka is all about fresh, fun style that’s both effortless and chic - check out the range today to discover a look that’s uniquely you.
jaded-london listed on couponmatrix.ukJaded London is all about street style and subculture: bold garments that still feel laid back. From casual Jaded London jeans in cool prints to high-fashion-inspired swimwear, Jaded London clothing is fun, contemporary and always a little bit different. Get inspired by the latest street fashion trends and use a Jaded London discount code to save money on your purchase. We’ve rounded up all the Jaded London sales, new customer discounts and free delivery deals – making it easy to cut costs when you shop with Groupon.
mazuma-mobile listed on couponmatrix.ukMazuma Mobile is your go-to for selling old or broken phones or tablets. If you've upgraded your device recently, chances are you've got unused electronics gathering dust at home—turn these into cash with a Mazuma Mobile discount code from us. This reuse and recycle scheme extends the life of old phones, diverting them from landfill and providing affordable second hand devices for those who need them.
mindful-chef listed on couponmatrix.ukLove food but bored with cooking the same old boring meals? Need something to shake up your dinner time routine? With Mindful Chef, the days of being bored by food or unsure what to have for tea can be put behind you. With recipe boxes containing the exact amount of fresh ingredients for your meals, cooking has never been easier, and now you can grab a Mindful Chef discount code to save on taste sensations with every mouthful. Enjoy a healthier diet without compromising on flavour and indulge yourself guilt-free with Mindful Chef.
o-neill-s-pub-and-grill listed on couponmatrix.ukWe Brits are renowned for our love of a good, proper pub - none more so than the wonderful Irish. With an O’Neill’s discount code, you can enjoy money off delicious pub favourites such as burgers, pies, and steaks, plus plenty of local and global drinks at every venue. What’s more, you’ll find all the biggest and best sports fixtures and plenty of live music in O’Neill’s venues across the country, so there’s always something to enjoy while you sip your perfectly poured Guinness!
tiffany-rose listed on couponmatrix.ukTiffany Rose helps bring out the beautiful in every curved belly through an array of elegant maternity dresses for both everyday wear and special occasions. Whether you want something comfy and convenient for nursing or are seeking a jaw-dropping maternity wedding gown to wear down the aisle, a Tiffany Rose discount code can ensure you compliment your curve at a fraction of the cost. You’ve got plenty on your plate growing another human being, so let Tiffany Rose look after your looks in the meantime. Should you have friends or family going through their own pregnancy journey, you can help them look as good as they deserve by buying them a Tiffany Rose gift voucher. Delivered instantly via email and capable of being topped up with any custom value you can afford, a gift voucher is an ideal way to help widen a pregnant woman’s wardrobe on a budget. What’s more, you don’t need to use up the full balance when redeeming the voucher, meaning it can be applied to consecutive shops. There’s little more important than feeling beautiful on your own wedding day, especially when there’s a third family member heading down the aisle with you. Accentuating your baby bump in the best way possible, you can use Tiffany Rose vouchers to bag a wonderful Tiffany Rose wedding dress of your own at a bargain price. With both full and knee-length designs to pick between, you’re free to opt for whichever wedding dress styles vibes best with you and your plus one.