Thursday, May 10, 2007
Three Million Identities Missing
Three Million Identities Missing
Susanna Avery | savery@wrbl.com
News 3 On Your Side
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
A computer disc containing the personal information of millions of Georgians is missing. If you were enrolled in Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids between June 2002 and June of 2006, then you could be a victim.
The CD has been missing for a month, but many of the 2.9 million Georgians are just now finding out.? Even if your personal information isn't on the missing CD, we're on your side, with reminders on how to lessen your chances of being a victim of identity theft.
"The statistics show that one out of 11 people will be a victim of identity fraud," said Sgt. Karen Gaskins, with the Columbus Police. Ironically, Sgt. Gaskins, the head of the fraud division, has been a victim.? "I got a medical bill from one of our local hospitals, about treatment," said Gaskins.?
However, Sgt. Gaskins' never received the treatment. Someone had hacked into her family records.
With millions of people's personal information on the loose, Sgt. Gaskins says it's so important to be proactive instead of reactive. ?? "Really stay on top of your finances. Limit the amount of credit cards you have, even if there's zero balance. Close them. Use maybe one or two," she said.
Also, ask your credit card company for free fraud alerts, every six months. "When they call you and you say I didn't open this account, then that stops the process. If they don't get you on the phone, sometimes they mail you a letter," said Sgt. Gaskins
Identity theft is on the rise, and sometimes can't be avoided.? "If I were to tell someone, if you do these 10 things, it won't happen to you, then I would be telling an untruth," said Sgt. Gaskins.
If you were enrolled in PeachCare or Medicaid from June 2002 to June 2006, you should call 1-877-382-4357.
Susanna Avery | savery@wrbl.com
News 3 On Your Side
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
A computer disc containing the personal information of millions of Georgians is missing. If you were enrolled in Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids between June 2002 and June of 2006, then you could be a victim.
The CD has been missing for a month, but many of the 2.9 million Georgians are just now finding out.? Even if your personal information isn't on the missing CD, we're on your side, with reminders on how to lessen your chances of being a victim of identity theft.
"The statistics show that one out of 11 people will be a victim of identity fraud," said Sgt. Karen Gaskins, with the Columbus Police. Ironically, Sgt. Gaskins, the head of the fraud division, has been a victim.? "I got a medical bill from one of our local hospitals, about treatment," said Gaskins.?
However, Sgt. Gaskins' never received the treatment. Someone had hacked into her family records.
With millions of people's personal information on the loose, Sgt. Gaskins says it's so important to be proactive instead of reactive. ?? "Really stay on top of your finances. Limit the amount of credit cards you have, even if there's zero balance. Close them. Use maybe one or two," she said.
Also, ask your credit card company for free fraud alerts, every six months. "When they call you and you say I didn't open this account, then that stops the process. If they don't get you on the phone, sometimes they mail you a letter," said Sgt. Gaskins
Identity theft is on the rise, and sometimes can't be avoided.? "If I were to tell someone, if you do these 10 things, it won't happen to you, then I would be telling an untruth," said Sgt. Gaskins.
If you were enrolled in PeachCare or Medicaid from June 2002 to June 2006, you should call 1-877-382-4357.
Labels: Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids
# posted by raveneye @ 2:07 PM 
