Originally published August 6 2005
Identity theft ruins lives
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Identity theft, a crime occurring more and more often, is almost impossible to recover from and haunts victims daily, according to an ABC News report.
In 2004, an estimated 10 million people fell victim to identity thieves, according to a survey conducted by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.
Most victims --- according to the survey --- spend an average of 81 hours trying to clear their names.
Worse yet, nearly a third of those surveyed are unable to repair the damage.
"A bank in town called and said your nanny is here and she says that you've authorized a $23,000 cash advance on your credit card for her to open an account," Berry said.
"And I said, 'I don't know what you're talking about.
That call turned out to be the tip of the iceberg.
Armed with Berry's birth certificate and Social Security number, the thief had applied for 30 credit cards, nine cell phones, several bank loans, bought an SUV, a motorcycle and a new wardrobe --- making off with about $75,000 in less than two weeks.
As a doctor with good credit, Berry says she was a goldmine for a potential criminal.
The thief turned out to be a nurse at Berry's hospital.
She was caught, convicted and served 23 months in jail.
Berry doesn't know where her identity thief is now.
She could still be living in Tulsa, and she still has all the information she needs to steal from Berry again.
Authorities say there is little they can do to help Berry.
She has been told a new Social Security number would only make it harder to prove her identity.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml