Identity Theft, Part Three
Once again, I’m a victim of potential identity theft through no fault of my own. I was notified last week that a government computer was stolen that contained personal information on over a million employees that work in Colorado. I never gave them my information. I never wanted them to have my information. I never even knew about them until last week.
I was part of a government database of new hires in Colorado. It was created to track down people that own child support. I don’t have a child. I’ve never had a child. I’ve never owed anyone any form of child support. I shouldn’t even be on the computer that was stolen.
This article states that they don’t think that the theft was motivated by identity theft. Bullshit. Why steal the computer if you don’t want what is on it? I doubt this computer will end up in a pawn shop. I’m hoping that the person that stole the computer will format it, installed Windows XP, and use it to play World of Warcraft or something like that. If they know what they have (which I’m sure they know by now) then millions of people are poised for having their lives ruined.
I’ve already posted twice [here and here] about identity theft, and the punishments that people should be given for losing vital information. My stance on this has become more firm now that this has happened to me twice in the span of 3 months. If someone else loses my data every month, then, eventually, someone will abuse what has come into their hands.
I think it’s time for me to write my congressmen (state and federal) to see if they can do anything about this ever-growing problem. If you feel safe and secure enough to not write, then do nothing. However, I guarantee that you’re not safe. If you have a job. If you have a Social Security number. If you own a house. If you have student loans. If you have children. If you have any form of bank account or credit card. If you have any of these things, then your financial future is at risk. Do something about it. If you’re not sure how to contact your legislature about issues, leave me a comment with your zip code. I’ll find the right people for you contact. I’ll do the leg work if you’ll do the writing.
