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Title: LifeLock CEO’s Identity Stolen 13 Times
Source:
[None]
URL Source: http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/05/lifelock-identity-theft
Published: May 19, 2010
Author: Kim Zetter
Post Date: 2010-05-19 13:11:40 by Skip Intro
Keywords: None
Views: 13149
Comments: 22
LifeLock CEO’s Identity Stolen 13 Times Apparently, when you publish your Social Security number prominently on your website and billboards, people take it as an invitation to steal your identity. LifeLock CEO Todd Davis, whose number is displayed in the company’s ubiquitous advertisements, has by now learned that lesson. He’s been a victim of identity theft at least 13 times, according to the Phoenix New Times. That’s 12 more times than has previously been known. In June 2007, Threat Level reported that Davis had been the victim of identity theft after someone used his identity to obtain a $500 loan from a check-cashing company. Davis discovered the crime only after the company called his wife’s cellphone to recover the unpaid debt. About four months after that story published, Davis’ identity was stolen again by someone in Albany, Georgia, who opened an AT&T/Cingular wireless account using his Social Security number (.pdf), according to a police report obtained by the New Times. The perpetrator racked up $2,390 in charges on the account, which remained unpaid. Davis, whose real name according to police reports is Richard Todd Davis, only learned a year later that his identity had been stolen again after AT&T handed off the debt to a collection agency and a note appeared on his credit report. Then last year, Davis discovered seven more fraudulent accounts on his credit report that were opened with his personal information and have outstanding debt, according to the police report. Someone opened a Verizon account in New York, leaving an unpaid bill of at least $186. An account at Centerpoint Energy, a Texas utility, was delinquent $122. Credit One Bank was owed $573, and Swiss Colony, a gift-basket company, was seeking $312. In addition to these amounts, Davis’s credit report showed five collection agencies were seeking other sums from accounts opened in his name: Bay Area Credit was pursuing $265; Associated Credit Services was seeking two debts in the amount of $207 and $213; Enhanced Recovery Corporation was chasing $250 and $381. A spokeswoman for the Albany police, who investigated the AT&T/Cingular account but never made any arrest, told the New Times that Davis’ publication of his Social Security number created more victims than just himself. “It’s unfortunate he chose to conduct business in that way,” spokeswoman Phyllis Banks said. “It’s not fair to [AT&T] because they’re losing a pretty substantial amount of money.” LifeLock refused to discuss the issue with the New Times. The company did not respond to a request for comment from Threat Level. The company was fined $12 million in March by the Federal Trade Commission for deceptive advertising. Lifelock promised in ads that its $10 monthly service would protect consumers from identity theft. The company also offered a $1 million guarantee to compensate customers for losses incurred if they became a victim after signing up for the service. The FTC called the claims bogus and accused LifeLock of operating a scam. “In truth, the protection they provided left such a large hole … that you could drive that truck through it,” said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz, referring to a LifeLock TV ad showing a truck painted with Davis’s Social Security number driving around city streets. Davis’ history as an identity-theft victim would seem to call into question the company’s ability to protect consumers from a similar fate.
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Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 10.
#2. To: All (#0)
'Identity Theft' is one of the largest hoax's ever perpetrated on consumers. Its also a great lesson in the law of unintended consequences. In the mid 1990's, the Department of Justice deemed for whatever reason to reclassify crimes such as check forgery, credit card fraud, embezzlements of various types, and several different 'con jobs' as 'identity theft'. Why is still subject to debate within both law enforcement and security industry circles. What resulted from this reclassification was the APPEARANCE of 'massive jumps in identity theft'. Its simply not true, folks. The actual number of 'indentity thefts' as most of us define it hasn't moved UP OR DOWN. Its the same as its always been, and exceedingly RARE. The above listed 'crimes' against this CON MAN Todd Davis are 30 days in nature. In other words, the 'crime' is discovered the first time a billing cycle comes around on the account that was opened using the false SSN and/or name. You can't get a mortgage, or a vehicle loan, using this type of scam, or a drivers license, social security card, etc etc etc. If you want to protect yourself against these types of crime, the best plan out there is via American Express. Thats my honest to God professional opinion. And yes, I have it. They CALL YOU when a charge 'outside of your pattern' is received, usually within 24 hours. And YOU DON'T GET CHARGED FOR THE PURCHASE. but hey, if you want to throw ten bucks a month away, sign up with one of these bullshit company's offering 'identity theft protection'.
BTW, I never said "FUCK YOU ASSHOLE" for making me have to get a whole new set of credit cards and account numbers back in 2006. Thanks for reminding me, asshole. All because you can't control yourself.
Thanks for reminding me, asshole. All because you can't control yourself. huh?
(laughing) Is anti groupie blaming Life Lock for some woe that befell him?
I think he's blaming you for something. Must be a personal beef because I'm not following.
#11. To: no gnu taxes (#10)
You gotta be kidding me...(eyes rolling)
Notice that there has been no denial, Paddy, and it's too late for one now.
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#3. To: Boofer (#2)
(Edited)
#4. To: war (#3)
BTW, I never said "FUCK YOU ASSHOLE" for making me have to get a whole new set of credit cards and account numbers back in 2006.
#7. To: no gnu taxes (#4)
(Edited)
#10. To: Badeye (#7)
Replies to Comment # 10.
#16. To: no gnu taxes (#10)
(Edited)
End Trace Mode for Comment # 10.
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