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| James "Kimo"Rosen is a retired professional photographer living in Kapa'a with his best friend Obama da Dog. Rosen also blogs as a hobby. This blog centers on the fastest growing crime in America, "Identity Theft." Wait a second the guy in the photo is not Rosen? Help Police! Seriously folks, this is a major problem and growing by the day. Please read and pass it on... This blog also appeared as my bi-weekly column in the Kaua'i Garden Island news on 03-24-14 with the title " Identity theft, or not?" http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/guest/identity-theft-or-not/article_2d61f72a-b30c-11e3-9a42-0019bb2963f4.html " |
Identity theft, or not
I like to call it electronic pick pocketing, most call it Identity theft. Either way it is currently the number one crime in America.
The joke goes, "It's true what they say about identity theft being on the increase. I woke up this morning and didn't know who I was."
Seriously, there was a salesman making the rounds in the retirement community where I reside. He was allegedly selling some sort of cellular phone service. He knocked on my door and before he finished his spiel I said, "not interested."He left cussing me loudly behind his breath, as I pondered if I may had been a little short with him?
I peeked out the curtain as old people like to do and saw my female neighbor mesmerized, talking story with this slick young good looking salesman in her yard.
After the salesman left I called that neighbor and inquired if she bought into his deal and if she had given him any debit or credit card numbers? She said she hadn't, I was relieved she had not bought anything from this man since I received some really bad energies from him.
... However the salesman before departing her place asked her if he could take a photo of her drivers license, she obliged with letting him take a photo of her Hawai'i state issued ID. I was besides myself, I was going postal on my neighbor, I was freaking out.
How can anyone let a total stranger come into their home and allow them to try and sell you something, then when you don't buy anything they ask for your ID to take a photo of it, and you oblige them?
I was furious, after-all there all no soliciting signs all over this 55 and over retirement community and second I was outraged this man was preying on seniors. You read about identity theft all the time but never think it will happen to you, your neighbors or your loved ones.
I was hot, I called as many of my neighbors as I had phone numbers on and gave them the heads up and to beware of a man on the prowl.
Finally after contemplating the situation I called the police. I never call the police, I hate calling the police, however in this case I felt justified. I felt my neighbors and friends were being preyed upon about by a thief. This man was taking advantage of vulnerable people that sometimes just need someone to talk to.
The police arrived and detained and questioned the salesman. The police agreed with me that there was something fishy going on, however get this; the neighbor whose ID he photographed did not care to press any charges. The police then told my neighbor she can not complain in 2 or 3 months from now if there are unwarranted charges on her bank statements for items she never ordered or fake ID issued with her name.
The police agreed with me, my neighbor didn't. Just wish the police would had found enough evidence to stop this man before he finds you.
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. The number of identity theft incidents has reached 9.9 million a year, according to the Federal Trade commission.
Be vigilant and report any suspicious phone solicitations, emails asking for personal information, or door to door salespeople demanding identification. These are the modern day Bonny and Clyde's, they must be stopped!
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| This is me 1982, Rocky River Alaska! |
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/guest/identity-theft-or-not/article_2d61f72a-b30c-11e3-9a42-0019bb2963f4.html
Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared From Facebook...
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36 comments:
Via facebook timeline;"Just finished your TGI opinion..... I too find it amazing with your neighbor. Last summer Kauai had HI 5 Home security in the neighborhoods. The company was at my doorstep 5 times in one month. It was 4 times by the same salesperson, and once by another. The third time I told the salesperson, "I said No, and this is the third time you personally have been to my house." Well one week later he knocks again, we had exchanged some 4 letter words..... Now after the $99.00 install special the company (and Augie T.) went out of business, how many suckers went for that......"
Rick, I am sure many fell for it, over-all, door to door sales, phone soliciting is not a reputable way to buy anything. I am sure there are honest ones, but few and far between...
Via FB timeline;"Now we can hear from the homeowners board meeting I attended last week. After the meeting my friend who happens to be on the board said....(Jody, board member also and real-estate person) demand to all board members not to bring up the 8 cars that got broke into 2 weeks ago. I found her actions insulting........ But the truth of the matter, Most people in public services smile with aloha as the secretly manipulate you to their personal gain. This person has a half dozen properties list within this subdivision.... This would effect her bottom line, but she is on the island to roll in the mud with the other pigs. PS; she also wanted only the old KIUC meters allowed in the neighbor as a great resale option for the subdivision. So don't worry about the few individuals that solicit your community, We have a lot of takers living here within that will screw you quicker."
via email;"I too have been a victim of this and fighting still, 20 years later, to fix it! No one wants to feel so vulnerable but it happens. I also had my medical card used in Honolulu and have charges there to fight. Few people know this can happen also. I did not have a vasectomy or a knee replacement. Queens Hospital finely figured that out but not before turning it over to a collections agency. A real pain in the proverbial butt!!!"
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID
Aloha kit,
Sorry to hear that... Identity theft is out of control. So were you charged a co-pay for the vasectomy or the knee replacement? It's sad, we can no longer trust... Kimo
P.S. I am going to try and work on getting a state ferry system, I am currently talking with local politicians on how to get the ball rolling?!
Yes. I was charged 40% of the bill they put on me but I told them to get the money from the thief! Funny enough I had to prove I did not have either of these procedures done! Why would a female need a vasectomy? Then they wanted to know who I gave my card to!!! Like I'm an idiot? Spare me!!
When you get started on that Ferry let me know. I will help you fight.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID
That's funny, slipped by me first time vasectomy... Per Wikipedia-A vasectomy is considered a permanent method of birth control. A vasectomy prevents the release of sperm when a man ejaculates.
So I guess it was pretty easy to prove! ;D)
Yes, you are first on my list when I figure out the State ferry agenda!
Strangely enough she wanted to know if I'd had a sex change surgery. I told her I didn't think so but if she wanted to check her records.......
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID
Kit,This story would be a great article or LTE in response to my column! Go for it! Add your last few comments together and start letter with, I would like to respond to Kimo Rosen's recent column on identity theft. Here's what happened to me;
I think people would enjoy it and it's very informative and makes a statement on the times! Kimo
Like car salesmen, real-estate people and snake oil, politicians....
Rick, that would be a great title for a book or column!
'll give it a try but seldom get picked for print. To controversial I guess. LOL
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID
Kit, actually the new editor-n-chief (Bill Buley) is really a great guy. He likes to give everyone the opportunity to speak their mind, whereas other editors had their favorites. Email your letter or submission to;
bbuley@thegardenisland.com
Awesome article Kimo. Thanks for keeping the public informed of this hideous problem.
Thanks Mel, coming form you that's a real compliment... Aloha!
OK. I'll give it a try. :-)
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID
Yea! I'll be watching for it Kit!
“It’s true what they say about identity theft being on the rise. I woke up this morning and didn’t know who I was.”
That's funny. BTW, ;D) who r u?
I am that I am!
D- My blog is posted, it is the same as my column. Hoever as a joke I posted Unc's photo in lieu of mine. "This blog centers on the fastest growing crime in America, "Identity Theft."
Wait a second the guy in the photo is not Rosen? Help Police! http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/.../identity-theft-or-not...
That's an amazing story I read in your comments about the hospital insisting a woman prove she did not have a vasectomy..
That's funny; but, not funny.
Yes Harmony, true story, in fact i talked Kit into writing a letter to the editor about that subject. Hope she follows through and hope the paper runs it if she does follow through. harmony, how did you like Chester's photo instead of mine? ;D)
D-it's called irony...
I thought that was funny & added some lightness to a heavy topic.
Mahalo Harmony!
Jimbo....number one country song just need to add the dog.
Unc, I tried being funny on my identity theft blog and used your photo instead of mine! I thought it was funny? Hope you do too! enjoy Rabbi
OK fun stuff :-D
Very informative! Thanks!
"People tend to take ID theft lightly. Unfortunately, everyone will be a victim sooner or later. Information like yours is valuable. Hopefully people will pay attention."
Mel Rapozo, (owner of LegalShield and KauaiCounty councilman)
I had my identity stolen but the guy gave it back. He said he didn't want it.
Good one Martini! ;D)
click on to the blog and even if you read it yesterday read all of the over 30 comments, more interesting than the blog itself!
Kimo got it wrong about salesman
Aloha, Kimo. You’re one of my favorite folks on Kauai though we’ve never even met. We both love dogs, we’re both seniors, you have a great smile and, usually, I like what you have to say. But your column about the “cellphone fellow” was way out of line. Look Bluejay Wireless up online and you’ll see that these Blackberry smart phones that are being given away are part of a national program to help the poor get affordable or free communication service, as does Lifeline or Safelink. I got one of his Blackberries and it has all kinds of features, including camera, texting and Internet.
The ID required is simply to confirm one’s address and that one receives some sort of assistance: EBT, HUD, disability, etc. People should just make sure their Social Security number is not given, or any credit card number or bank account number.
Actually, he asked for none of those! By the way, the phone I was given has 1,000 free minutes on it. I’m no techie, so now I just need to figure out how to use it!
Hope we get to meet some day and an aloha bow wow to Obama da dog.
Judy Xenofos
Lihue Kauai Garden Island news 03-27-14
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-thursday-march/article_bf3ee61a-b575-11e3-b228-0019bb2963f4.html
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