As if pancreatitis wasn’t enough to deal with, a 53-year-old Illinois woman who spent years sorting out the wreckage of identity theft as she was in and out of the hospital prompted her to sit down with the Daily Journal of Kankakee, Illinois and offer a warning. According to the July 2017 article, the unfortunate incident that set off more than a year of struggles was a Chicago hospital visit in 2009. At that time, according to the article, two cleaning ladies snatched up vital documents and personal information that was later used to fraudulently open store account and credit cards.
“It can happen to you. I know a lot of credit card companies say you’re protected with them. From my experience, I don’t think you’re protected from identity theft from them, but they will do everything they can to not charge you if it’s fraudulent,” the woman told the newspaper.
According to attorney Jeffrey Benjamin, who has represented litigants in cases of identity theft, there are steps you can take before becoming a victim to this shady practice that can wreak havoc on your financial life. The true magnitude of identity theft isn’t felt until the victim spends time and money having to sort out all the damage done by the thieves. Lawyer Jeffrey Benjamin says that some of the best ways to avoid being a victim of identity theft is to read your bank statements and keep a close eye on your account via online banking if possible. By doing this, you’ll quickly pick up on valid expenditures. Further, simply storing your personal information at home or keeping a close watch on it when public – as evidenced by the Daily Journal article – can mean the difference between a pain-free transaction or years of headache trying to repair the money or credit damage.
“I would just say to always be aware. Check your credit card statements. If anything looks strange or different, call the credit card company right away to call your bank,” the identity theft victim told the newspaper.
Mr. Benjamin is a New York City and Long Island-based consumers rights’ attorney who has tried cases before a jury on violations of the New York Deceptive Practices Act and New Jersey Consumer Fraud Truth in Consumer Contract and Warranty Acts. Through decades of experience and favorable outcomes in court, including a jury verdict in a landmark real estate fraud case, potential clients should feel confident bringing their claims of identity theft to him. Only through skilled legal advice can someone get their life back on track as soon as possible.
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Lawyer Jeffrey Benjamin 