Identity Thieves Face Day in Court

When we think of identity thieves, we tend to picture shady characters pawing through trash bins or calling people up and asking for their personal financial information while posing as IRS officials. But two young people are now admitting to a jet-setting identity theft scam that took them around the world in luxury. And their targets were their friends and neighbors.

Jocelyn Kirsch and Edward Anderton were taken into custody in December. Law enforcement officials found a computer that contained photos of the couple’s lavish vacations, including some from Paris, France.

The couple used the identities of co-workers and other acquaintances to fund expensive purchases and a high-rent apartment. Additionally, Anderton is accused of scamming his way through Ebay, using false identities and sales to rake in $30,000.

Identity theft is no laughing matter. Use every resource at your disposal to prevent thieves from getting hold of your financial information. And remember:  thinking that you know someone well doesn’t mean that you can trust them. Keep a careful eye on your credit report and your monthly billing statements to make sure all of your purchases were made by you.