In 2013 an article in CNN Money estimated that identity fraud occurs every two seconds. Identity fraud is a serious problem that claims millions of innocent victims. Our identity is what makes us unique.

In 2013 my purse was stolen while I was volunteering at a local private school. The thieves falsely presented themselves as me, using my driver’s license and social security number to diminish my entire bank account in less than 2 hours. Thousands of my dollars, my entire life savings, had been stolen. I worked years to save money and become financially independent, and in 2 hours that was all ripped away from me.

Identity is the “distinguishing character or personality of an individual”. When one’s name, address, social security, credit history, and life’s savings are stolen one feels violated. I struggled to reclaim my name and my self-worth. I wanted –I needed- my lives earnings and savings back. I did not have a penny to my name. Simple things I took for granted, paying rent, utilities, and buying groceries were now impossible. My credit score dropped overnight, my loans began to default, and I began the process of trying to clear my name and restore my identity. …show more content…
I called each company where the fraud occurred, placed fraudulent alerts on my accounts, and reported the theft to the FTC. I spent every day at my bank. I filed fraudulent charges with my bank. My bank claimed I was liable for the money, and therefore denied the return of any of the stolen money. I appealed the decision; it was again denied. At my wits end, I worked my way up to each higher up in the bank. Still unwilling to help, I contacted every media outlet I could think of newspapers, news stations, and social media accounts. A local news station finally agreed to air a segment covering my hardship. It was then my bank reached out to me, willing to help me regain my