You never think it’s going to happen to you. We always hear horror stories about people getting their identities stolen. But these tales are always framed as folklore; like a cautionary tale you hear but don’t truly believe will ever touch your life. That’s exactly what identity theft was to me; a spooky story like the boogieman meant to scare you into good behavior. I felt like I had a good enough head on my shoulders to ignore it. I never worried about identity theft as a true threat. Until it happened to me.
It was my sophomore year. Between moving into my first real apartment and adjusting to my new class load, things felt a bit chaotic. I didn’t even have a job yet! If I wanted to keep up with my bills, I needed to lock one down fast before my savings dried up.
When I received an email from my freshman year anthropology professor offering me a job, it seemed like fate. Here I was stressing over a job and one lands right in my lap. I jumped at the opportunity. Unfortunately for me, I learned the hard way that you should always look before you leap.
When I replied with enthusiastic interest, my professor emailed me further instructions. She told me that I’d need some supplies and software to get started. It seemed sort of strange to me that I’d need to purchase anything but I was put at ease when I read that I would be given the necessary funds. A check was attached to the email. It was $600; half meant for the required materials and half allocated to me as “pay”. It all seemed like a pretty sweet deal.
I cashed the check and shortly after my balance was updated. Then I wired the 300 dollars to the vendor my professor mentioned. All seemed to be moving smoothly and I couldn’t wait to get started with my brand new job. That excitement quickly wore off when I got a call from my bank. The check bounced. My “supplies” never arrived.
It was her university-issued email address, but she wasn’t the one I was corresponding with. Her account was hacked by some scammer on the dark web.
It was devastating. My bank account took a huge hit. Not only did I never get that $300 back, but I also had to prove I wasn’t that one that forged that fraudulent check. The whole situation was an absolute nightmare. And the worst part? It was completely avoidable.
I was careless. I didn’t think once to talk to my professor in person about the “job”. I gave out my information. And I never even took the time to research the “company” I was giving my money to. But if one good thing comes out of this whole mess, I hope it’s that I can help someone else avoid it. With a discerning eye and carefully placed suspicion, you can protect your identity.
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