Identity Theft

Identity thieves have broadened their reach by obtaining children's inactive Social Security numbers and using them to illegally get jobs, credit accounts, mortgages or car loans and much worse. Many victims, because they are children, have no idea there is a problem until they apply for a student loan, bank account, job or apartment and are turned down because of poor credit history. Each person's Social Security Number (SSN) is unique, so it is not uncommon for schools, healthcare providers, insurance companies and others to require that parents provide a SSN as an identification tool.

Four taken to hospitals after two-vehicle collision MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Four people were taken to area hospitals after a two-vehicle collision Friday afternoon at the intersection of Bedington/Nipetown roads and U.S. 11, State Trooper M.D. Gillmore said. Gillmore did not release the names of the crash victims, but said he did not believe they sustained life-threatening injuries. Three people were taken to Meritus Medical Center near Hagerstown, one via helicopter, and the fourth was flown to Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Va., Gillmore said.

A Berkeley County Circuit Court grand jury impaneled this week indicted a Martinsburg-area couple on charges of starving two young children in their custody and locking them in an unfinished basement. Karen S. Boback, 44, and Jesse A. Lafferty, 33, both were indicted on two counts of child abuse causing serious bodily injury, two counts of child abuse causing bodily injury, two counts of gross child neglect creating substantial risk of bodily injury or death and one count of conspiracy, according to the indictments.

The following incidents were reported by the Hagerstown Police Department: Friday o DWI arrest in the 100 block of Nottingham Road. o Hit and run reported in the 500 block of Pangborn Boulevard. Thursday o Verbal dispute in the first block of West Side Avenue. o Arrest warrant served at Church and Walnut streets. o Drug arrest in the 200 block of Jonathan Street. o Fugitive warrant in the 400 block of Jonathan Street. o Accident reported at Washington Street and Burhans Boulevard.

Incidents reported in Washington County The following incidents were reported by the Washington County Sheriff's Department: Tuesday o Damage to a swimming pool in the 22500 block of Georgetown Road in Cavetown. o Identity theft in the 17200 block of West Washington Street in Hagerstown. o Theft in the 12800 block of Resh Road. o Backhoe damaged in the 14000 block of Marsh Pike. o Tools stolen from a vehicle in the 24500 block of Highfield Road in Cascade.

Q. What steps can people take to prevent identity theft? A. Washington County Sheriff Department Cpl. Jim Holsinger, an adviser with SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together), highlighted one overlooked idea. Most people are careful with their personal information - their Social Security number, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and so on. But there is one place where these numbers are sometimes readily available: the curb in front of their house. "Your trash - until it's buried in the landfill, it's a vulnerability," Holsinger said.

Did you know that identity theft is the fastest growing white-collar crime in the United States? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information, such as your name, Social Security number or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

HAGERSTOWN -- Shred, shred, shred. That's one of the best ways to keep identity thieves at bay, Washington County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Christopher Howard said Wednesday. He said many people immediately throw away junk mail. But pieces that contain a name, address or other information can help thieves who find it later. Howard and Detective Arnold B. Cerezo spoke Wednesday morning about how criminals hijack personal information and how would-be victims can prevent it. The presentation at the Academy Theatre Banquet & Conference Center was part of the Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce's "Eggs and Issues" series.

Your name is part of what makes you unique. It sets you apart from others and it is a large part of what makes your reputation. But what do you do when your name -- and your reputation -- is in the hands of someone you've never met? Identity theft is becoming an increasing problem in the United States. According to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports, there were 31,140 complaints of identity fraud in the U.S. in 2000. Eight years later, there were 313,982 complaints nationwide, including 5,412 in Maryland, according to the FTC. Reports show credit card fraud is the most common form of identity theft, with 20 percent of complaints of identity theft attributed to the scheme.

Maryland Francis Murphy 20014 Rosebank Way, Hagerstown 240-313-9300, ext. 154 Bingo - Monday and Thursday, 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Bring a guest to lunch - Tuesday, 10:45 a.m. Share wartime memories and stories - Wednesday, 10:45 a.m. Volunteer appreciation day - Friday, 10:45 a.m. Hancock 126-128 High St., Hancock 301-678-7163 Quilting - Monday, 9:30 a.m. Needlework - Tuesday, 9:30...