Identity Theft at the Emergency Room

[Erica Absetz <eabsetz () opensecurityfoundation org>]

http://www.wbay.com/story/20402922/2012/12/21/identity-theft-at-the-emergency-room

A visit to the Emergency Room is the last place you need to be
worrying about identity theft.

But it is happening to people when they are vulnerable and unable to
protect themselves.

Asia Tompkins was a hospital registry clerk in Richmond, VA. After she
registered patients into the hospital, she stole their personal
information.

"She applied for more than 130 credit cards in other individuals'
names," Michael Romano, US Postal Inspector said.

Postal inspectors got several leads from Tompkins' Facebook page.
Under her likes:
shopping, shopping, shopping and getting money.

"After she made purchases the Inspection services was able to track
down those purchases - we had her on video surveillance making the
purchases - then a search warrant was issued to her home," said
Romano.

They found high end clothing, jackets, boots, cash and a log of
personal information.

"The loss was $50,000. The impact was extremely significant with 130
victims compromised," Romano said.

Postal inspectors worked with victims to monitor their credit.  Most
said they were stunned
where it happened.

"It's a situation where people came into the hospital expecting
services and NOT expecting to have their identity breached."

In this case, the woman accepted a plea deal for identity theft and
bank fraud charges. She's serving three years in prison.

If you believe you are a victim of fraud related to a ponzi scheme or
any crime related to the U.S. mail call this number: 1-877-876-2455 or
file a complaint at www.usps.com/postalinspectors

We want to know about problems that might put you, your family or
neighbors at risk.  You can contact us attarget2 () wbay com.  Your story
might be our next story.
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