When we think of gangs, generally we think of guns, drugs, and violence. In south Florida however, gang lifestyle is adapting to a new face of crime. This type of crime can affect you even if you never set foot on that side of town. Gangs in Broward County are now operating identity theft campaigns. The crime was found right at the top of the gangs activities alongside gun running and drug trafficking. This looks like it’s only the beginning; showing how vast this once non-violent low grade scam has ballooned.
What did the undercover cops with “Operation Smoking Gun” find? Well, there were 302 firearms; 6,035 prescription pills; 4 kilos of cocaine; 7,762 ecstasy pills; 5 kilos of marijuana; $5,000 in counterfeit cash; and this: more than 300 names related to stolen identities.
We cannot stress this enough: When you hand your credit card or debit card over to someone, anyone, DON’T LET IT OUT OF SIGHT. If the clerk needs to go take care of something do not be afraid to ask him/her to leave the card. Keep track of your account activity. If you go out to eat, use cash.
Federal authorities have found rooms in Miami with names, bank account info, and credit card machines. Identity theft cases jumped up 12 percent last year to 11 million adults. I don’t know when people are going to start realizing the threat. At this juncture, with all the factors in play, it’s time to start being paranoid.
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