I was reminded today of a story of my early years that was a learning experience never forgotten. At the age of 20 I left home for independence and to find my path of life. I moved in with a guy I knew from Friday's an had to learn how to take care of myself. Other than doing laundry I generally didn't go home much. One thing my dad told me was to stay out of debt and to be smart with my money. That didn't last very long. I was independent and knew what I was doing. Uh..What an idiot. Not even a week or two after I had moved out I was headed to work and wrecked and totaled my '79 Toyota corolla. Urg. So I had no choice but to venture out wet behind the ears and purchase the maroon 1992 Chevy Cavalier. For those wondering the year this took place was 1994. Anyway, to my parents dislike I was able to purchase the car on my own with no cosigner because my parents pretty much told me there was no way in hell they would cosign for me. I was independent you know, I had all the answers. Months went on and I enjoyed my independence. Then the real world came crashing down on me when the worst thing could happen to a newly independent 20 year old, identity theft.
Much to my unknowing my roommate had secretly been going through my personal information while I was away from the apartment. This first red flag came when a cell phone bill came in my name and I didn't own a cell phone. I approached him about it and he said it was merely a mistake he made when entering names of references. What the hell? Okay, so me being young and ignorant I went along with it. The second red flag was when I received a phone call from a leasing agency asking me questions about my newly purchased kayak. Okay, hang on a minute. I knew I didn't own a kayak, however my roommate was driving around with one on his car. Holy fiddle sticks. I could not believe it. This guy who was supposed to be my roommate tried to screw me royally. I got back all my info, he went to jail, and I learned a huge lesson. Protect your stuff. Because if you don't, you could be next.
Much to my unknowing my roommate had secretly been going through my personal information while I was away from the apartment. This first red flag came when a cell phone bill came in my name and I didn't own a cell phone. I approached him about it and he said it was merely a mistake he made when entering names of references. What the hell? Okay, so me being young and ignorant I went along with it. The second red flag was when I received a phone call from a leasing agency asking me questions about my newly purchased kayak. Okay, hang on a minute. I knew I didn't own a kayak, however my roommate was driving around with one on his car. Holy fiddle sticks. I could not believe it. This guy who was supposed to be my roommate tried to screw me royally. I got back all my info, he went to jail, and I learned a huge lesson. Protect your stuff. Because if you don't, you could be next.
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