The emotional toll of being an ID theft victim

December 9, 2009 – 6:18 pm

emotionaldamage We usually bring you stories with high dollar amounts attached to them. Saying someone stole over $2 million by ID theft has a definable number — something we can all tally. But what about the emotional damage that ID theft can bring upon its victims? How is that calculated? How is that communicated?

Take the case of Debra Gueterberg (as reported by CNN), a Wisconsin woman who has been living a nightmare for the last 13 years. It all started when two men stole Debra and her husband’s names and social security numbers. During the 13 years since, those men have been responsible for taking out credit cards, buying cars and purchasing three homes with the Gueterberg’s name.

“It never ends,” according to Robert Guenterberg. And that never ending process can damage a person both mentally and emotionally leading to depression, rage and paranoia. “We both feel physically and mentally exhausted. We feel hopeless because we can’t fix this,” Debra said. Even if the thieves are caught it takes months and sometimes years to repair the damage.

That’s why a service like LifeLock is so important. If becoming a member can help you to avoid ID theft — and all the emotional and mental trauma that goes with it — isn’t a small monthly fee worth it? Get a LifeLock discount by using promotion code “DEFENSE” when signing up for a LifeLock membership, you can save 10% and get 30 days for free to try the service*. Nine dollars a month is surely worth years of trauma, wouldn’t you agree?

**At the end of the end of the 30-day free period your cad will be billed automatically ($9 monthly / $99 annually) unless you cancel within the 30-day period. You can cancel anytime without penalty by calling 1-800-543-5625. Offer is for new members only.

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