Anybody seen those commercials on identity theft? A voice completely different than the appearance of the actor in the commercial is describing some fantastical purchase while person on screen lip-sync’s the monologue:
“Yeah, I was so excited, I mean, really such a rare tortouise for $1200, what a good deal! I just had my friend pick it up for me from the warehouse, and I’m really looking forward to playing with tootsie–that’s what I’ll call her. Sure, you might think that’s a lot of money for a turtle, but after all it doesn’t matter, I’m not the one paying for it!”
And on screen someone else’s voice is speaking while my mouth is moving.
Yes, really, someone purchased a $1200 tortoise on my debit card. It would be really freaking funny if it wasn’t so much money. Of course, the bank has already temporarily put it back in my account and started their investigation, but since, well, I NEVER BOUGHT A TORTOISE, I’m hopeful that the resolution will be good.
Yes, really.
And the guy at the reptile store I spoke to before I called my credit card company said he has their phone number and I think he even said he had the vehicle number of the person who came to pick it up (apparently “Jordan Wiens” said he was sending a friend over to pick it up) so when the police investigation gets started, someone’s getting busted.
Left by Jordan on November 3rd, 2003
How do you think they got your CC number? Somone swiping it at blockbuster or something?
Left by Colin on November 5th, 2003
Was the reptile store a place here — in town?
Left by David on November 5th, 2003
Nope; somewhere in south florida based on the areacode.
Left by Jordan on November 5th, 2003
Please send me who the does the advertizing… is it Visa, or Mastercard or American Express. I need the information for a class I am taking… I need it really soon. Thanks in advance. Maggi
Left by Maggi on April 13th, 2004
Please send me who the does the advertizing… is it Visa, or Mastercard or American Express. I need the information for a class I am taking… I need it really soon. Thanks in advance. Maggi
Left by Maggi on April 13th, 2004
Please send me who the does the advertizing… is it Visa, or Mastercard or American Express. I need the information for a class I am taking… I need it really soon. Thanks in advance. Maggi
Left by Maggi on April 13th, 2004
Those commercials are sick son
Left by Fred on May 4th, 2004
true dat y’all
Left by Steven on May 4th, 2004
I dont watch tv. my mommy wont let me. if i watch she ties me up and beats me.
Left by Bob on May 4th, 2004
Where can i find these commercials ?
Left by Sam on May 5th, 2004
ok i love the commercials….i honestly think that the best commerical would be a guy in a shower cap in the shower with a girl voice talking about chinese food and meow at the end…haha. it would be great……………..meeeoow
Left by becca on May 25th, 2004
they r on tv ALL the time.
Left by becca on May 25th, 2004
that is really sad
Left by becca on May 25th, 2004
how about this one: http://geek4u.net/downloads/identity_theft.avi
Left by N/A on June 14th, 2004
omg…i love those commercials i lie the one one with the leather bra …its my favorite
Left by courtney on July 27th, 2004
You can actually watch all of the identity theft ommercials by going to http://www.home-mortgage-advice.us/identity-theft/identity-theft-protection-commercials.html
Just a thought for you visitors to this page!
Left by Jonathan on March 8th, 2005
I think that it is Citibank that does the identity theft commercials… hope that helps. There is some website with the directors name and info on it. Im actually trying to find where to download it for a class. peace!
Left by Danielle on April 14th, 2005
just realized all your posts were from a year ago…. WOW…. im an idiot.. haha
Left by danielle on April 14th, 2005
All of the commercials are right here
http://www.citibank.com/us/cards/cardserv/advice/commercial.htm
Left by Russ on July 24th, 2005
Don’t you think that websites that display public records (like unlisted phone numbers, actual addresses) should be illegal?
http://www.ZabaSearch.com (just one example) seems to be an invasion of mine and your privacy (it is definitely unethical to post peoples addresses and other personal data), people can attain this data to assist them with IDENTITY THEM (stollen identities).
People do not know that if you even simply register to vote or request to join the army/military in USA, you name/address/telephone are made public information (muti billion dollar industry selling our private info) without you having to sign a consent form or without asking permission! Even where you buy a internet domain name (lease actually, no single person actually owns a domain name, even Bill Gates does not own Microsoft.com), your address, name and telephone number are added to public records that anyone with an internet connection can retrieve this data to harrass you or even SPAM you (don’t forget that deranged cyberstalkers can find you now)!
Left by Search Engine on September 8th, 2005
I can’t believe you just seriously suggested that displaying PUBLIC RECORDS should be illegal. There is a reason they’re called public records in the first place.
I’m well aware of how domain registration works. If you don’t want your information public, there are many registrars that allow you to add privacy to much of your information.
If you’re really that concerned about your name and address being out there, there are usually ways to have it removed. I’m not really sure what the harm is. If someone wants to find out where I live, they could find out easily enough using other methods even if none of that stuff was available online. So why worry about it? If someone were to stalk me, they’d find I’m rather boring and not really worth the effort.
Left by Jordan on September 8th, 2005
I think it is not right as does anyone warn you before you vote that your address and phone number (even if you gave them an unlisted number) will be available on the internet? Maybe I was wrong suggesting that those sites be illegal (I didn’t want to blame the government for the truth on their multi billion dollar industry selling our private info), but more the collection of data for reselling or public release should be only done with consent (just like recording a phone call, must be consented)…
Woman have been stalked and hurt from this data being made to easy to access. What about witnesses to court cases, now the criminals can track down the ‘RATS’ and ‘SNUFF’ them out! WHat about famous people and political people who may not want their data like this posted without their consent to avoid pavarotsies and crazy fans/stalkers. Spammers can now just search specific last names to do mass spamming to Mr. YourSurName… So many more threats that could be brought up, I know not everyone is hiding, but I know most people do rather to NOT BE FOUND so easily!
For every 1 person who knows that voting and domain buying expose your details to the open internet (anyone in the world can access this, even those Nigerian scammers), there is 20 people who do not know!
Those search engines for public records, if you ahve them remove it now, it will be picked up down the road again from the originating data source, none of these niche public record portals can guarantee your removal for ever!
Left by Search Engine on September 8th, 2005
I’m inclined to agree with some of that. I think you’re exaggerating the problem a bit, but it definitely is an issue that people need to be more aware of.
As I said before, anybody who is going to stalk someone doesn’t need all the public records available to do it. It takes a tiny bit more work, but if they’re a real stalker, I’m pretty sure they’re willing to do the minimum effort that it takes to track somebody down.
If someone is stalked, then it’s time to buy a firearm, call the police, get help from friends, do something. Trying to disappear from all records databases is not going to make that problem go away.
That having been said, I agree that more people need to be aware that their public information is out there. I tend to not worry so much. I’ve intentionally made available a very large amount of public information about myself, and it actually tends to help more than hurt. When friends want to find out my address or phone number because they’re coming over for dinner, they don’t have to call, a quick check to an online phonebook can tell them. Lots of people prefer to have their information available rather than restrict it.
Let me ask you this — do you think phonebooks are bad things? Those are collection of data for public release and they’re done without explicit consent (sure, you can opt-out, but by default, by getting a phone number, you get added to the phone book). The way things are handled with domains, voters registration and others are no different.
Left by Jordan on September 9th, 2005