Charlotte's Identity Theft Experience

Overview

• Charlotte is a journalist for New York Magazine, specializing in financial advice.
• She receives a shocking call from Amazon regarding suspicious purchases on her account.

Fraudulent Activity

• Amazon rep informs Charlotte of a $88,000 spending spree on MacBooks and iPads.
• Charlotte denies the purchases, and the rep advises her to check her credit cards for fraud.
• Transferred to an FTC agent who already has Charlotte's personal information.

Identity Theft Details

• FTC agent reveals:
  • 22 bank accounts opened in Charlotte's name.
  • 9 vehicles and 4 properties registered under her name.
  • Over $3 million wired overseas through these accounts.
  • Involvement of drug traffickers.

Legal Implications

• Charlotte is now wanted for cyber crimes and money laundering in two different states.
• The FTC agent assures her she will be fine but advises caution because identity thieves may be monitoring her communications.

CIA Involvement

• Transferred to a CIA agent who has detailed information about Charlotte and her family.
• The CIA will freeze all her assets, including her bank account, during the investigation.
• Advised to withdraw $50,000 for living expenses during the year-long investigation.

Withdrawal Process

• Charlotte goes to the bank and withdraws $50,000, placing it in a backpack.
• CIA will exchange cash for a government check to certify it is not laundered.
• CIA agent arrives to pick up the cash in a car, leaving Charlotte with a promise of a government check delivery the next day.

The Realization

• Later that night, Charlotte tries to follow up with the CIA agent but is told the offices are closed.
• She reflects on the day's events and realizes she has been scammed.

Conclusion

• All individuals that contacted her (Amazon, FTC, CIA) were impersonators.
• Despite being a financial advice journalist, Charlotte fell victim to the scam.
• She reports the scam to the actual FTC and FBI but doubts recovery of her funds.
• Lesson Learned: Do not answer your phone or trust unknown callers.