May 19, 2010

By Kelly McGuire , TMCnet Editor

I don't know about you, but the fear of getting my identity stolen continues to haunt me everytime I use my debit card, sign online to my bank to check my account or write a check - and yes, I still write them.

Maybe it's because I've had my debit card stolen before, and someone went on a fun shopping spree at 3:00 in the morning. Or because my mother works for a bank and calls me all the time to warn me about the dangers and every new security scam out there.





Or, maybe it's because I come across stories like a CEO's identity being stolen 13 times.

According to Gizmodo, the personal security company LifeLock's CEO Todd Davis has had his identity taken over a dozen times. And, it may have something to do with the fact that - in attempts to secure consumers and come up with a creative, yet somewhat asinine advertising scheme - lists his actual social security number on billboards for his security company, next to his name and his picture.

The ads state:

"I'm Todd Davis, CEO of Lifelock. Yes, that really is my social security number. No I'm not crazy. I'm just sure our system works. Just like we have with mine, Lifelock will make your personal information useless to a criminal. And it's GUARANTEED."

Ironic, isn't it?

According to a report by the Phoenix New Times, Todd Davis's bold invitation to identity thieves has been accepted over and over and over. Since 2007, criminals, stealing Todd Davis' identity have failed to pay back a $500 loan, neglected to pay several AT&T (News - Alert) bills, and racked up thousands of dollars in credit card debt.

However, according to reports, the 13 accounts of identity theft are Davis' examples of the hole in security. In March, the FTC (News - Alert) fined LifeLock $12 million and claimed that their services amounted to little more than a scam.

Edited by Kelly McGuire