Surviving Identity Theft

I'm Cheryl and I'm proud to serve as the Racine County Chair for Marsy's Law for Wisconsin. I became passionate about Marsy's Law and the effort to strengthen the rights of crime victims after becoming a victim of identity theft. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States with more than 13 million victims each year.

Being a victim of identity theft has left me feeling vulnerable, frustrated, and many times angry. I have always been very careful with my credit--not sharing my personal information, especially online, or during phone use. My credit is something I've strived to keep at a very good rate.  I'm diligent with paying bills on time. When I was informed that my identity was stolen, I was shocked, but that surprise quickly turned to anger.
 
Being a victim of identity theft has impacted my life in so many ways. I have had to cancel credit cards, place a freeze on my credit, and even file an Identity Theft Report with the Federal Trade Commission. These incidents have caused me stress, anxiety and left me frustrated.
 
Even as this experience turned my life upside down, I did not feel that I could seek recourse with my local police. I simply did not think they would take it seriously or would be able to do anything about it. When Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin is passed, it is my sincere hope that other victims will know their rights and come forward to share their stories and seek justice through the criminal justice system.
 
Sincerely, 
  
Cheryl
Racine County Chair
Marsy's Law for Wisconsin
 
Have you been a victim of identity theft? Help Marsy's Law for Wisconsin strengthen the rights of victims of identity theft by sharing your story.