February 21, 2007
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NEWS: Meth and ID Theft Go Hand-in-HandAn investigative study by Fox21 News in El Paso, TX, concluded recently with the finding that there is a strong correlation between use of methamphetamines and identity theft.
"Meth heads," as abusers of the illegal class of drugs are called, are prone to erratic and risky behavior (many times criminal), as well as –contrarily- finicky, compulsive behavior. Hence, meth users are not only more likely to take the risk of stealing a bank book or credit cards, but to also have the patience and drive to piece together the minuscule shreds of a receipt that has been torn up. The drug is a stimulant, which causes users to stay awake for prolonged periods of time, sometimes days on end. During these episodes, the users will be act "stoned", so something as inane as piecing together torn paper is an ideal pastime.
Furthermore, as meth is a profoundly engaging addiction, addicts are likely to be willing to do almost anything to secure the money that will fund their next high. They are daring, says an El Paso police offer interviewed in the study, and prone to counterfeiting, where they will first pass a check for a nominal amount, and, if that clears, go forward with abandon.
The investigation's results seem to be one more reason why a good cross-cut shredder should be an essential in every home. It is virtually impossible for even the most drugged-up and/or intrepid crook to reassemble a document that has been run through such a machine. In addition, the Fox21 news telecast also recommended a secure mail drop, or even taking sensitive documents to the post office to be mailed.