Has Anyone Seen My Identity?

This week I became 1 of nearly 9,000,000 Americans who will fall victim to identity theft this year. My debit card, which I used as my lifeline out here, was ripped off somehow (somebody got the number and PIN without taking the card itself). It's been happening to a ton of us at work, but we can't find the common thread or place that might narrow it down.

You wanna know the worst part? So whichever soulless bastard that perpetrated this crime against me, they must have sold the number. Because I got a call from my bank saying there was some activity in Mexico that seemed suspect so they put a block on the card. A couple days later, I see $5 at "El McDonalds - Ciudad de Mexico" followed by nearly $350 in charges at some department store.

But it doesn't end there. Since I can't visit my bank in person, I have to send a notarized claim to them. Last I checked (and yes, I did check) notaries here in London run about 40 quid, which equates to about 70 of your US dollars right now (in their defense, they do use old school wax seals like in the days of yore, which is awesome). Then I have to mail it back, which cost me another $10, if I choose the 22 day around-the-world via falcon option. So now I have to spend $80 to get back my $350!? Am I the only one who sees the problem with this?

So to whomever stole my card, I hope you enjoyed your big mac and JCPenney clothes. Eat it up friend. Because you know what? They don't sell big macs and Arizona jeans in hell.