Identity theft & the public library

[CS Foltz]

sheclown........this may sound stupid, but have you contacted Dr Johnny? Something is absurdly wrong here and I find this completely unmentionable! No one should be hung out to dry in this manner! You need some back up in the wings, let me know!

[Ernest Street]

kamaro@firstcoastnews.com  I'm sorry Sheclown..I'm sinus crud tweaked and tired.(sick)..or I would E-mail him.
It would be perfect if this got air time.

[sheclown]

I am not afraid of the library.  I am not afraid that they will have some outsourced credit bureau call and harass me.  

I do fear that if the library does not become more responsible for the items placed in its care precious inventory will dwindle.

I am angry that instead of looking into policy it chooses to shift all of the blame for this on me without discussion.

Makes me wonder how often this sort of thing happens.

Recently (July of this year), the library changed policy and required pin numbers to use the self-checkout service.  Apparently, book theft was a concern (using "lost" cards -- no doubt).  One could assume that the reason pin numbers were not required at front desk check out is that there is an expectation of security using a live library clerk.

[ChriswUfGator]

I am not afraid of the library.  I am not afraid that they will have some outsourced credit bureau call and harass me. 

I do fear that if the library does not become more responsible for the items placed in its care precious inventory will dwindle.

I am angry that instead of looking into policy it chooses to shift all of the blame for this on me without discussion.

Makes me wonder how often this sort of thing happens.

Recently (July of this year), the library changed policy and required pin numbers to use the self-checkout service.  Apparently, book theft was a concern (using "lost" cards -- no doubt).  One could assume that the reason pin numbers were not required at front desk check out is that there is an expectation of security using a live library clerk.

Good and when the collector calls, send them an FDCPA validation notice, and demand that they provide you copies of proof that you incurred the charges by checking the books out. Validation in this case would require that they demonstrate that you checked the books out, not simply that books were checked out on a stolen card. When they can't do that they will drop it.

If they are dumb enough to report it on your credit after being unable to provide validation, then dispute it and each time they verify it that racks up $100-$1k in statutory FCRA damages per incident. The FDCPA also carries statutory damages of $1k, plus both provide for actual damages as well. This situation is ridiculous, don't just take it.

[sheclown]

Chris -- amazing info.  I had to look it up   Am sharing for the benefit on anyone else finding themselves in this situation.

FDCPA:  Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Validation Notice: 

FDCPA requires debt collectors to:

Provide verification of the debt[24] If a consumer sends a written dispute or request for verification within 30 days of receiving the §1692g notice, then the debt collector must either mail the consumer the requested verification information or cease collection efforts altogether. Such asserted disputes must also be reported by the creditor to any credit bureau that reports the debt. Consumers may still dispute a debt verbally or after the thirty-day period has elapsed, but doing so waives the right to compel the debt collector to produce verification of the debt. Verification should include at a minimum the amount owed and the name and address of the original creditor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_Debt_Collection_Practices_Act

In other words, when the debt collector calls me, I ask for "verification" and they won't be able to give it.  If they pursue, I can sue.

[CS Foltz]

sheclown............you might have to get right up in their faces and start stepping on their toes if they won't come to their sense's..............what little they have! It might be interesting to find out just who the hell is pushing for this?

[sheclown]

I went to the Board of Trustees meeting today at the library.  Nice place they have in those back rooms!  The meeting was lead by a very distinguished looking man, kind and gentle.  But, alas, he shook his head and said other than putting me on a payment schedule, there really isn't anything the board can do.

I did find out that my card was used twice (which is news to me).  Twenty were checked out on August 19th and 19 were checked out on August 24th.

They are so intent on the little disclaimer written on the card "you are responsible for your card and need to contact the library if it is lost" that they fail to see the identity theft as any real issue here.  Their main concern is that neighbors will still be able to borrow other people's cards and that children, without ID, will still be able to check out books. 

Certainly access to library materials is important.

But it is also important that the library take steps to ensure that if they are going to prosecute people who lose their cards, that they not hand the books to the wrong folks in the first place.

When I asked about photo IDs, I was told that it wasn't economically feasible.  Well, it certainly isn't economically feasible for them to place this on the backs on their patrons, either.

I will talk to the governance committee in January.

As a side note, I was assured that I would still be able to use my library card if I was placed on the payment schedule.  HA!  I told them I would never own a library card again.  (Shoot, I'll just borrow my neighbors)

[Jerry Moran]

When I asked about photo IDs, I was told that it wasn't economically feasible.

B. S.

Lets have some fun with these Jacks and Jennies. Any pro bono legal opinions out there before Sheclown gets a lawyer?

[sheclown]

I've received a few legal suggestions.  One of which is to ask for validation of the debt (ie. make them prove that it was me who incurred it).  Another suggestion is arguing that I am not actually in contract with the library b/c I have no choice but to sign given I don't have any other public library options around.

I do believe that the library needs to look at its policies.  To just dismiss me and my situation without examining their role in this seems quite irresponsible.  Given the vast inventory they ARE responsible for--

[Jerry Moran]

I am in a similar situation with the Parking Department right now.  Something about denial of right to due process.  I'll elaborate later.  Who do these people think they are?

[Jumpinjack]

This just makes me so mad. I looked around on the Internet and almost every library has the same policy regarding lost cards. Sort of a mindless attitude IMO.

However, you still have your library card. This is the one thing you signed up for, showed id for and did not lose. What you lost was a key ring card - given to you gratis with little or no id checking. Just saying.

The other thing is that when you can get hold of a list of the books taken out, check the branch libraries and also the main library to see if they have been returned. We have been charged with missing books only to find that they were sitting on the shelf. Sometimes the librarians don't record returned books but just reshelve them. You can call the branches and ask (providing you get a helpful person)  or just drop by and give a look. Or publish the list here and let us go to our branch libraries and look too. 

[sheclown]

Thanks Jack.

Libraries are great vessels of goods that the taxpayers have invested their hard working dollars into.  To set checkout policies in order that neighbors could lend their cards to each other (which was actually stated yesterday in the board meeting) seems recklessly naive. 

Are they any business men or women on the board?

[Jumpinjack]

Chamblins and any other used book store too.

[sheclown]

Jack, I was thinking about doing that.  Good idea.  Besides, I always like treasure hunts in Chamblins.  There might even be a muffin in my future too.

It a great place to have coffee and watch the world go by.

[Lunican]

I doubt you would even have to lose your library card to have this problem. Making a fake card would be extremely easy, especially if the card numbers are issued in series instead of randomly.