Identity theft & the public library

[sheclown]

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.

Good point.  And you tend to think of library cards as somehow harmless, but $1500 worth of merchandise is quite a bit...CDs, DVDs, these things are valuable and easily sold "on the street". 

And since my card was used twice, that means twice someone pretended to be me. 

Can this only be happening to me?

[Dog Walker]

She,  We were in the library this afternoon and noticed that a couple of the clerks stations had been replaced with self-checkout machines.  They also have credit card scanners on them so that fines can be paid and the magnetic locks on DVD cases released.

Spoke with Ms. Woods, one of the long time librarians, and she said that the machines required a PIN and that now even the clerks would ask for a PIN when something was checked out.  When asked, she said that your situation was the reason for the new requirement for PINS for all transactions, even the face to face ones.

[sheclown]

I know pin numbers make it more complicated, but I don't think it is a bad idea to make sure a person's identity is safe.

Thank you public library.  And thank you Dog Walker for sharing this.

[sheclown]

And mostly, THANK YOU METROJACKSONVILLE.

You level the playing field for us little guys.

[ChriswUfGator]

Is this what the Jacksonville Public Library wants to become?

Texas Woman Jailed for Overdue Library Books

Updated: 16 hours 37 minutes ago

Ben Muessig, Contributor

(Dec. 7) -- Authorities threw the book at a woman who had a few overdue library books.

Police in Baytown, Texas, say they locked up Jessekah Few last month after the 25-year-old failed to show up in court for a hearing about unreturned library books.

"It's not a very common charge," Baytown Police Department Detective Alan Cliburn told WSAV.com.
Masterminds Need Not ApplyBaytown Police Department73 photos   Authorities in Texas really threw the book at Jessekah Few. Police say they arrested the 25-year-old on the day before Thanksgiving because she hasn't turned in a number of overdue library books. Few has been charged with a misdemeanor -- but she insists the books were destroyed in a house fire.

Authorities in Texas really threw the book at Jessekah Few. Police say they arrested the 25-year-old on the day before Thanksgiving because she hasn't turned in a number of overdue library books. Few has been charged with a misdemeanor -- but she insists the books were destroyed in a house fire.

"It's part of the deal, part of the agreement that you enter into. It's just like anything else -- you can't take something that doesn't belong to you and just hold onto it."

Library officials say they only pursue charges against members who haven't returned more than $200 of property after multiple requests.

Few -- who was charged with a class-C misdemeanor -- has reportedly stated that the books were destroyed in a house fire seven years ago. She says her landlord, the fire department and even the Red Cross can attest to the blaze.

Contrary to reports indicating that Few was arrested on Thanksgiving Day, Baytown police told AOL News that she was apprehended the day before the holiday.

[Burn to Shine]

The thief no doubt thought:  Start Here.  Go Anywhere.

A little tip I learned...make copies of any cards you receive and never sign the back of any of your cards.  Write in perm marker "See ID" (even if there isn't a sig line).  Doesn't help much for self checkout but....

I always receive an email reminder when my books are due...do you have your email on file with the library/linked to your library card?

I keep keyring type cards electronically on my iPod.  If someone steals my iPod...it destroys everything after ten failed password attempts.  They might get the iPod but not the info. 

Is that new?  I don't recall ever using my PIN at the self-service station.  I only use it online when I'm reserving books or checking my account.

Yeah, I find it odd that I'm asked for a PIN online but not at the library.  I haven't been in a while though so, it may have changed? 

[Dog Walker]

PINs are now required at all of the self-service stations.  The clerks at Willowbranch aren't asking for them yet, though.

[sheclown]

I received this today in the mail.

[civil42806]

I received this today in the mail.

Have you referred them to the other option "pound sand"?

[CS Foltz]

How about insertion into place where sun does not shine? OR Fold into many corners and............! sheclown, I feel for you kid..........Maybe just politely telling them it would be a cold day in hell before they would collect anything. Your taxes pay to keep their doors open and your not getting what you pay for in either service nor books! I wonder just how many people this has happened to? The first time a bill collector calls me, I would tell them point blank, do not call be again or I will file a complaint with the SAO. I want your name, address and a phone number and your supervisors name.....now what is it?

[sheclown]

What I find really odd, and this will be the content of my first letter in response, is when I went to the board of Trustee's meeting, I was told that I would have an opportunity to address the governance board which will be meeting in January. 

Apparently the board met before this and I have been denied my opportunity to speak to them.  

[Jumpinjack]

I think you should first make an effort to have a sit down friendly chat with Harry Regan, Chairman of the Friends of the Library.

Your argument should center on the fact that you did not lose your library card; you lost the unasked for, unwanted, unsigned for key chain card.
That you did not sign any document showing that you were liable for a key chain card.
That the library did not ask for any id, pin number or whatever to certify that the stolen key chain card was in fact being used by the correct person. 

Therefore, the library should eat these fines - but you are willing to join the Friends and help fund raise for new books.

[Jumpinjack]

ps. I just shredded my key chain card and plan to present the library with the bits and a note saying these bits of plastic have lead to problems for legitimate library card holders.

[sheclown]

ps. I just shredded my key chain card and plan to present the library with the bits and a note saying these bits of plastic have lead to problems for legitimate library card holders.

jumping jack!  you are awesome!

[sheclown]

Does anyone know if the library board is subject to Sunshine Laws and public disclosure?