North Carolina Man Steals Child’s Identity

According to Alamance County Deputies, 44 year old Mebane, NC resident Michael John Maris stole the social security number and identity of a 3-year-old child.  He then used it to get natural gas service and a telephone.

Maris was charged with two counts of obtaining property by false pretense and one count of identity theft.  His bond has been set at $5,000.

The child’s grandmother, Linda Raker, was alerted to the problem when a collection agency contacted her requesting payment for the natural gas bill – which was in her granddaughter’s name.  That, of course, raised red flags (what child needs natural gas service, afterall 🙂 ) and the grandmother notified the authorities.

It also seems that Mr. Maris is related to the grandmother, but the Sheriff did not disclose the exact nature of the relationship.

Identity theft is quickly becoming a serious epidemic.  In fact, the United States FBI website says that you cannot prevent the theft of your identity – yikes!  If you think you are a victim of identity theft, contact the authorities first and then follow these other steps