Young single mother loses more than identity to thieves.

When Arnette Awe, Realtor® in Woodbury, MN shared this story, my heart sunk. Remembering the joy and excitement I had experienced when I bought my first home, it was painful to hear what this young mother endured in her attempt to secure her American Dream. Although this story dates back a few years, it’s still worth sharing.

Back in 2013, Arnette had been given a referral to help a young mother (we’ll identify as Jane) find a single family home for herself and one-year-old daughter. All Jane wanted was a nice little cozy two bedroom home in St. Paul with a yard large enough for a vegetable garden and play area.

At that time, Arnette was able to educate her on the benefits of a first time home buyer program and a monthly payment assistance program offered by the City of St. Paul. Jane already had her sights on a couple of homes in a neighborhood near friends and family. All she really needed was a good Realtor with solid experience to help her get through the process of securing her new home. After a thorough consultation, Arnette directed her to a mortgage lender.

You probably know what is coming next and you’re right. Within 24 hours, Jane’s world was shattered. The lender explained that there was already a $90,000 mortgage in her name, coupled with two cell phone bills and one unpaid credit card in excess of $2,000.00. Over the course of the previous 12 months, someone had stolen Jane’s social security and driver’s license number. Her information was used to steal her identity to purchase a home in Arkansas along with the cell phone and credit card accounts. Like most victims of identity theft, Jane was devastated.

In looking back, Jane couldn’t recall when or if ever she had looked at her credit report. Since her parents supported her during and after her pregnancy, there wasn’t a need to file taxes because she didn’t generate any income during that time. In hindsight, a filing might have been a tip-off. Although Arnette was able to refer Jane to experts on identity theft, Jane was not able to get her identity restored before the assistance programs expired. To add further insult, Jane lost out on equity, buying power, independence and the pride that comes from owning the American Dream—especially as an independent woman.

What happened to Jane is not unique. Similar stories can be found all over the internet. Don’t miss out on the American Dream of owning your own home. If you are a victim or suspect that you may be a victim, call for help. There are solutions. With the housing market right around the corner, now is the time to make sure that your identity and financial profile is intact.

Thank you, Arnette, for sharing this story and the lessons we can learn from it.

Deb Vosejpka

debv@wispusa.com

651-274-0575

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Arnette Awe

Realtor®

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Lovejoy Realty

aawe@bhhslovejoy.com

952-200-2595