Identity theft can be a dire situation. More than 40% of Americans have fallen victim to this crime. Usually, a bad actor hacks into your bank account, takes out loans in your name, or opens and maxes out credit cards. But there are more intricate schemes happening that may shock you. Here we’ll take a look at seven schemes that you need to protect yourself against.
1. The Fake Hostage Scam
Have you heard about this scam where someone calls saying that they have a loved one held hostage? One Indiana woman fell for the scam because she heard screaming in the background. The scammers demanded $1,500 be sent to their Venmo or they would shoot her mother. This scam takes many forms and sometimes scammers say that your loved one has been in a terrible accident and they need money for their care. It’s always a good idea to verify the situation before sending any money.
2. Scamming Lovers
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Have you seen the Netflix documentary, The Tinder Swindler? Shimon Hayut is a skilled con artist who posed as a wealthy businessman, making many women fall for him. He would then say that business rivals were threatening his life and he needed credit cards and loans. Of course, he maxed out the credit cards and defaulted on the loans leaving his victims in financial ruin. It’s estimated that he swindled around $10 million from his targets. Hayut’s scam is similar to many romance scams that many individuals fall for every day. If your online lover starts asking for money, it’s time to move on.
3. Re-routing The Mail
Do you get a barrage of emails from companies asking if you want to have your bills sent to you paperlessly? You probably should take them up on online billing because of this scam. Abraham Abdallah was able to reroute mail and packages of more than 200 rich and famous celebrities, including Oprah and Spielberg, just by changing their mailing addresses to fake addresses around New York. He allegedly used web-enabled mobile phones and virtual voicemail services to track packages ordered by his targets and pick up messages from anywhere. Abdallah obtained banking information, social security numbers, and credit card accounts of victims for more than six months. He even tried to transfer $10 million out of Thomas Siebel’s account, founder of Siebel Systems. While mail scams are usually not this grandiose or successful, be careful what you send in the mail to protect yourself from identity theft.
4. Children as Targets of Identity Theft
Have you heard about the story of the mother who posed as her daughter so that she could go back to high school? Wendy Brown stole her daughter’s identity and attended a new high school so that she could be on the cheer team. Only 15 days later, she was sentenced to jail time. While moms don’t often impersonate their children, child identity theft has become a common phenomenon. Usually, scammers use children’s social security numbers to open credit cards, take out loans, or file fake tax returns. Children’s identities are much easier to steal than adults’. If you notice that your child is receiving offers for credit cards or not age-appropriate mail, take a look at their credit report and consider freezing it.
5. Swapping Phone Numbers
Youtuber Jacy Erin’s parents fell victim to identity theft when her mom’s email was hacked. The hackers were able to obtain sensitive information like her phone number and credit card information. They changed her mother’s phone number before putting $40,000 in charges on her credit card. When the credit card company called to confirm the charges, the call went right to the hackers.
6. Insider Job
Philip Cummings pleaded guilty in 2004 to one of the largest identity theft cases in the United States. Cummings worked for Teledata Communications, a company that helped run routine credit score checks for other companies. When Cummings quit his job he also took the passwords of 33,000 customers. He then sold the information to criminals. Through drained bank accounts and credit card charges, it’s estimated that victims of this scheme lost $50-$100 million. While breaches of this kind are historic, data breaches happen every day. If you are notified of a data breach where your information may be affected, be sure to set up a credit monitoring service to protect yourself.
7. PayPal Scheme
Just like Cummings, an IT professional Kenneth Gibson took private information he had access to from his employment. He created software that would create fake PayPal accounts for thousands of people. He then used the PayPal accounts to create new credit accounts. He flew under the radar for a while because he would only transfer small amounts of money, but in total, he stole more than $3.5 million.
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
According to recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), over 1 million cases of identity theft are reported each year. It’s estimated that millions more cases go unreported each year as well. While identity theft is a common crime, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Always remember to monitor your credit card, bank statements, and credit score. You may also want to set up a monitoring service. With knowledge and the right tools, you can protect your identity from criminals.
The United States might not be the first place you think of in the world for an affordable backpacking trip. However, there are so many iconic cities to visit and natural wonders to explore. While some places in the states are not as backpacker-friendly as others, there are many that are affordable and easy to navigate. Here we’ll discuss 10 states where with a little planning your dollar goes the farthest.
1. Louisiana
According to Statista, Louisiana is the most affordable state to backpack through in 2024. Results were based on the cost of three budget meals, a dorm bed at a hostel, two transportation rides, one paid cultural attraction, and three cheap beers as part of an entertainment budget. Not only is Louisiana affordable, but it also offers many cultural opportunities. There are also many backpacking trails and national parks throughout the state. Whether you’re looking for an experience in nature or you’d rather stroll the streets of the French Quarter, Louisiana has something for everyone.
2. Florida
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If done the right way, backpacking through Miami Beach can be affordable. Many of the city’s hostels are a stone’s throw from the beach. There’s also a free trolley throughout the city. Dining can be expensive in South Beach, but you can find many affordable meals in Little Havana. As far as inexpensive nightlife, the Wynwood design district has affordable bars and clubs.
3. Nevada
While you may not think of the city of Sin as being an affordable place to backpack, as long as you stay off of the Strip in Vegas there are many affordable options for travelers. Accommodations and food in the Arts District or Freemont Street are more affordable. Plus, there are awesome outdoor adventures outside of the city. You can hike through Red Rock Canyon and further north there’s the Valley of Fire State Park. If you do visit Las Vegas, take advantage of free activities like the botanical gardens or gallery of fine art inside The Bellagio.
4. Michigan
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Especially in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan is a beautiful state to backpack through. There are gorgeous trails, lakes, and isolated beaches to see throughout the state. Since most of your backpacking adventure will be centered around the outdoors this state is an affordable trip. There are several options for accommodations including tents, cabins, and lodges. For a fun excursion, check out Mackinac Island.
5. Ohio
Backpacking in the Midwest is very affordable. Ohio is full of hills and valleys and is home to the Allegheny Plateau stretching across the southern and eastern parts of the state. Between Akron and Cleveland is Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There’s also Hocking Hills which is known for sandstone caves.
6. Tennessee
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You could spend a lot of time backpacking through Tennessee. If you stop in Nashville, the home of country music, make sure to spend some time in the honkey tonks on Honkey Tonk Highway. While Nashville proper is expensive, if you stay outside the city, you can save money. Surrounding towns like Franklin have plenty to do as well. You can take a tour of the Jack Daniels distillery or eat at iconic restaurants like the Loveless Café. Cumberland State Park is also a popular destination for backpackers.
7. North Carolina
There are several destinations in North Carolina that are good for backpacking on a budget. The best places to visit are the Boone and Asheville areas. Downtown Asheville has a vibrant arts, music, and brewery scene. You can also find affordable accommodations like camping sites or cabins outside the city in smaller towns like Boone.
8. Arizona
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Of course, an iconic backpacking trip is to explore the Grand Canyon. You can take advantage of guided ranger-led hikes of the South and North Rim. As far as lodging there are many affordable options and there is a shuttle service throughout the national park.
9. Illinois
Nestled in Southern Illinois between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, the Shawnee National Forest is a popular destination. You’ll find hickory forests, wetlands, canyons, and a variety of other geological features. If you’re looking for a challenge, the 200-mile Great Chicago Thru-Hike is on many bucket lists.
10. New York
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While New York City isn’t very affordable, it can be done on a budget. Focus on to-go food like pizza and bagels and free attractions to affordably backpack through the city. You can stroll through Central Park, visit Chelsea Market, and see where the ball drops on New Year’s Eve in Times Square. For nature enthusiasts, the Appalachian Trail has more than 2,100 miles of rolling hills and peaks.
Affordable Backpacking Through The US
With so many options right here in the States, you don’t have to go to Europe to have a backpacking adventure. These 10 locations can easily be explored for less than $100 a day. With research and planning, you can affordably backpack through breathtaking landscapes and iconic cities.
Where have you backpacked through and what is your next trip to?
Entering into surrogacy is a life-changing decision, one that involves significant emotional investment, careful preparation, and a focus on maintaining good health. Surrogate mothers play a vital role in helping intended parents build their families, and as such, they must stay proactive about their physical well-being throughout the entire pregnancy journey. This diligence in self-care often translates into a range of medical costs and healthcare considerations. Understanding what types of expenses may arise and when to expect them is critical for anyone considering this extraordinary path.
Pre-Surrogacy Evaluations and Initial Costs
Before the pregnancy even begins, a surrogate candidate will likely undergo several assessments to ensure she’s a good fit for this role. During the initial phase, prospective surrogates typically engage with professionals who help confirm that they’re physically, emotionally, and legally prepared. According to Elevate Baby, the early stages—approximately the first three months—are dedicated to completing essential documents, finalizing legal agreements, and attending initial medical evaluations and screenings. These preliminary steps can incur administrative costs, legal fees, and initial medical examination charges, all of which set the groundwork for a smooth journey ahead.
Routine Prenatal Check-Ups
Once pregnancy is achieved, ongoing prenatal care becomes a central focus. Surrogates should anticipate regular appointments with obstetricians or midwives, as these visits monitor both their health and the baby’s development. Routine check-ups, ultrasound examinations, and standard lab tests ensure any potential issues are caught early. While many intended parents assume these costs, it’s still valuable for surrogates to understand what might be involved. Routine assessments help provide peace of mind, ensuring everyone is well-informed at every stage.
Managing Common Pregnancy Aches and Pains
As the pregnancy progresses, certain aches and pains often arise due to increased physical strain. Back discomfort, for example, is a frequent complaint among expectant mothers. It’s no surprise when you consider that back pain is the third most common reason people seek medical advice, surpassed only by conditions related to the skin and joint issues. For surrogates, addressing back pain may mean additional visits to doctors, chiropractors, or physical therapists, as well as costs for recommended supports such as maternity belts or therapeutic exercises. These expenses ensure the surrogate remains comfortable and can maintain a high quality of life during pregnancy.
Specialized Tests and Screenings
In some surrogacy arrangements, specialized screenings may be recommended to ensure the best outcome for the baby. These could include genetic testing, advanced ultrasounds, or consultations with maternal-fetal medicine specialists. While the intended parents often cover these costs, it’s helpful for surrogates to understand that these advanced screenings are part of maintaining a healthy pregnancy. The scope and frequency of these tests can vary, depending on the agreement between the surrogate and the intended parents, as well as any unique medical circumstances.
Dental Care Considerations
Pregnant women frequently pay more attention to their oral health, as hormonal changes can affect the gums and teeth. Regular dental visits become especially important, and surrogates are no exception. According to the CDC, about65.5% of adults 18 and older received dental exams or cleanings in 2023. For a surrogate, maintaining consistent dental care may involve routine cleanings or addressing any emerging issues, contributing modestly to total medical costs. Ensuring oral health not only benefits the surrogate’s overall wellness but also supports a healthier environment for the developing baby.
Post-Delivery Expenses and Recovery
After the birth, attention turns to the surrogate’s recovery. There may be postpartum check-ups to confirm that her body is healing properly. Expenses could include follow-up appointments, prescriptions for pain management, or physical therapy sessions if needed. While not all surrogates face complex recoveries, budgeting for these potential costs—and understanding that many intended parents include postpartum care in their coverage—prepares surrogates for any scenario.
Health Insurance and Compensation Packages
Most surrogacy contracts outline how medical expenses will be handled. In many cases, the intended parents’ health insurance policy or a specialized surrogacy insurance plan will cover most, if not all, medical costs. Compensation packages typically factor in potential out-of-pocket expenses, helping ensure surrogates aren’t burdened financially. As a surrogate, understanding these arrangements is key; this clarity prevents unwelcome surprises and provides reassurance that the journey will be financially manageable.
Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind
Becoming a surrogate mother is an act of profound generosity and responsibility. By preparing for potential medical expenses—ranging from initial evaluations and routine prenatal visits to treating back pain and scheduling dental care—surrogates can remain empowered throughout this unique experience. With clear communication, thorough planning, and the support of intended parents, a surrogate can focus on maintaining her health, knowing that she’s providing the best possible start for the growing family she’s helping to create.
