Is purchasing identity theft protection worth it? Ask Earl Hood.
The devastation of falling victim to identity theft is not just financial, but also emotional. In fact, this theft can have a substantial impact on the family of the victim. Recently, the AP ran a story about Earl Robert Hood, a trucker from Illinois. After his identity was stolen, his commercial driver’s license was suspended following four DUIs committed by a thief using his identity. During this ordeal, he fell behind on his house payments and lost both his Dodge Durango and furniture purchased on an installment plan. He lost his job, and his marriage crumbled under the financial strain.
Fortunately, Danny Arnold, the criminal who stole Hood’s identity, was quickly aprehended as the result of a drunk driving spree that resulted in 4 DUIs. Still, the experience continues to affect Hood, who explained to the AP that the theft had affected not only him, but also his four children. For two years, Hood could not afford to give his kids a Christmas because of the thief’s actions.
In addition to this emotional impact, the financial burden of identity theft still remains for Hood. However, he has made great strides in rebuilding his life, including regaining his commercial driver’s license this year. Hood wants others to learn form his experience, and traveled to Wyoming from Illinois to testify against Danny Arnold, the 47-year-old thief who stole Hood’s identity. Following Arnold’s recent conviction, he faces more than 30 years in prison.