Right now, there very well could be a tenant of Melrose Apartments relaxing in his or her living room, completely oblivious to the fact that he or she is simultaneously purchasing a fishing boat, a TiVo and a leather bustier that both lifts and separates.
That, of course, is an unlikely scenario of a very plausible situation currently blooming at 16789 Chandler Road. MSU student and former Melrose Apartments employee Denita Dorsey, charged with stealing more than $100,000 via student identity theft, might be responsible for producing the very real threat that a tenant's personal information is no longer confidential.
To be sure, Dorsey has yet to be convicted of any crime. The disclosure of any tampering with students' personal information is only a charge, and prosecutors could find no evidence of declassification. However, when a select group of people - Melrose Apartments dwellers - are readily aware that someone formerly in a position to misuse personal information is being charged for identity theft and fraud, it's only normal for the concern to be there.
The nature of identity theft presupposes that the victims are not identified following any tampering to maintain their rightful confidentiality. Any instance when a disproportionately large expenditure, new credit account or otherwise unwarranted activity is noticed, the person obviously is aware that something is amiss.
Furthermore, most college students do not have a storied credit history to their names. That information is even more susceptible to identity theft, based on the relatively blank slate the perpetrator is working with. And oftentimes, proof of identity theft isn't readily noticeable based on monthly statements or billing statements.
So, why shouldn't a Melrose Apartments tenant be concerned about his or her credit, and what should be done to calm any fears? Simply, a Melrose Apartments renter should be concerned for his or her future liabilities, and Melrose Apartments should be responsible for relieving the fear a student or tenant has.
Melrose Apartments is certainly guilty of no apparent crime in this situation, but the moment that "Melrose Apartments" and "identity theft" were linked together, it's on Melrose to address its tenants' concerns expediently.
If a student would like a credit report, offer one free of charge. If a students feel unsafe with his or her personal information still within the keeping of Melrose Apartments, offer him or her a personal liaison to their concern, and don't let those tenant be lost in the bureaucracy of such a large apartment group.
To Melrose Apartments, it's unfortunate and unfair that you'll be expected to answer to student concerns, but as the organization that is guilty, only by association in this case, it's a necessary burden.
Students and tenants facing the threat of identity theft have a viable fear. The collective damages accrued so far are the alleged work of only one person, and the effects could prove to be far-reaching. This matter presents a situation where uncertainty reigns and, unfortunately, rules with an iron fist when the credit rating is the possible cost. Do the right thing, Melrose Apartments, and address tenants' fears in a forthright manner.
