SOLDIER INDICTED FOR CRIMINAL IDENTITY THEFT AND CYBERSTALKING


By jlustig
A person with a credit card and a computer representing criminal idenity theft.

Criminal identity theft is a big situation when one puts themselves in it. A U.S. Army Veteran was indicted in Philadelphia after stealing the identities of multiple people. Alpha Omega Mayhue is also accused of cyberstalking after sexually threatening a woman. If convicted, Mayhue could face a maximum of 164 years in prison, and other consequences that he can’t get himself out of.Suggested read: Super Bowl Flyover Navy Tradition Pumps Up Sports Fans

What Is Criminal Identity Theft?

Criminal identity theft is probably the worst situation that could happen to someone. Some identity theft examples are stealing checks, using someone else’s name, and stealing a social security number.When this happens, the individual can face serious consequences with law enforcement, could potentially serve the majority of their life in jail, and may even face substantial fines. Related read: Marine Corps Drop ‘2030’ From Ambitious Force Design 2030

The Best Identity Theft Protection

Someone stealing your identity is anybody’s worst nightmare, but there are ways to avoid it. Using a protection service saves you thousands of dollars and can recover your identity if stolen. Here are some services:

  • Aura (Annual plan: $9.00) (Monthly plan: $12.00)
  • LifeLock (Annual plan: $19.99) (Monthly plan: $20.99)
  • Identity Guard (Annual plan: $12.99) (Monthly plan: $14.99)

Making sure you are protecting your social security number and are being cautious about what you click on online. In short, these are simple ways to protect yourself against criminal identity theft.

What Are Alpha Omega Mayhue's Charges?

On January 31, Alpha Omega Mayhue, a former Army Soldier, was charged for multiple counts of identity theft and other crimes in federal court in Philadelphia. If convicted, he could be serving 164 years maximum in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $9.25 million.

What Is Cyberstalking?

A cyberstalker is someone who uses the internet and other technologies to harass or stalk another person online. For example, this can be through emails, text messages, social media posts, and more. Some cyberstalking punishments are restraining, probation, or criminal penalties against the assailant.

Be Cautious and Protect Yourself

Cyberstalking and criminal identity theft is the last thing that someone wants to go through. Therefore, being aware of your surroundings and making sure what you click on online is not a scam can help you in the long run. Here are a few key tips that will help you create an action plan against cyber stalking:

  1. Check your credit report regularly.
  2. Search your name to see what is publicly available about yourself.
  3. Regularly review your social media profiles and be cautious about accepting "friend requests" from strangers.
  4. Make sure to update your passwords regularly.
  5. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer and never open links or attachments from people that you don't know or trust.

Read next: How Congressional Breaks Could Jeopardize the US Army Budget


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