Does Publicly Available Info on NFL Players Increa
07-12-2007 08:40 |
Given the continuing increase in the incidents of ID theft in the US, and the public availability of personal information and "stats" on current and former NFL players, it is not surprising that ID thieves would try to take advantage of the situation.
Just yesterday, Wichita, Kansas police report that two men used the identities of former NFL players to buy motorcycles from two Wichita area motorcycle dealerships. The 11/19/07 KSN Nightly News Report provides an image of the suspects and a video on the story.
Apparently, the men used the identites of Dexter Coakley, a former linebacker and free agent who recently played for the St. Louis Rams in 2006, and Gary Sayre, drafted as a guard by the Washington Redskins in 1981 (and is reported to have also played for the Cowboys - although we note he is not listed as a former Cowboy at their website). Sayre now owns a used car dealership in Dallas, TX.
Police report that these two ID theft suspects may have been involved in other identity thefts involving current and former pro football players.
It's well known that ID thieves target celebrities and pro athletes. Pro athletes can be particularly exposed to this type of crime, as most pro sports leagues make a significant portion of players' personal information and statistics publicly available. If they have not done so already, perhaps the NFL and other pro sports leagues should look into providing identity theft insurance for current players and retirees. |
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