Identity theft seems like something drawn out of an American intrigue movie.

However, according to Monday's STAR, it has become a Jamaican reality. Now it seems one has to keep one's TRN card clutched in one's purse/wallet or carefully stored in one's memory, as thieves try to take away one's very existence.

The report says thieves often use one's birth certificate/TRN number to obtain driver's licences, passports and other important documents - thus effectively taking one's basic means of identification.

These persons then escape their crime-ridden pasts to a fresh slate and in effect tarnishing your good name. With your identity they are allowed free rein to try new avenues of extorting money. According to the story, one thief used his victim's name to obtain a first and second degree and left the victim to pay the bill.

However not all victims are unwitting. Supt. Fitz Bailey explained that oftentimes the victim knows the perpetrator, or has effectively sold his identity to someone else.

How can someone be so desperate? It shows that they have no pride in themselves and their accomplishments - or lack of accomplishments. Back in the day family names meant something, it was a sign of pride and history, but for some people nothing is sacred.

So keep your identification cards close, don't leave them anywhere.

In fact, don't leave them at all.