Identity Theft Advice

[brentalan]

So back in 2005, I had this guy help me with my 2004 taxes. I'd met him a few times, and it seemed legit, but I was also 25 at the time so I was a little naive.

so here I am 6 years later, and I just found out (when trying to apply for credit) that a credit card had been issued in my name back in October. I checked my credit report and found this. I called the company to let them know that I had not wanted the card and they informed me that this guy was authorized as a user of the card. I had forgotten he even exists, but I remembered the name right away.

So far I've obviously canceled the card, reported this to the credit agencies, put a 90 day fraud protection alert on my account. On Monday I'm going to report it to the FTC and my local police.

Question is, what do I do now? This guy's got my SS# and may open an account in my name again someday. He could even give it to other people, who knows. I see they have the ability to put a 7 year fraud alert on the credit accounts, but they warn you that you have to jump through a lot of hoops to apply for credit. I wish I could just get a new SS# but that seems unlikely based on what I've read. Any suggestions? Should I get a lawyer? Should I try to sue him? He might retaliate by posting my stuff everywhere. I haven't suffered any monetary damages, the CC company is not holding me responsible. My perfect credit I've worked so hard for is ruined. I really just don't want it to happen again....

 

[crazyoildude]

you should get life lock or another credit protecting company if this happens and they have the guarantee you could be covered for any loss from now on..
Also make a police report if the police dont want to make a report (they have to but some try to make up their own rules) file an incident report..
i can tell you how to do that if you want pm me

 

[dwendt44]

Get your FICO score (yes you have to pay for it) and see how bad things are.

If they are great so far, freeze you credit at the three reporting agencies.
If bad, start working to get the bad stuff cleared off.
Challenge errors and any fraud you find.
You can get your score from each of the reporting agencies free once a year, but I'd save those for the time being.
How many Credit cards do you have now?

Three or more, I'd do the freeze.
Check with 'clark Howard' or 'Dave Ramsey'(web sites) for
tips on improving or protecting your credit.

My 2¢

 

[JHZR2]

Go to all the credit agencies and put out a fraud alert. Do it online and then mail them all letters return reciept requested to ensure that you have proof.

Id then (or maybe first) call the police and get a report on this. Id let an officer do it to get it on paper, and then get with the detective's department.

I'd give Zander Insurance a call and see if they will write you the ID theft policy on a hunch due to a bad spec on your credit (card being opened). Some may deny coverage because of a pre-existing condition, but nothing says you have had any read ID theft yet, so IMO it is still being proactive. Think of the right way to explain it. I dont have their policy, but it is the one that Dave Ramsey recommends (nothing special in that itself) and helps the policyholder to do the same precautionary steps that any of the others do, with more coverage on other things like medical, as well as support for account closure and remediation. At least that's what my research seems to show...

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...579#Post2229579

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: dwendt44
Get your FICO score (yes you have to pay for it) and see how bad things are.



Why pay for a score??? The free report will show what his creditors are and he can see if any are bad.

Nothing spectacular to having a credit card or a credit score at all. You dont want fraudulent activity against your person, but remember that credit cards especially are just traps to induce excessive spending and slavery to the financial institution.

 

[brentalan]

"You can get your score from each of the reporting agencies free once a year, but I'd save those for the time being."

I already got the free report, that's actually how I found out there is a card in my name.

"Why pay for a score??? The free report will show what his creditors are and he can see if any are bad."

Yeah, there's only the one credit card this guy took out. I've closed the account and I plan to submit a police report to the 3 agencies. It would be interesting to know my score though..I guess it's not super important right now since I don't want to open any new accounts.

"How many Credit cards do you have now?"

I only have one credit card. I also have a debit card than can charge credit. Should I not freeze since I only have one? I don't really want any more cards in the foreseeable future, but I may someday.

"I'd give Zander Insurance a call and see if they will write you the ID theft policy"

This I'm going to do. Good thought.

What do you guys think of the 7-year fraud alert versus the freeze? I will want to move someday. My cars are getting old and I also might be looking at financing a new car in a year or two.

 

[JHZR2]

Do NOT finance a car, period. Pay cash when you have cash, otherwise you cannot afford it. For something like a mortgage, you can get the permanent lock unlocked, though it does cost something like $5.

 

[brentalan]

Just looked it up, for NJ it's free to lock and $5 to unlock. That seems reasonable.

Any reason I'd not want to do this?

BTW thanks to all that have replied thus far, I was really upset, this helps.

 

[JHZR2]

If you want to live like the typical American, deeply in debt and reliant on credit cards to get from paycheck to paycheck, then dont lock it... youll need the score to set up a new credit card from time to time. If youre financially responsible, then Id say no. Pay the $5 when shopping for a mortgage and that's it.