Help me stop an attempt to steal my Identity

LinnieBeth | 11-18-01 | LinnieBeth

[prambo]

Although this won't stop the present attempt, start shredding everything that goes out in the trash that has your name and/or on it. EVERYTHING!

In the case of unsolicited credit card applications, shred the whole page. Notice also that some credit card payment envelopes have the little "hanging chad" order form under the flap; they tear off to use, or dispose off - many actually say something like "Because you are so repsonsible with your 'I LOVE the Clintons' Visa card we offer you this gift". Thus, they have the fact that you have a particular credit card; they already have your name and address. I also include envelopes that have the bar codes at the bottom and any envelope that says "Your Statement Is Enclosed", or such like.

Also to include - mailing address from all junk catalogs that you receive. Also, remember that many have order blanks inside the catalog - many of these have your name and address already printed on them and sometimes, if you have one, an account number at that particular vendor.

If you look at your trash and recycling, it can give away your whole life - make your trash and recycling a "tabla rasa".

prambo

[prambo]

That should be "...name and/or addrress..."

Sorry.

prambo

[mlocher]

this has happened to my mother and father. i have nothing new to add, but let me summarize what has been stated.

contact the credit bureaus and get the names of the card companies.
contact the card companies and tell them what happened
contact the police and file a report
contact the credit company and tell them not to authorize any credit cards, loans, etc. unless they personally contact you.

sadly, do not expect the perpetrator to be caught. do expect hassle, but eventually you should walk out of this owning nothing.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

I know the feeling. I had my purse stolen right before Christmas in 1996. I immediately called all my credit card companies. The crooks never had my SS number, but they did manage to do all sorts of damage. My name and address is now attached to 4 different social security numbers and I am having a dickens of a time getting it sorted out. I tried to get a second cell phone and because of all the SS numbers I was denied. I can't get a new car with the fabulous 0% financing until it's all off my credit report. I hate crooks.

[LinnieBeth]

Thanks to you ALL, I am reading the pages you have suggested, my husband has called some credit bureaus - though that put him into a hissy-fit - I called the police, but we have not yet filled out a report. I suggested to hubby calling FBI, but he thinks I'm losing it.
Anyway, I appreciate all your help and information

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Get the address they used on the application and pay them a personal visit with your friends Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson.

[HAL9000]

From the UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE -

Access Device Fraud

Financial industry sources estimate that losses associated with credit card fraud are in the billions of dollars annually. The Secret Service is the primary federal agency tasked with investigating access device fraud and its related activities under Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029. Although it is commonly called the credit card statute, this law also applies to other crimes involving access device numbers including debit cards, automated teller machine (ATM) cards, computer passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs) used to activate ATMs, credit card or debit card account numbers, long-distance access codes, and the computer chips in cellular phones that assign billing. During fiscal year 1996, the Secret Service opened 2,467 cases, closed 2,963 cases, and arrested 2,429 individuals for access device fraud. Industry sources estimate that losses associated with credit card fraud are in the billions of dollars annually.

What to do if you have been the victim of credit card fraud or identity theft:

1. If your complaint is essentially a non-criminal dispute with a retailer or other business, you must immediately dispute the charge(s) in writing with the customer relations office of your credit card company.
   
   
2. If you have been the victim of credit card fraud or identity theft, the following tips will assist you:
   
   
   • Report the crime to the police immediately. Get a copy of your police report or case number. Credit card companies, your bank, and the insurance company may ask you to reference the report to verify the crime.
     
     
   • Immediately contact your credit card issuers. Get replacement cards with new account numbers and ask that the old account be processed as "account closed at consumer’s request" for credit record purposes. You should also follow up this telephone conversation with a letter to the credit card company that summarizes your request in writing.
     
     
   • Call the fraud units of the three credit reporting bureaus. Report the theft of your credit cards and/or numbers. Ask that your accounts be flagged. Also, add a victim’s statement to your report that requests that they contact you to verify future credit applications. The following is a list of addresses and numbers to the three credit bureaus:
   
   

   Equifax Credit Information Services - Consumer Fraud Div. P.O. Box 105496 Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5496 Tel: (800) 997-2493 www.equifax.com	Experian P.O. Box 2104 Allen, Texas 75013-2104 Tel: (888) EXPERIAN (397-3742) www.experian.com
   Trans Union Fraud Victim Assistance Dept. P.O. Box 390 Springfield, PA 19064-0390 Tel: (800) 680-7289 www.transunion.com

   
   
   • Keep a log of all conversations with authorities and financial entities.
     
     
   • As with any personal information, only provide your credit card number to merchants you know. Also, remember to protect your social security number. You have to give your social security number for employment and tax purposes, but it is not necessary for many businesses. Notify the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General if your social security number has been used fraudulently.
     
     
   • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the federal clearinghouse for complaints by victims of identity theft. Although the FTC does not have the authority to bring criminal cases, the Commission assists victims of identity theft by providing them with information to help them resolve the financial and other problems that can result from identity theft. The FTC also may refer victim complaints to other appropriate government agencies and private organizations for further action. If you have been a victim of identity theft, you can file a complaint with the FTC by contacting the FTC's Consumer Response Center.

By Phone:	Toll-free 877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) TDD 202-326-2502
By Mail:	Consumer Response Center Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20580
On the Web:	www.ftc.gov/ftc/complaint.htm
For Consumer Information:	www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm

[Chemnitz]

Here are the three national agencies. Call them at once and explain the situation. Also have a security memo attached to your name with each agency. However, also send them letters certified. A phone conversation won't carry much weight later if things get really messy.

Experian (TRW) P.O. Box 2104 Allen, TX 75013-2104 (800)682-7654

Equifax P.O. Box 105873 Atlanta, GA 30348 (800)685-1111

Trans Union P.O. Box 390 Springfield, PA 19064 (800)916-8800

The security memo will force any applicant to answer extra questions to prove who they are. That should stop most attempts.

I believe in shredding or locking away the paper garbage. It is full of good credit information. SS number. Address. Phone. Family member names. Varous account numbers. In some neighborhoods it is just plain foolish to leave mail in the mailbox for the carrier to pick up. If you are paying the Sears bill with a check, for instance, a thief can grab the letter, wash the check, and use the check for a little bonus for himself.

I suggest that all your actions be in writing and sent certified. Keep copies of your letters in a file so you can use them later. Then keep checking with the agencies to see if someone is still trying.

I had an identity theft problem. It lasted a year. Qwest gave two cell phones away and let this stranger run up $1000 in bills - even though I phoned Qwest about it immediately. (They sent a letter to me congratulating me on getting two cell phones with their most expensive plan.) So figure that this will take a long time and that you will be treated as the enemy.

Your home-owners insurance may cover you to some extent. It is worth getting them involved. They do not want to pay thousands of dollars for fraudulent charges.

It is worthwhile to get a lawyer if someone gets a card and runs up the bill. A contact from a lawyer can fix things in a few seconds. I know many people hate lawyers for good reason, but a careful lawyer can save a lot of time and heart-ache.

[Carol Roberts]

I've had my identity stolen twice. It was a lot of work to fix both times, but much easier the second time because I knew what to do. I put some info up at my website for just this purpose:

identity theft info

[archy]

You'll find the Georgia state statutes on identity theft *here*. Report the violation of these laws to your local police immediately- they may refer you to a state white-collar crimes detective task force, or to the state Attorney General's office, in which case no problem, but keep records of the locals you've had contact with as well.

If you think you're getting the runaround, there's a minister in the state who I think you'll find can get the appropriate fires started under those supposed to deal with such things. If needed, give me a freepmail and I'll pass his phone number and other contact info on to you.

-archy-/-

[secret garden]

You guys are the best! Talk about coming through when a freeper is in trouble! I'm saving your responses, just in case anyone I know ever has the same problem.
The logo should be changed to FreeRepublic.com "More than a conservative news forum".

[Chemnitz]

I try. Don't just save the information. Act on it. Get your accounts protected now. What's keeping you from dialing up the three services now? Hmm? It's much more satisfying to lock the door before the barn is empty.

I get all kinds of help from FreeRepublic. It is my favorite site for humor, news, information, patriotism, military insights, etc. The Betty Ford Clinic should open a branch just for us FR addicts.

[bootless]

So sorry to hear this! Immediately: contact all three credit bureaus (Experian, Trans Union and Equifax) and place a fraud alert on your file. That way, bells will rind when they apply for more credit. Also, check through www.clarkhoward.com - I think he's got a section on identify theft/credit fraud. GOOD LUCK!

[bootless]

Good for you. Do as much as you can as early as you can - while the trail is still warm. You can't let crooks get away with this sort of stuff - it only encourages them.

[secret garden]

Wait a minute! Isn't the first step admitting you have a problem? I refuse to call freeping a problem. It's a most pleasant diversion.

[Chemnitz]

I have admitted that I cannot overpower my desire to get on FR and read the latest posts and news stories. I also enjoy the humorous ribbing that goes on.

[LinnieBeth]

Get the address they used on the application and pay them a personal visit with your friends Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson.

I like your suggestion.
When we filed the report to a deputy, I told her that what I really wanted out of this was for them to find out 'who' had our information and was trying to use it.
She laughed; said that she would be sending someone from the "Fraud Dept' out to start the investigation, and it would be their responsibility to locate this person.
What's the odds of coming up with a warm body?

[Chemnitz]

Retraction, retraction! Qwest sent me my phone bill today and they put the $1000 back on my bill (fraudulent cell phone use) with no explanation. I spent a long time talking to two women at Qwest about this 19 month ordeal. My only consolation was that I was able to ask, "Isn't Qwest being investigated by the attorney general for putting charges on phone bills that are not legitimate?"

I also said, "Who is the bigger crook - the guy who ordered these phones in my name or the company that keeps billing me for charges I do not owe?"