Re: Unauthorized Inquiry by Stalker

Posted by TA on December 27, 2001 at 05:52:21:

In Reply to: Unauthorized Inquiry by Stalker posted by Unauthorized Inquiry on December 26, 2001 at 23:08:49:

Well, I hope this helps just a little.

"We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's
committed using your name,address, Social Security number, credit, etc. Unfortunately, the following is not unusual: Wallet stolen and in less than a day or a week the thieve(s) order an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a computer, received a PIN number from the Department of Motor Vehicles to change a driving record information online, and more.

But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know.

As everyone always advises, cancel your credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know who to call. Keep those where you can find them easily. Having to hunt for them is additional stress you WON'T need at that point!

File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction were it was stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation, if there ever is one.

THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP TO PROTECT YOU FROM IDENTITY THEFT: I doubt that any of you have thought to do the following:

Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. Banks advise this should be done immediately so that if the thief makes application for credit over the Internet in your name, it will alert any company that checks your credit will know your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

If you delay this one step, chances are that within as little as a week or two after the theft,
all the damage will have been done and you won't know anything is wrong until you start getting bills for things you didn't buy. It may take many months to clear your name and credit record, if ever.

The Credit Reporting Company numbers are:

Equifax 1-800 525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW) 1-800-301-7195
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289

The Social Security Administration also has a fraud line at 1-800-269-0271 "

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