09-07-2003, 07:36 AM
|
|
|
ICQ: 175171926
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 11,046
|
are you a victim of identity theft?
this is from another board, i think some of the info may be useful to someone here.
otherwise just move on.
Quote:
Originally posted by Bama
Because of a PM with some questions regarding a stolen SSN, here is some further info:
Telephone numbers are at the bottom of this page.
Your SSN is no longer just a "Social Security" Number. It has now become a Federal ID number, and is used for verification purposes on employment, loans, credit cards, mortgages, etc. With your SSN, anyone can become you! It has become your drivers license number in some states, and is printed on your military gear. A friend of mine once bought a pack at a surplus store with the woman's name and SSN stencilled right onto it! Anyone could have used that to become her, and ruin her life.
Contact the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union), and order a copy of your credit report. Look for any discrepancies. If there are, such as loans or credit cards that you did not authorize, file a police report for Identity Theft. If someone has posted your SSN on an anti website in an attempt to encourage the destruction of your credit, that is a Federal offense. Contact the FBI with any proof you may have, and get an attorney.
If you discover your identity has been stolen, you must keep that police report as proof forever. If the damage is bad enough, you may qualify for another SSN. Contact the three credit agencies as soon as possible and have them place a fraud alert on your file.
An additional note on your credit report. Records are only kept for 3 years, although it remains for 7. If you have any negative credit over 3 years old, dispute it as "not mine." They cannot prove it is yours, and must remove it immediately. I went from not being able to get a loan without a cosigner, to Sterling credit with a current credit score of +832. The minimum is +150, with a max of +934, so you see the difference it made!
Credit Reports:
Experian- 888-397-3742
Equifax- 800-685-1111
Trans Union- 800-916-8800
Identity Theft:
Experian- 888-397-3742
Equifax- 800-525-6285
Trans Union- 800-680-7289
SS Adm'n Fraud Hotline- 800-269-0271 to report the unauthorized use of your personal identification info.
File a complaint with the FTC at 1-877-IDTHEFT or online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft
|
__________________
HEY!!
Unbeatable hosting! Customer service is top notch!
--> ISPrime <-- Do a search on any board, their reputation is rock solid .. for years!!
|
|
|