Identity Theft Resolution!

[Anonymous]

Short version of story I'd posted before.  Friend of my daughter's, 21 years old, his mother stole his identity and ran up $9,000 in credit card bills with Citibank.  Has moved out of the family home.   He didn't know anything about it - started getting calls from collection agencies etc.  Finds out - confronts mom - she basically says too bad, it's his problem.  He's overwhelmed, devastated, frozen in panic. 

I sent letters (as him) using the forms on the FTC website claiming Identity Theft.  He filed a police report.  Sent all the paperwork in.  Put a fraud alert on his account.  Collection agencies immediately stop.  Less than 45 days later he got this letter in the mail from Citibank:

July 16, 2009
ACCOUNT NUMBER xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear XXXXX:

We would like to confirm that the above referenced account has been closed due to a fraudulent application in your name. The credit reporting agencies have been notified to remove this account from your records. Please allow them at least 45 days to update your file.

If there is any information you may have concerning the person who opened this account in your name, please send it to us at the address listed above. Your cooperation will be appreciated.

Sincerely,


Security Services Representative

I've warned him to keep copies of this letter forever - so he's not hit with zombie debt - he's also sending me copies for safe keeping.  And I warned him to keep a close eye on his credit report so his mother can't do this to him again. 

I'm amazed that this resolution went so fast - and estatic that this young man is out from under this burden!

[BungalowMo]

KUDO's to you for helping him out!  That's cool that they saw this for what it was & honored the request to remove.  If anything, this was a dramatic way to learn about keeping your credit clean!  I'll bet he will be watching it closely for years to come.

I don't suppose she's up for the "Mother of the Year" award!!??  

Are there any charges being filed against her?  It would be hard with it being your mom & all, but CITI may decide to do so....or the Police may.  Hard to say.

[Anonymous]

The problem is far from over for him.

If he has not yet done this he needs to get his certified Birth certificate from his Mother's possession. If he cannot do that he needs to go about getting one for himself. Thats just one of those documents that you Rarely need, but it would be good for him to get it safe and secure.

At his age there is little to no negative impact on him applying for and getting a new social security number.

The fact is his mom used his old number several times already, he should immediately secure a new one so she cannot continue having influence over him.

He should turn her in, but a lot of people do not do this due to familial loyalty.

He needs to do a change of address on the family home so all mail addressed to him does/and continues to not be delivered there.

I have no idea the depths of his mother's illness, but he should take several pro-active steps to limit further interference with his life.

It would be better for his mother to not know where he banks, or lives.

He also needs to set up a new security question as "mothers maiden name" is a very popular one.

If he continues to have a realtionship with her, I would keep it to cell phone number and PO BOX. He should not let her into his place of residence.

It is highly possible without him changing his number for her to attempt to access and gain access to his accounts again.

She has already committed fraud, perjury, and criminal acts and should not be looked at anything but suspicion.

[Anonymous]

I don't really know if he told the police it was her - I chose not to ask him.  I did suggest he warn his brother and sister so she can't do it to them.  And I did suggest he change his social security number.  Also told him to keep a very close eye on his credit report.  I've known her as long as I've known him - I don't believe it was her just blowing money on his dime.  His brother had cancer, she and her husband (their father) divorced and she was left pretty high and dry by him.  I'm betting the money went to help raise the kids.  Not that it excuses it.  I've been broke too -but never stole from my kids.  I'm just really glad this young man is out from under this.

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

If he has not yet done this he needs to get his certified Birth certificate from his Mother's possession.

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You cannot keep a parent from obtaining a birth certificate for their child unless they are court ordered not to obtain or possess such document.

[Anonymous]

Probably very true.  Then again - I've never known a creditor to ask for a birth certificate either - so probably not a big deal.  Especially since in person she can't pass for an early 20's male. 

[Anonymous]

A person with a birth certificate and a devious mind can wreak all nature of havoc!

[Anonymous]

I know that's always been the sorta standard answer - especially for identity theft.   However, I have recently gotten a passport, I'm taking my son today to get a learner's permit.  They changed ALL the rules on identity documents for a license. He even needs his SS card now for it - which I had to go apply for a replacement - which was a whole different set of identity documents.  A birth certifcate alone hasn't gotten me much.

[Anonymous]

When you don't have a devious mind it is hard to wrap your mind around deviousness.

Anyway my comment was directed at the poster who thinks it is sufficient to merely remove the BC from mama's possession. It isn't.

[Watchmann]

Tough story.  But it also shows how most identity theft occurs.  ID's are usually not stolen by dumpster diving, stealing mail from mailboxes, or security breeches at card processing centers.  They are stolen by friends and family members who have access to such data.  Doesn't mitigate the problem or the havoc it causes, but I do believe we are often too focused on the external factors and ignore the threat right under our noses.