Identity theft

[Anonymous]

On Monday Dec 7th I was was robbed at gunpoint and carjacked .  They took my wallet with all of my information such as license and credit cards.  I am worried that they might try to open up accounts in my name and ruin credit which ive worked so hard to get back on track.  I called and cancelled all of my cards  and got a new license photo. I noted on the reason why my license needed to be replaced as stolen. I filed a police report of course also. Is there anything I can do to notify the three credit agencies that my information has been stolen or do I just have to continue to monitor my accounts ??  I have truecredit and they notify me of any activity on my account. Anyone have any experience with this sort of this situation??  Any insight anyone could provide me during this extremely stressful time would be appreciated.

[llecs]

Wow...sorry that happened.

Contact each CRA and have a fraud alert placed on each CR. I'd do that if I ever thought that the person would have access to my name, address, accounts, etc. This makes it difficult to apply for credit in your name. I'd also recall what info, inside the car, he had access to. If you kept a house key on your key chain, then I'd replace your locks at home.

Keep TC. I'd also pull each CR directly from each CRA every quarter or so to be sure and keep the copies. If anything did appear that wasn't yours, then the CRA can fall back on the correct copy.

[donkort]

I'm sorry this happened to you; I hope you pursue this matter to the fullest--and that the people (I use the term loosely) responsible get much time in ja maximum security prison,  and many civil disabilities to boot!

Ilec gives good advice. 

[LIGHTNIN]

That's a scary situatio, I know because I was robbed a gunpoint also, about 7 or 8yrs ago. They got my purse with my check book,dr lic, and cc's.

The next morning I told the bank and opened a new checking acct,called the CC people and changed that too.The police found my purse only with my work id. The robbers must have robbed others because there was a wallet and other things in MY purse that was not mine.

But they didn't use my information, that I know of. I had bad credit at that time, so if they tried to...they wouldn't have been approved. LOL

I didn't have my ss# in my purse....maybe that is what saved me, don't know.Did you have your SS# in your wallet?

For those who lurk this site......Leave your SS card at home and don't carry the ss# in your purse or wallet.It can save you from alot of heartache.

[Anonymous]

Today while making an inquiry about a new car, I was told by the finance manager that he could put through the request, but Charter One had a hold on my credit for "account abuse" stemming from a new account opened on my birthday some years ago. I knew immediately that it was a problem because I do not have any credit cards and definitely would not have open an account on my birthday some years ago. So now that I have this information, website for Charter One, 1-800 numbers as well as e-mail information for this issue, how do I start an investigation?

[OptimalFICO]

Having fallend victim to identity theft, I am resurecting this post because it's so important for everyone. Identity theft is out of control and is the fastest growing crime.

Be advised:

A fraud alert on your credit file is NOT sufficient -- The only way to completely protect yourself is to place a FREEZE on your credit file with all three agencies. When companies see a fraud alert, they are "supposed" to verify your identity before extending credit, but they are not legally required to do so and too often don't. The only sure fire way to protect your credit/identity is the freeze. A credit freeze is, in essence, the cheapest insurance policy there's ever been against economic identity theft.

A credit freeze basically locks down your credit and prevents anyone from opening new lines of credit as if they were you. Credit freezes can be done online with each of the three main credit bureaus for a cost of anywhere from zero dollars to $10 depending on your age and/or other circumstances. (If you have been a victim of ID theft or your info has been compromised, it's free - but you may need to send in a police report).

Once your credit freeze is in place, you receive a secret code that only you know. That's the part that prevents criminals from breaching your credit -- even if they know your Social Security number, mother's maiden name and other identifying info.  You can use your secret code to temporarily thaw your credit anytime for a nominal fee.

It can be an inconvenience, but IMHO is definitely worth the peace of mind!

Here's an excellent resource I found for more info:

Credit Freeze and Thaw Guide

http://clarkhoward.com/topics/credit_freeze_states.html