Possible identity theft...next steps?

[Anonymous]

I woke up to an alert on my EX report for an inquiry for an installment loan that I didn't app for. I called the lender to see what happened and it turns out someone applied online in my state, but used different address and phone information. They marked the app as fraudulent and it hadn't been processed.

I then called Experian and they were able to provide me with the information provided for the HP. It was from my last address 7 years ago. Fraud alert placed, dispute filed, and verified there were no other INQs.

Next, I locked all 3 reports down and filed a police report.

I've never had anything like this happen to me. As a matter of fact, I used to joke all the time that an identity thief would be very disappointed if they ever tried to get credit with my terrible profile. 

My question for my fellow MFers...Is there anything else I should be doing about this? My mind is racing with worry, like am I going to wake up to a wiped out bank account?

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I woke up to an alert on my EX report for an inquiry for an installment loan that I didn't app for. I called the lender to see what happened and it turns out someone applied online in my state, but used different address and phone information. They marked the app as fraudulent and it hadn't been processed.

I then called Experian and they were able to provide me with the information provided for the HP. It was from my last address 7 years ago. Fraud alert placed, dispute filed, and verified there were no other INQs.

Next, I locked all 3 reports down and filed a police report.

I've never had anything like this happen to me. As a matter of fact, I used to joke all the time that an identity thief would be very disappointed if they ever tried to get credit with my terrible profile. 

My question for my fellow MFers...Is there anything else I should be doing about this? My mind is racing with worry, like am I going to wake up to a wiped out bank account?

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Sorry to hear of your problems.  Really sucks for this to happen but you have done most of what you need to do.  I would also change passwords for any credit and bank logins and notify your bank of the issue.  I think witht hese precautions you will have done everything to prevent any more from happening.  Good luck.

[takeshi74]

Did you take a look at the ID Theft sticky?

[RobertEG]

The FCRA deals with removal of any information related to identity theft from your credit report, and the ability to place a fraud alert in your file to require your express consent should anyone app for credit in your name.  See FCRA 605A for detailed discussion of initial and extended fraud alerts, and the protections offered.

An extended fraud alert, obtained by filing of a police report, is usually adequate future protection, but you may also wish to look into placing a freeze, which is an additionaly process beyond that of a fraud alter under the FCRA.

Conditions of a freeze vary with your state regs and/or those of the CRA, and are not part of the FCRA.

[Anonymous]

Have you thought of getting a credit freeze? It's the safest way where your credit cannot be ran by anyone, even you, unless you get the freeze lifted by the bureaus. I found a pretty cool resource: http://www.noidentitytheft.com/credit-freeze-guide-50-states/.