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I believe my father, who has the same name as myself, is referring delinquent accounts to my address. I am getting collection notices, doctor bills and other medicare letters for him. Some of these are with creditors I have with perfect payment history and I'm worrying about getting tied with him. When I put "return to sender/doesn't live here," it gets remailed to me because I am the same name.
He refuses to take my phone calls and tells my mom that I shouldn't worry about it.
I am assuming this hasn't crossed the line of identity theft yet but I am worried that is the next step. He is an attorney so it's not like I'd have the money to fight him in court when he can do it for free for himself.
Is there anything I can do besides freezing the three bureaus? Should I freeze my chexsystems and EWS (not sure if that's possible) and how hard is it to unfreeze them if I need to? I'm currently applying for a better job than I have right now and I don't want any surprises.
@Anonymous wrote:I believe my father, who has the same name as myself, is referring delinquent accounts to my address. I am getting collection notices, doctor bills and other medicare letters for him. Some of these are with creditors I have with perfect payment history and I'm worrying about getting tied with him. When I put "return to sender/doesn't live here," it gets remailed to me because I am the same name.
He refuses to take my phone calls and tells my mom that I shouldn't worry about it.
I am assuming this hasn't crossed the line of identity theft yet but I am worried that is the next step. He is an attorney so it's not like I'd have the money to fight him in court when he can do it for free for himself.
Is there anything I can do besides freezing the three bureaus? Should I freeze my chexsystems and EWS (not sure if that's possible) and how hard is it to unfreeze them if I need to? I'm currently applying for a better job than I have right now and I don't want any surprises.
Geez... that's terrible, I'm sorry. Yes. Freeze everything (maybe even add a fraud alert, JIC) --- you can freeze chexsystems - go to their website for more info-- they work similarly to CB freezes -- you get a PIN to unfreeze when needed and you can do so online. I'm not sure about EWS but I'm sure you can call or visit the website to find out. I say freeze everyhing because, as awful as this sounds, if he's willing to send debt collectors after you, then what's stopping him from using your info to open new credit?
Is your middle name different than your Dad's? If so, I suggest you begin using it (the full name, not just the initial) and if you can add it to all existing accounts as well, do so -- and all IDs too. This will better distinguish you from your Dad.
I'm sure other, more knowledgeable folks will chime in with additional advice, but that's what I'd do right off the bat... Best of luck to you.
He may have the same name. But not the same social security number. Call the CA's and ask what they have for the last 4 digits of these accounts or the OC's who turned them over to the CA's.
Definitely put a fraud alert with the three credit reporting bureaus, maybe a freeze.
I'd document everything and keep it in case you need to involve the police.
@Anonymous wrote:
He is an attorney so it's not like I'd have the money to fight him in court when he can do it for free for himself.
^ all of this is a very stupid thing for an attorney to do.. Attorneys are held to a higher standard of ethics are held to a higher standard as members of the bar and officers of court. You could potentially file a complaint with the state bar and he'd be investigated by them.
If I were in your shoes I'd pay a few hundred for my attorney to send a cease and desist letter to good ole dad. Keep that and all the mail. Document communications.
I can chime in here being I have the same exact name as my father minus our suffix which we never use. I've gotten his stuff mailed to me and vica versa and nothing was worse for wear because of it.
Unless something is done maliciously using your social security number there is nothing to worry about.
Sorry about your situation also, but it's probably a good idea to seek legal advice on this matter as well because if it does turn malicious you want to be out in front of it.
1) File a police report. I know it is your own father and it is something that may not come easy but it is a necessary evil. This could potentially save your rump down the road.
2) Place fraud alerts with the bureaus followed by freezing anything you can even with smaller bureaus(yes you can freeze Chex). This could be just the start of things so put the fire out now before it is beyond your control.
3) It may be extreme measures but in the future you may have to consider other options. I'm not sure where you live but you may want to consider at least changing your middle name. Most counties have their own probate courts that can legally do this for you and you certainly don't need a lawyer. I'm not "recommending" this route but keep this option in your memory if you run out of options. It's your financial well being and I do recommend you protect it at all costs.
The real issue that must be addressed is whether the creditors are incorrectly addressing the mail, or whether your father is receiving the mail, and as stated in the post, is then "referring" the mail to you.
Very different issues...........