This happened to me. It was quite upsetting, and I'm sorry.
1. Contact the vendor and tell them you're a victim of ID theft. They will send you an affidavit (saying that you didn't make these charges) that you will need to fill out and sign, notarize, and send back.
2. Contact all three credit bureaus. (equifax, transunion, experian) Place fraud alert on your account - this way, no one will be able to open credit in the future with just your name/SSN without extra verification of ID. You will also be able to get a free copy of your credit report because you're a fraud victim. Do this immediately.
When you get your reports, go over them thoroughly - with a fine-tooth comb! If you have accounts/balances that you know are not yours, contact each lender and sort it out. It will be another set of affidavits/notary, etc.
3. Make copies and keep records of everything - e.g., collection letters from your lenders/banks, the affidavits you sign. And all the other information about the person who stole your identity that you can find - e.g., when and how, etc.
4. Oh yeah, also, file a police report. You should be able to file it with your local police, no matter where the thief is. Provide a copy of report to your lenders, if they ask.
I've been through this. It sucks. It takes some patience and legwork and time. But I was able to fix the damage. Just remember that it happens to more people than you think, so don't panic too much. Just imagine yourself in a crazy CitiBank commercial and have a laugh to break up the icky feeling of violation you must be feeling.
Good luck.
2006-09-27 23:45:51
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answer #1
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answered by banana_fan 2
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Call all of them. Especially the credit reporting agencies and tell them what happened. Have them remove any bad credit information on your report.
Cancel all of your credit cards and get new ones with a new number. Having your balances transferred to the new cards. Do not renew the card that has the amount on it where your identity was stolen but have them cancel the card so no new charges will appear. If you need help with that get a lawyer to write them a letter. That way they will know that you are serious about the situation.
2006-09-27 22:58:30
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answer #2
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answered by Aliz 6
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Tell the company you want absolute proof you signed for the bill in the first place. Hopefully the signature will not match. You do need to call the credit bureau and tell them to deny any requests for new credit and then the police.
I wish you luck with this......
2006-09-27 22:50:49
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answer #3
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answered by Harley Charley 5
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Sorry to hear that. Visit this website, it has all the steps to take on it. http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/
The site someone else gave above for your free credit report is wrong.. the correct site is https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp
This is the government approved site that everyone in the US can go to and get their credit report free once a year from all the 3 credit reporting agencies..
Good luck!
2006-09-27 22:51:55
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answer #4
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answered by Tayo 2
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Follow Banana's advice above.
Check out http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ for more good information.
Don't panic! This is happening all of the time, and the procedure to fix it is improving. But remember it's YOUR job to fix it. That means following a specific procedure, sending out letters, and keeping accurate records of your progress.
If you need more help email me....I've been there too. Earned my battle experience fighting with idiot collection agents, and actually had to take one to court (won $1200). You will get through this, but you need to learn how the game is played.
2006-09-28 10:18:41
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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report it to the police about it and where you last seen it they should help you
2006-09-27 22:50:24
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answer #6
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answered by cuteteddy34 4
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