What can we do to protect ourselves if a relative decides to commit identity theft?

Question

A relative came and stayed at our home for a few days. They had access to our home when we were at work and so they could have easily gotten all of our information. Now I find that they have stolen from other relatives and committed identity theft in the past! Is there anything we can do to protect ourselves from accounts being opened or loans made in our name?

Answer 1

Yes!

The first thing you need to do is notify your bank that this happened. Many banks will offer a free credit protection program for people who may have been victims. If they don't, they can refer you to reputable businesses who assist you in monitoring your credit report. Anytime someone tries to open an account in your name or do anything with your social security number, a red flag goes up.

If they are granted a credit card, you will immediately call that credit card company and cancel the card, telling them that your identity has been stolen and you are not responsible for any charges made.

I would also file a police report - they won't be able to do anything without proof it occurred - but as soon as this person does anything, you've got backup that you practiced "due diligence" in protecting yourself.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You have access to a free credit report every year. So take advantage of that, not only do you have to worry about that relative you have to worry about others also. Especially if you use your card on-line to sites that aren't completely secure. If you do find something on your credit report that looks fishy. Get the address of all three credit agencies, Experian,Equifax,and Transunoin. Request your free report and you must file a dispute. A hundred words or less. After that occurs get in touch with each company that you see on their that you didn't authorize any type of debts. Once so they will have to investigate ,return your money and they could possibly face criminal charges (depending on you) for using your information without you actually giving consent. I hope the advice that I have given helps you. Good Luck and God Bless you and your family.

Answer 3

You have good answers on here. But I'd like to add that when it comes to identity theft, people are mostly concerned about their credit. But don't forget that person also has your SSN number. Get a copy of your Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement as soon as possible to make sure that no one is using your social security number for employment (by selling it to illegal immigrants)

Answer 4

Have all 3 of the credit reporting agencies put a notice on your record, that will help alot, but not completely.

Put a password on your telephone account.

Check your credit report every 2 or 3 months for a little while.

You aren't responsible for all the charges, but it's a nightmare when it happens and takes time to clear up.

Answer 5

Put strong passwords on everything. Ask your bank and credit card companies to add a password to your accounts - you will have to give it every time you call in for information, but it's much safer. Always use strong passwords - those OVER 7 characters and using at least 2 non-letter non-number characters like ampersand, pound sign, percent sign, etc. Shred all "free" or "pre-approved" junk mail and don't forget the order pages in all those catalogues that come in the mail - people can use those to open accounts in your name very easily. Use your FULL NAME on all paperwork all the time. You may be "Tim" to your friends, but the paperwork should show "Timothy McMillan Simonize". Anyone nearby won't hear that and can't use it later to steal your name. Be careful who's around you when you put in a PIN to access accounts. A cell phone camera can capture your finger movements when you put it in. Shield your entry with your body and other hand. Don't checkmark the box "save my information for later" when you make online purchases. If your credit card number information isn't stored, it can't be stolen later.

Answer 6

Contact your bank and let them know what happened, and possibly could happen. Get a credit report every 6 months to monitor any activity not made by you. Contact your credit card companies...they will "kill" this account and issue you new cards with new account numbers. Change your PIN numbers if you had them written down and this relative could have found them. Now that you know what this person is capable of...distance yourself and don't allow any future visits unless you can be there

Answer 7

Go to your bank and check your credit card. Make sure they have not taken anything out from your ATM. Change credit card number. And check out your loans at the the bank. Make sure you are all right. And the next thing I would do is turn your relative to the police. Before he hurts anyone else in the family. And wipes out their money in there credit cards. And loans. I heard they can get into your checking account. That's what happened to me. It was last year. I was on amazon.com I got this email. It said it was from them. They wanted my password and my personal info. They said if I didn't, they would take me off there selling list. And dopey me I believed them. I really thought it was really from amazon.com They sent the mail like 2 weeks before Christmas. Well I had a bad feeling I did something wrong. We went to the bank. And they traced it back to "ROMAINA" AND THEY GOT INTO OUR CHECKING ACCOUNT USING THE PASSWORD FOR THE ATM MACHINE. We were blessed they didn't head for the credit card. Well get it checked out now. Wish you well. By the way The bank gave me this number to call. It was the police. He was stern with me. That I gave information out. I never do it again. Never trust emails again. The police said that's what people do. If you can't trust relatives who can you trust.

Answer 8

Step 1 - Make a police report & please inform that you suspect your relatives has took them.

Step 2 - Inform your banks involved as they will put a mark on your record and alert the officers which will be approving your loans or any other banks who call to check on referrals

Step 3 - Dont ever signed anything that you have no idea about.

Good luck

Answer 9

sadly very little but you can notify the credit reporting agencies and have your report red flagged ( they can give you the details about password protection - it varies from case to case )

Answer 10

sleepin with the fishes,concrete shoes, accidents happen...that's how it's done in the FAMILY. CALL THE POLICE. don't invite them over. when they do come over..make a scene..they won't come back.
-m