somebody is using my name and s.s.#?

Question

i got a call from a collection agency they said i had a past due account from direct tv, well someone else used my name and s.s # to open that account,anyone know what to do about this to get it cleared

Answer 1

File a police report. Check your credit reports and put an alert on your credit at all three credit bureaus.

Request validation of the debt from the collection agency, including any signed contracts.

It is entirely possible that this is a case of the collection agency doing a skip trace on a very old account. The account could belong to someone with a similar name.

Did the collection agency give you the SS # or did they ask you for yours? If they asked for your SS#, is could even be a phising scheme.

Answer 2

I agree with all the previous posters. Yes, this could be a phishing scam ... never give out your social security number or any other information to anyone who calls you. Usually, collection agencies will send you a notice in writing first. Also, call your local police or sheriff's department to advise them that you may have been a victim of identity theft. And contact your bank also. Most banks have information regarding identity theft, such as pamphlets and sometimes even identity theft kits.

Answer 3

Put a freeze on your credit. Call Experian or Equifax and tell them what happened. Here's number to Equifax to report fraud alert: 1-888-766-0008. This will prevent any further accounts being opened with your info.

Answer 4

I agree call the police and contact the three credit bureaus to make a fraud alert.

Answer 5

I agree call the police

Answer 6

Contact your local police