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Advice Team Responses
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Credit Reporting: ID Theft |
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During my fiancee's divorce proceedings between him and his ex-wife, his ex-wife took out a credit card in his name, using his social security number, she forged his signature on a credit card application that was mailed to his previous residence (where the ex resides). He has a copy of the forged credit card application, and wants to take legal action to make her responsible for all the charges. I should mention that he doesn't want her to get into trouble. Any ideas? -Sharon |
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Sharon,
Identify theft gets even more difficult to deal with when the thief is someone you know. Unfortunately, if you report the crime, it may result in the arrest and prosecution of the thief. If this is not desirable, consider hiring a mediator to help devise a solution. You might also encourage the impostor to seek professional counseling.
Good luck,
The Advice Team |
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For 6 years I have been in a battle to fight the act of identity thieft on me. I have done everything I am supposed to do and still have problems. Can I get a new SSN? -Mari |
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Mari,
If you continue to experience problems, you may want to consider obtaining a new Social Security Number (SSN). This should be your last resort. From the Federal Trade Commission website: “Consider this option carefully. A new SSN may not resolve your identity theft problems, and may actually create new problems. For example, a new SSN does not necessarily ensure a new credit record because credit bureaus may combine the credit records from your old SSN with those from your new SSN. Even when the old credit information is not associated with your new SSN, the absence of any credit history under your new SSN may make it more difficult for you to get credit. And finally, there's no guarantee that a new SSN wouldn't also be misused by an identity thief.”
Best of luck to you,
The Advice Team |
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I lost my wallet last week. I am still hoping it will turn up. On the off chance that it was stolen, am I correct in assuming that I am not responsible for charges made to my accounts? -Dora |
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Dora,
That is not entirely true. It is imperative that you report your items missing immediately.
If your credit card has been lost or stolen, your liability for unauthorized charges is only $50. If you are able to report the card as lost and stolen before any charges are made, then you are not liable for anything. Also, if the loss involves your credit card number, but not the card, you have no liability for its use.
If the card that was stolen was an ATM or debit card, time is of the essence. Reporting quickly (within two days) of the theft will limit your liability to $50.
Good luck,
The Advice Team |
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My daughter is the victum of idenitity theft. Her former boss opened many credit cards with her Social Security Number without her knowledge and or permission. What do we do now? -Elizabeth |
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Elizabth,
Here are the steps to take when someone steals your identity.
-Report the crime. Identity theft is a crime punishable by law. File a police report and keep a copy to help dispute unwanted charges. It will also help the police to identify crime trends.
-Communicate with creditors. Contact all issuers of credit cards, ATM cards, telephone calling cards, video rental cards, Social Security cards, etc. Also contact your local bank and stop payment on checks if necessary.
-Add a Fraud Alert. Contact the fraud department of each of the credit reporting agencies to place a temporary 90-day Fraud Alert on your file. Then, write to those agencies requesting a 7-year Victim Statement be added to your file. This will ask a creditor to contact you by telephone before opening any new accounts or changing existing accounts.
-Stay informed. Victims of fraud are
entitled to one free copy of their credit file each year. Consumers may also choose to monitor their credit on a regular basis.
-Get help. Contact your local state Attorney General’s office and the Federal Trade Commission (877-IDTHEFT).
The Advice Team
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What advice would you give to someone who has had her credit card stolen? She is worried that her information will be used and she'll get stuck with expenses not her own. -Lori |
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Lori,
First, she needs to contact her creditor. Then, she'll need to contact the fraud victim department at each of the credit reporting agencies.
Trans Union 800-680-7289
Equifax 800-525-6285
Experian 888-397-3742
The Advice Team
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