Someone sure had fun with my credit

[ren]

Yup, just pulled ye olde credit reports and someone got gas, electric and phone service with my social. Of course, these bills were not paid and have been sent to collections.

I'm disputing, of course -- I can prove that I was living in CA during the time these bills were run up in CT -- but man, this is frustrating. I'm sure I'll convince myself that it's better for me to find out now instead of a couple years on down the line, but tonight... Well, my grandma would wash my mouth out with soap if she heard me.

[tinapbeana]

on man, ren, i really hate to hear that happened to you! on the other hand, i guess this is where having copies of old bills actually will come in quite handy!

[Broken Arrow]

Thank you for sharing this tale of woe.

It reminds me that I have to be careful as well.

[vishenda]

I am sincerely sorry. One of my best friends just had this scenario done to him, but cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Please don't beat up yourself. There are evil people that live in this universe. Unfortunately, they take advantage of others, but YOU are the victim; and time will move forward for you to heal!!!!!

There are three main credit reporting agencies - you MUST dispute it with ALL 3!!!!!

Transunion
Equifax
Experian

Each has a certain part of the country as their specialty. If you only clear it with one of them - if you ever moved it would haunt you again. Most creditors report to all 3. Now when you clear it with one they are SUPPOSED to contact the other 2. but, double check. You are allowed one free credit report every x months (x depends on the state and the credit reporting agency), if you filed a criminal report you get more free credit reports.

[PRICEPLUS]

Never keep your SS Card in your wallet. Always shred old papers or anything else with your personal info on it. Identity theft is a growing problem throughout the country. I think the problem stems from everyone and his brother asking for a SS#. When SS was started it was not meant to be an ID but it sure has turned out that way! Try to open accounts without it! Your insurance company wants it. Geez everyone does and they wonder why there are os may problems!

ren, I am very sorry for your problem. You are in a boat a great many people are finding themselves in!

[Thrifty Ray]

Totally frustrating! I am sorry.

Keep detailed records of everyone you talk to. Name, phone number, date, what was said. Perhaps keep all info in a binder.

You will probably need to file a police report too.

Good luck.

[scfr]

Ouch! Put a freeze on your credit report if you can, to hopefully prevent the %$#"& who has your social from doing any more damage (getting a credit card, mortgage, etc).

[nanamom]

Your Grandma would understand! Hope you can get it all cleared up without a problem. I can't imagine that happening, it must be a nightmare.

[vishenda]

To be a victim of Id theft is such a mess, Don’t be caught by criminals who prey on honest citizens by stealing their identity and running up expensive credit debt. Fight back, use a credit freeze and rest assured that your assets and credit is safe from theft.
A Resource For Putting a Credit Freeze On Your Report

[ren]

Thanks everyone. I've been pretty careful the last couple years, but I wasn't always so careful. Oh well, I think I should have a good chance of getting the items off my credit report, as I can easily prove that I did not live in CT during that time.