Identity Theft

[swanson719]

I checked my annual credit report a few days ago to discover some unusual applications and loan inquiries. Nothing new opened, but definite activity. I called the companies on the report to find out how they got there, if maybe it was something local with an out of state address. That's not the case. I haven't lived in that area in over 4 years, and the only people I maintain active contact that is still there is my family. How do I deal with this? I can't see doing a police report because no new loans were actually opened, just applied for and denied, I assume when loan docs couldn't be provided. It's still hurting my FICO because of the extra 9 inquiries. Irritating to say the least.

[wnlbutterfly]

I believe you put an identity theft alert at all three credit reporting agencies. They will flag it for a certain amount of time and you might be able to get those inquiries off.

[MonkeyMama]

File a police report to protect yourself. (In case loans do end up being taken out, etc.) You can probably just file online as a formality.

Contact the FTC (they have a website to report ID theft).

Call the 3 credit bureaus for fraud alerts. Technically any lender should contact you if there are any applications in your name (though they don't always - but my experience has been 100% since having a fraud alert). Technically if you call one, they alert the others. But they take their time. I'd call them all and place fraud alerts ASAP. It's 3 months I believe, but will be a 7 year alert once you dispute all the inquiries, or send them a copy of police report, etc.

You have to request the info be removed. Writing the bureaus would be best.

I'd keep checking your credit report and call every company you see on there to make sure no accounts were opened. It can take a few days for inquiries to show up. The only good way to do this is to sign up for a paid credit report service - though I think most have free 30 day trial periods, which is great for stuff like this. (freecreditreport.com - I kept them for like a year until everything was cleared up, my anxiety level decreased, and I had faith in the fraud alerts - worth every penny). BTW, check all 3 credit bureau reports - often - they will all show different activity. You get one or two free reports form each when you report fraud.

From someone who has been there (since I had good credit they borrowed about $30k in a day. I found out immediately because they used my home address and phone #. Phew!) So much easier to clean up the mess the sooner you find it. You are a great commercial for checking your credit reports!

[mom-from-missouri]

can you contact the places they applied for the loans at? See if they can offer you any information that may lead to the identity of the person.

[GrimJack]

I staff an ID Theft line (8 hours a day, 5 days a week since January 6 2012). Sometimes you have to 'wheedle' a police report out of them by asking for an incident or miscellaneous report - anything to get that report # for your protection. With a police report, you can put a freeze on your credit for X number of years for free (I don't work for the credit reporting companies so am unsure of the # of years). The FTC website has a lot of really good information on ID theft and fraud. If you file a form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) checking the box "possible victim of ID Theft" you can have the IRS watch your return/refund for 3 years; it won't slow your refund any and will prevent someone from filing a fraudulent return, possibly messing up your taxes for about a year.