Aaaarrrrgggggggghhhhhhhhhh

[Muushka]

Well, I suppose I had it coming. I have been a longtime advocate of protecting SSNs. We even refused to give it to DVC (successfully I might add).
Once while shopping at Best Buy, another customer standing next to me (with about 50 people within earshot) was asked their SSN. I yelled "DON'T GIVE IT TO THEM!!!, (but they did anyway).

Well, I found out last night that my name and SSN has been used fraudulently to obtain AT&T wireless and who knows what else. So now the credit reports/police reports/phone calls begin. Why me????? (rhetorical question).

I will still say it. Protect that SSN (even if I am not a good example!)

 

[spiceycat]

so sorry you are going through this.

one of the banks I use - does this - when the customer can't find the account - I would have asked to write it on a note - but this person says it out loud in front of about 20 people. then even worst - the bank clerks says her account number again in front of the same 20 people.

I was going to complaint to that bank - thanks I think I will.

do you know how they got your SSN?

 

[the kabuki]

The one thing I've never understood-Why do health insurance companies, Blue Cross Blue Shield for one, use the cardholders' soc. sec. # as the contract number? It may have been ok years ago, but with identity theft running rampant, i think they need to change this.

 

[ErinC]

We just got new cards from BCBS they discontinues using your SS# as your costumer number. They should have done it a long time ago.

 

[Muushka]

Nope, I don't know how they got the SSN. Sheesh, you even have to give it when you donate a pint of blood! But years ago, when there was not so much ID theft, I did give it for that sort of thing-because they asked for it. Now it is too late to change once they have it in the system.

My ins co just notified me (in the nick of time I might add) that they will no longer use our SSN as account numbers. Now if my credit union would just do the same thing.... So many people have access to it. AARRGGHH

 

[BEACHCLUBVILLAS]

We just got new cards from BCBS they discontinues using your SS# as your costumer number. They should have done it a long time ago.

A little off topic but had to comment. I also have BCBS and received a new card with a new number that I received in November. Suddenly we were getting claims denied by a doctor we had been going to for years and our pharmacy was charging the deductible again. Apparently BCBS doesn't have a crosswalk in their system from your old number to your new number. So their system saw us as new member and started charging deductibles when the deductible for theyear had already been met. Make sure you share your new number everywhere you go for any type of services even if you've been going there for years.

I'm sorry your identify was stolen. I hear its the biggest hassle in the world and can take years to resolve completely. I feel for you. Good luck.

 

[fkj2]

Well, I suppose I had it coming. I have been a longtime advocate of protecting SSNs. We even refused to give it to DVC (successfully I might add).
Once while shopping at Best Buy, another customer standing next to me (with about 50 people within earshot) was asked their SSN. I yelled "DON'T GIVE IT TO THEM!!!, (but they did anyway).

Well, I found out last night that my name and SSN has been used fraudulently to obtain AT&T wireless and who knows what else. So now the credit reports/police reports/phone calls begin. Why me????? (rhetorical question).

I will still say it. Protect that SSN (even if I am not a good example!)

You're lucky you found out about the AT&T wireless. There was an article on the MSN Money site that one of their correspondents had their ID hijacked. The perpetrator opened accounts with 2 separate phone companies and fake email addys. It happened that at least one of the phone companies contacted him regarding this new account and that's when he learned of the fraud. He then called various companies he dealt with and found the second phone account with the same problem; stolen ID and fake email.

I go balistic when a bank teller wants to write the account number on the back of a check I cash. It's the bank's problem to initiate a system that protects their customers and allows for internal discovery of checks with NSF.

 

[JimC]

If you think you have had your identity stolen file a report with your local police and a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (877-ID-THEFT) and postal officials.

Order your credit report and put a fraud alert on your credit file at each of the three credit reporting agencies -- Transunion (800-680-7289), Experian (888-397-3742) and Equifax (800-525-6285).

Above all keep copies of all your correspondence and a log of all telephone conversations (date, time, who you spoke with and a synopsis of the conversation).

You may also want to seek legal advice to set a plan of action and have a resource to turn to as you deal with the mess. From what I have read it can take years to untangle the havoc identity thieves create.

See if there are support groups or other assistance organizations that deal specifically with identity theft. Try Consumer's Union (http://www.consumersunion.org/issues/creditmatters.html) as one very helpful resource.

I normally check my credit file each year. On 9/1/05 our state is covered by the federal requirement for an annual free credit report from each of the three reporting organizations. See web site above. I plan on rotating my annual free reports so that I have a check on my credit file every four months.

 

[Muushka]

If you think you have had your identity stolen file a report with your local police and a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (877-ID-THEFT) and postal officials.

Order your credit report and put a fraud alert on your credit file at each of the three credit reporting agencies -- Transunion (800-680-7289), Experian (888-397-3742) and Equifax (800-525-6285).

Above all keep copies of all your correspondence and a log of all telephone conversations (date, time, who you spoke with and a synopsis of the conversation).

You may also want to seek legal advice to set a plan of action and have a resource to turn to as you deal with the mess. From what I have read it can take years to untangle the havoc identity thieves create.

See if there are support groups or other assistance organizations that deal specifically with identity theft. Try Consumer's Union (http://www.consumersunion.org/issues/creditmatters.html) as one very helpful resource.

I normally check my credit file each year. On 9/1/05 our state is covered by the federal requirement for an annual free credit report from each of the three reporting organizations. See web site above. I plan on rotating my annual free reports so that I have a check on my credit file every four months.

Thank you for all the great info. I have done the credit check with 2 companies, notified Social Security that fraud has taken place, notified local police, had an alert placed on me that if anyone attempts to use my ID, they (the business) will have to call me personally, am receiving a fraud packet from AT&T, called Verizon because AT&T told me that is where they headed after they skipped out on AT&T.

I will definatly use your suggestions. Very helpful. Thank you all so much for your help and well wishes. There are nice people in the world!

 

[JimC]

You are welcome. Best wishes as you work through this.

 

[robyn323]

That's some great info thank you.

 

[rigsby25]

The one thing I've never understood-Why do health insurance companies, Blue Cross Blue Shield for one, use the cardholders' soc. sec. # as the contract number? It may have been ok years ago, but with identity theft running rampant, i think they need to change this.

Our insurance company BCBS PPO just issued new cards without the social.

 

[DrTomorrow]

To show how fearless I am, I'll post my SSN right here!

123-45-6789

(and yes, I do live at 123 Oak Street, Anytown, USA)

 

[Muushka]

To show how fearless I am, I'll post my SSN right here!

123-45-6789

(and yes, I do live at 123 Oak Street, Anytown, USA)

You are the brave one! I think I will "adopt" that number

 

[wtpclc]

Muushka - One the bright side, at least they did not get your DVC member number and use all of your points!

Seriously, though, that is horrible!!!!

 

[Muushka]

Muushka - One the bright side, at least they did not get your DVC member number and use all of your points!

Now THAT would have been a tragedy!

 

[JimMIA]

The other recommendation I would make is be prepared for the long haul. These things take forever to work out. Do a Google search for "identity theft" and you'll come up with hundreds of great resources, including the FTC and the three national credit reporting agencies mentioned above.

I had a similar problem years ago, and three years after the fraud I bought a car. Just for grins, I asked to see the credit reports at the car dealership. Guess what one of the addresses they showed for me was? That's right, one of the addresses fraudulent shipments had been delivered to -- which incidentally, was an address I told the credit reporting agencies (in writing) was fraudulent. They kept it in my file anyway.

One thing to check when you look at your credit file is the "inquiries." A lot of credit card companies routinely look at credit files of people with a score above xxx. But if you see an inquiry from a retailer you have not applied for credit with -- watch out! It could well be that someone has your info and is opening fraudulent accounts.

Identity theft specialists go after department stores because they are so sloppy and have no controls, and you won't find out about the fraudulent account for 4-5 years. The department store will carry it on their books for 3-4 years and eventually write it off and turn you over to a collection agency! That's the first you'll hear about the problem if you don't check those "inquiries."

 

[Muushka]

Thanks for the tips Jim. Google and I have become one the past few days. I have filed the report with the FTC and anyone else I could! At this point I am waiting to hear from the actual credit report from the different agencies. That will tell all. Argh.

 

[Greysword]

To show how fearless I am, I'll post my SSN right here!

123-45-6789

"12345? Thats Amazing! That is the same number as my luggage!" - President Scrooge, Spaceballs

On a more serious note, I heard on a news or radio report that I could contact the credit reporting agencies and ask to have all inquiries verified before they are approved. So, me being single minded at this time, called one of the reporting agencies. While tip-toeing through their automated system, I walked into the section to have a "Fraud Alert" on my credit. Of course I simply thought it was the harmless option I was looking for....nope! Within the week I received my credit reports (for free) from all three agencies and was put on their fraud alert list. Anytime I applied for credit, my car, DVC, JC Penny card, etc, I always got a call from the creditor saying they are not allowed to do anythign until I give my permission, as my credit was locked down. Ooopsy! I didn. however, enjoy the protection.

 

[Muushka]

"12345? Thats Amazing! That is the same number as my luggage!" - President Scrooge, Spaceballs

On a more serious note, I heard on a news or radio report that I could contact the credit reporting agencies and ask to have all inquiries verified before they are approved. So, me being single minded at this time, called one of the reporting agencies. While tip-toeing through their automated system, I walked into the section to have a "Fraud Alert" on my credit. Of course I simply thought it was the harmless option I was looking for....nope! Within the week I received my credit reports (for free) from all three agencies and was put on their fraud alert list. Anytime I applied for credit, my car, DVC, JC Penny card, etc, I always got a call from the creditor saying they are not allowed to do anythign until I give my permission, as my credit was locked down. Ooopsy! I didn. however, enjoy the protection.

Interesting. I had that placed on me also, but in addition I PAID all 3 for the credit report! AARRGGHHH again! I believe that option of getting permission to give credit is limited to 90 days. Because actual fraud has taken place I can make it for 7 years once I fill out the "fraud packet".

I'll tell you, this is something I NEVER wanted to learn about! And to think, we bought and used a shredder about 7 years ago, before it was fashionable!