Credit warning: identity theft

[fest3er]

This is a friendly warning to you all out there.



You need to review your credit reports and ensure that no one has stolen your identity.



I've just found two credit cards that I didn't open, on my report. And Sears recently contacted me because someone was trying to open a Sears account on my record.



If you haven't already, call the three credit bureaus and put a 'Fraud Stop' on your records. This will accomplish two things. First, no one will be able to gain credit using your info unless you authorize it. Second, you will be removed from 'pre-approved card' mailing lists.



Once you activate the Fraud Stop, it remains activated until you explicitly deactivate it.



It is free. And you can get a free report from each bureau as well.



The contact information is:



1-800-525-6285 Equifax

1-888-397-3742 Experian

1-800-680-7289 TransUnion

These are automated systems.



Do it now before you come to a rude awakening. Oh, and use a wired phone (not cordless or cellular) to thwart eavesdroppers.



Fest3er

 

[bighammer]

I've heard of identity theft and was going to do something to prevent it. I just never quite looked into it yet. You have made it so easy, I have no excuses. I'm calling today. THANK YOU!



I also like the thought of ridding my mailbox of all those stupid offers for loans, cards, etc. My mailman thanks you too Oo.

 

[illflem]

What pees me off is the extent the CC companies are going though to sell you their card. They have been disguising their mail in all different ways to get me to open it including making their ads look like a statement, bill, personal letter and a check that when endorsed is in effect signing a contract. If these phone numbers stop that junk mail I'll be stoked. Thanks.

 

[Power Wagon]

For quite some time, someone just across the border in Washington was driving around with my name on his driver's license (forged), passing checks with my name on them (forged), and trying to get loans in my name.



Same with the wife.



People will steal checks or check statements from your mailbox, get checks printed and go on a spree.



$3000+ in 3 weeks. All at convience stores, restaurants, gas stations and check cashing joints.

 

[Doubleclutch]

Power Wagon- did you get stuck with the bills? Any recourse? (I meant leagally). Greg

 

[Sled Puller]

You would think with a name like "Power Wagon" it would have raised red flags.

 

[Deezul1]

I have been dropping all my bills with checks in them in the P. O. mail boxes to keep people from stealing the mail and getting account #s

 

[Crazy Horse]

fest3er-Thanks for the info!

 

[Doc Tinker]

LOL @ SledPuller

 

[bighammer]

The first 2 are very easy--Just SS# and address keyed in. The last one is voice activated and asks more info. Still very easy.



They do make it sound as though you have to have already been a victim of fraud to do it. I went ahead anyway. (we DID get a VISA card a while back that we didn't order, but at least WE got it)



Thanks

 

[Power Wagon]

Originally posted by Doubleclutch

Power Wagon- did you get stuck with the bills? Any recourse? (I meant leagally). Greg

I got stuck for about 250 of it. We never knew what was going on until collection agencies started trying to collect checks from us. Fortunately, it was an account we had closed. Although we immediately responded immediately, one of the collection agencies proceeded with collection. They claimed to have served papers and gone through the process, but didn't. They got a judgement against us about 3 days after we got the first letter from them.



We got a lawyer to handle a few of them, to make SURE they didn't lie to the court again. Supposedly, several people were caught and tried and sentenced - there was a whole ring of forgers operating in about a 150 mile radius circle - but it's unlikely the penalty was very harsh. Small money crimes aren't vigorously persued by the police. As long as none of the checks were over 2500 dollars, the crime is considered petty and the law is barely enforced in Washington.

 

[Scollins]

Originally posted by fest3er



The contact information is:



1-800-525-6285 Equifax

1-888-397-3742 Experian

1-800-680-7289 TransUnion

These are automated systems.





Fest3er

Hmmm, I called Equifax, and got the following message: "Thanks for calling Equifax. Good bye. " CLICK! WTF??????



I will probably call the others as well, but I want to make sure my wife knows about it as well... ... .

 

[RJOL]

Fest3er...



1. How will this stop someone from opening a department store CC in your name, if the store doesn't check with the credit services? A lot of department stores will give you instant credit with an ID or other CC.



2. How does this stop someone from using your valid CC number and buying online, or by phone?



3. How does this stop someone from copying or forging your checks?



Calling the credit bureaus might give you a little more security, but there are plenty of other holes in our national credit system...

 

[Sregorb]

ALSO

Another recommendation that's been around for a while is:

on the back of every credit card you legitimately activate/hold write "See Photo ID" or "Verify with Photo ID" in the authorized signature block... .

Adds another step at stores (you also find out who pays attention and who doesn't, I don't shop where they don't anymore) but were you to ever lose them... ... Well worth it IMHO.

Anything to make these creeps' life more difficult.



Brian

 

[joel]

a couple more things

A while ago, our local news did a story on this and recommended scratching out the last 4 digits of your CC# on the receipt you give back to the store. If they don't shred them and just toss 'em once they'ce reconciled their books, they are fair game for dumpster divers. They don't need the number printed on the receipt since it's in their computers. I always do this now unless I know the place shreds them before they get rid of them.



Also, we just got this at work via the AFOSI (Armed Forces Office of Special Investigations). So far, the only reported instances of this scam have been in Canada, but it can't be long... .



SCAM ALERT: Visa USA Fraud Control has learned of a scam designed to obtain cardholders personal data and account information. Visa reports this activity in Canada, but suspects it may spread to the United States. A member/cardholder may receive the following letter:



"VISA Department of International Investigations.



Dear ... ... . ,



We regret to inform you that your credit card is cancelled until further notice and this in accordance with article 205 of chapter 210 of the international fraud department. We suspect that your card has been involved in criminal activity. In the next two days one of our investigators will contact you on the phone and proceed to verify your customer information. The violation of this law is a serious criminal act and could bring you before the courts. Your bank will not be able to assist you until our investigation is over. We are advising you that our offices are open 24 hrs a day. For further information on the matter you may visit our web site at HTTP/www.VISAFRAUD. COM

Yours truly, XXXXX... . Director Visa Corporation”



Visa reports it is not sending this letter. Please advise your members not to respond to this letter or any subsequent telephone calls. Also report to Visa USA Fraud Control, if any of your members receive this or a similar letter. Contact SCAM Alert at 1-800-637-2676, email us at <scamalert@cunamutual.com>, or fax the information to 608-231-8987.



cunamutual is the Credit Union Mutual Group, according to their website but I haven't been able to verify this report myself yet. I looked on the AFOSI page, the canadian BBB page and the visa page. Anyone else seen this one?



Update - found this site that warns of this scam: http://www.idtheftcenter.org