Identity theft

[ek]

Just got a store card I did not order. Also received a letter from them in a separate envelope saying that they suspect fraud. Turns out the crooks applied on the internet and never even tried to buy anything with it. Called the credit bureau and they gave me 2 long term options. Anybody have experience with a 7-year fraud alert vs a credit security freeze?
Any advice?

thanks

[ChaimMoskowitz]

Paging PillanSmye!!!

If he doesn't see this head over to creditboards.com for some expert advice.

[Oceanblue]

No experience with a 7 year fraud alert but last year did place a 3 month fraud alert with the credit bureaus (due to a credit card opened in my name which I promptly cancelled).

It made the churning game a little more inconvenient while I had the alert in place due to all of my apps not giving me an instant approval, always had to call in for security questions (which is the point), but a little more of a hassle nonetheless. For example, for a Barclay app I had to mail copies of my SS, drivers license, and a utility bill.

[ek]

No experience with a 7 year fraud alert but last year did place a 3 month fraud alert with the credit bureaus (due to a credit card opened in my name which I promptly cancelled).

It made the churning game a little more inconvenient while I had the alert in place due to all of my apps not giving me an instant approval, always had to call in for security questions (which is the point), but a little more of a hassle nonetheless. For example, for a Barclay app I had to mail copies of my SS, drivers license, and a utility bill.

Back in Sept. I got a letter from Chase saying someone tried to take a card out in my name. I put on a 3 month also, but I guess they waited to try again. This time I think I should for something a little longer.

[12HRS]

Paging PillanSmye!!!

If he doesn't see this head over to creditboards.com for some expert advice.

Try @PillanSmye

[PillanSmye]

You need to go into full protection mode.

File a police report. 

Complete and notarize an FTC Identity Theft Affidavit with attached police report.

Send a notarized copy/freeze all three major CRAs and the two minor CRAs.  Do these CMRRR and keep the proof of arrival.

Get PAPER copies of all three major CRAs and the two minor CRAs and scour the INQs and accounts.

Failure to do all of the above severely hinders you in the future if you end up with car leases, gym memberships, credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, tax return theft etc etc.   The only costs you should incur from all of the above are the USPS mailing fees.

[myi]

Try @PillanSmye

Actually worked! 

[ChaimMoskowitz]

Which two minor CRA's are you referring to?

[PillanSmye]

Which two minor CRA's are you referring to?

IDA and ARS.  One of them goes by SageStream now.  They are the one's that US Bank and others use for random denials and keeping track of Visa applications etc.

[ek]

@PillanSmye.

Thank you very much. How big a pain is freezing? The rep I spoke to with TransUnion told me I have to send them in writing, by mail,  each time I want a company to have access. I assume he didn't know what he was talking about and it can be done online?

[PillanSmye]

@PillanSmye.

Thank you very much. How big a pain is freezing? The rep I spoke to with TransUnion told me I have to send them in writing, by mail,  each time I want a company to have access. I assume he didn't know what he was talking about and it can be done online?

Freezing is less of a pain than going to get a car and being denied for bad credit.  Or having to fight a lawsuit for a debt attached to your name and SSN.

Experian has a web portal to do things.   Www.experian.com/freeze

I have no idea how the others operate.

[ek]

Don't get me wrong. I am going to freeze it. I just wanted to know what I was in for.

[mendy613]

Why cant it all be done online?
Sounds frustrating, good luck OP!

[ChaimMoskowitz]

Why cant it all be done online?

You mean like stealing ones identity online?