Lettuce Wrap – About Food and Stuff

by:  Lettuce Wrap 

We would all agree that a big hairy monster in your house would be a bit unnerving, but you do know what you are dealing with.  That is why identity theft is so frightening.  Many people don’t know they’ve been victimized until their credit report is so damaged that they’re rejected for a credit card, car loan, or home mortgage.  It takes months or even years to repair the damage. 

A thief may not use your stolen information right away.  The problem is that they have the information and may use it at any time.  Federal authorities have prosecuted thieves who have used stolen passwords to filch credit reports and steal from thousands of consumers.

While identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the USA, obtaining credit reports is particularly scary.  A credit report is the mother-load of information.  Access to a credit report gives thieves access to existing credit card accounts, individual’s date of birth, Social Security number all which can be used to open fraudulent accounts.

As a victim of identity theft, let me tell you firsthand that it is a total NIGHTMARE that keeps going and going for years.  I have been dealing with this for more than 2 years.  What irks me is that even with a fraud alert constantly on my credit report this piece of crap is still able to keep opening accounts in my name with my Social Security number and driver’s license number.  Mind you this is not even happening in the same state as my driver’s license.  Unfortunately, a college I attended a few years back had several computers stolen from the admissions office which held thousands of students’ information.  So, I have no idea exactly when it happened, but believe me I am still picking up the pieces and mess this person has wreaked on my life.  I have had tons of creditors calling me and attorneys sending me threatening letters to pay up or else. 

I filed a police report as soon as I realized what had happened.  I notified all 3 credit agencies.  The problem is that you cannot get an new Social Security number.  I have changed my driver’s license number.  Fortunately there was no banking information or credit card information stolen.  The person still is able to open accounts in my name which just totally boggles the mind.  Can it ever be stopped? I honestly don’t know.  Maybe if it were a credit card or bank account it would be easier to stop by cancelling the accounts and getting new ones. 

I recently joined LifeLock through Sunshine Rewards.  I received $9.00 cash backfor trying LifeLock through Sunshine Rewards.  I must say that thus far I am very happy with their service.  They keep a fraud alert on my whole family’s credit file without me having to do a thing.  I just notified them yesterday that I had received yet another letter from an attorney threatening me for payment on a fraudulent account.  I am anxious to see what will be the next step LifeLock thinks should be.