What is someone capable of doing if they obtained my SSN and other info?
April 20, 2013 9:28 AM Subscribe
What kinds of things can someone with nefarious intentions accomplish with my information if they obtained it? What kinds of ways would I go about monitoring or detecting possible misuse of this info? I was recently threatened with this from her current man-friend after leaving her a simple "glad you're doing well" message on FB, if I ever try to contact her again. He obtained the info from "paperwork" of which may be from my last job (he is likely a member of the same small community that owns the business). Anyway, I don't plan on contacting her again but not from this assface's threats, simply because I'm sure she was there too and it hurt my feelings. Just wondering what kinds of things he could accomplish if he wanted to....
In addition to reporting this to the police so that there's a record of what's happened, I'd put a fraud alert on your credit report because he could get credit cards, etc., in your name and this will hopefully prevent that. It is free to do.
posted by Houstonian at 10:12 AM on April 20, 2013
posted by Houstonian at 10:12 AM on April 20, 2013
For $30 ($10 per bureau) you can put a security freeze on your credit reports. This prevents anyone but you (with a PIN) from opening credit accounts with your SSN.
posted by payoto at 2:22 PM on April 20, 2013
posted by payoto at 2:22 PM on April 20, 2013
Could you please clarify the underlying premise of your question? Are you saying that the current boyfriend of an ex-girlfriend has threatened to steal and abuse your identity if you contact her again?
Identity theft is a very serious thing, and at the risk of sounding flip, it can pretty much ruin your life for quite some time if left unchecked. Per the Federal Trade Commission's website, complications from identity theft include:
• You see withdrawals from your bank account that you can’t explain.
• You don’t get your bills or other mail.
• Merchants refuse your checks.
• Debt collectors call you about debts that aren’t yours.
• You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
• Medical providers bill you for services you didn’t use.
• Your health plan rejects your legitimate medical claim because the records show you’ve reached your benefits limit.
• A health plan won’t cover you because your medical records show a condition you don’t have.
• The IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer you don’t work for.
One of my classmates from high school is STILL fighting to clear her name after a relative stole her identity, and it's been almost 8 years. That's 8 years of her not being able to properly file her taxes, pay her bills, get credit cards, and worst of all, get medical care.
TL;DR Answer? He can do a lot of horrible stuff. Take this seriously.
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 8:40 PM on April 20, 2013
Identity theft is a very serious thing, and at the risk of sounding flip, it can pretty much ruin your life for quite some time if left unchecked. Per the Federal Trade Commission's website, complications from identity theft include:
• You see withdrawals from your bank account that you can’t explain.
• You don’t get your bills or other mail.
• Merchants refuse your checks.
• Debt collectors call you about debts that aren’t yours.
• You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
• Medical providers bill you for services you didn’t use.
• Your health plan rejects your legitimate medical claim because the records show you’ve reached your benefits limit.
• A health plan won’t cover you because your medical records show a condition you don’t have.
• The IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer you don’t work for.
One of my classmates from high school is STILL fighting to clear her name after a relative stole her identity, and it's been almost 8 years. That's 8 years of her not being able to properly file her taxes, pay her bills, get credit cards, and worst of all, get medical care.
TL;DR Answer? He can do a lot of horrible stuff. Take this seriously.
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 8:40 PM on April 20, 2013
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Making the police report is pretty simple. Go to the station and tell them the facts, get the number and keep it forever. Name the guy. They won't do anything, but if bad shit goes down there's a record.
Once you've done this, you're pretty good. You may want to alert your bank as well.
More than likely its an idle threat but a minimum of CYA now will save you grief in the future.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 9:37 AM on April 20, 2013 [6 favorites]