What should I do if I suspect someone has gotten my personal identity details?
April 15, 2009 6:50 PM   Subscribe

What should I do if someone has pulled some real identity theft type stuff on me? I'm watching bank accounts, changing passwords, checking for viruses/keyloggers, but what else can I do?

The other day I noticed some odd charges on one of my credit cards (at an online merchant I've never heard of) and immediately called the issuing company and had them cancel the card as stolen.

I figured someone just happened to embed my numbers into their dummy card (it happened to me about ten years ago) until the merchant gave me a call from the buyer's info. I don't think the merchant got the phone number from the CC company, and I've gotten a few weird calls on the phone since then as well.

I'm thinking someone must have breached some sort of personal info to get my private cell number (not known to more than 30 people) and one of my credit cards.

I haven't seen any other weird charges on my accounts, but is there some sort of nuclear option I can invoke with credit agencies to block someone trying to open new credit accounts or doing anything weird with my info?

Are there other steps I should be taking beyond getting a new card and changing passwords everywhere?
posted by anonymous to Work & Money (3 answers total) 3 users marked this as a favorite
 
Changing your passwords and getting a new card are both good steps. I would also file a fraud alert with one of the three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian or Trans Union). Filing it with one will file it with the other two. I did this when some mail that had my SSN in it didn't reach the intended destination.

You should also check out the FTC's page. Chances are the person only got your credit card number, but this should help to cover your other major bases. Good luck!
posted by Leezie at 7:17 PM on April 15, 2009


Get a credit freeze.
posted by aquafortis at 7:19 PM on April 15, 2009


Previously.
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 6:31 AM on April 16, 2009


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