Credit Fraud - advice please

furrygreyboy

So I just randomly checked my credit report and saw that SprintNextel had requested a credit check for me about 3 weeks ago. Since I've never had a Sprint/Nextel phone, I decided to follow it up.

Turns out somebody opened an account in my name at a Radio Shack in Brooklyn (using SS# etc). SprintNextel have put a fraud check on it and suggested I get a fraud alert against my SS#, so I get contacted any time a credit request is made.

For some reason, the automated phone system couldn't find my file, so now I have to mail in a request. This requires mailing a copy of SS card/W2 and a copy of drivers licence.

Thing is, I have always been really careful with all this personal info, have not lost my wallet or any cards... and now I'm extremely distrustful on putting my private info into an envelope addressed to "Equifax Offoce of Fraud Assistance" -isn't that a red flag to anyone else wanting to steal my info? Or am I just being paranoid??? If I send this by registered mail, is that the safest option.

Any advice welcomed. (Should this be posted in the Lounge?)

anonymous

Sorry to hear you're dealing with this. The same thing happened to me a few years ago, and I only found out because I received a cell phone bill from Sprint for an account in my name that someone else opened. (The thief changed the billing address after opening the account but not before the first bill was generated and sent to me.)

I would go on record with as many entities as you can to prevent further misuse of your SSN. Here's a link with contact info for the FTC and Inspector General's office, both of which handle these issues:


http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/idtheft.htm

Good Luck!

homeowner

Check out this thread...This goes into effect today

http://www.brooklynian.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30845[/url]

furrygreyboy

Thank you both - those links were really useful and I've printed off letters to the three main agencies which now have to be sent by certified mail through the U.S. Postal Service or via an overnight delivery service.

Stupidly, I didn't really think this could happen to me, since I shred absolutely everything, haven't lost my wallet/cards in over 15 years and in the last 5 years have only used my SS# for medical purposes/work.

Guess you can't ever be too careful.