Author Topic: Dealing with identity theft  (Read 2013 times)

Melisande

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 284
Dealing with identity theft
« on: July 13, 2017, 05:09:43 PM »
A few years someone got a hold of my husband's social security number and filed a fraudulent tax return using his personal information. Since then, we've had a permanent credit freeze placed with all three credit bureaus.

Today we received a letter from Banco Popular in Puerto Rico informing us that they were unable  to evaluate our application for an Avianca Credit Card because of our credit freeze.

It looks like the identity thieves are back at it because we certainly did not apply for this credit card.

So, what to do?

I'm going to call the bank ASAP and let them know what's up. Are there any additionsl steps to take?

This is pretty unsettling. I really hope there aren't places out there that just offer credit without a credit check first!

Lepetitange3

  • Guest
Re: Dealing with identity theft
« Reply #1 on: July 13, 2017, 05:35:10 PM »
In extreme cases, social security will issue a new number.  You may want to look into this.  It's difficult, but it is possible.  Usually, you need an attorney to help.

Bliss

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 50
Re: Dealing with identity theft
« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2017, 05:38:39 PM »
Did you request an IP Pin from the IRS to file your taxes each year?

Melisande

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 284
Re: Dealing with identity theft
« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2017, 06:18:39 PM »
Did you request an IP Pin from the IRS to file your taxes each year?

They just give us the IP Pin every year, but we've never gotten it to work, so we just file. I'm snail mail.

Bliss

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 50
Re: Dealing with identity theft
« Reply #4 on: July 13, 2017, 07:15:25 PM »
It sounds like your freeze and IP Pin is working. Some other things to consider:

https://www.identitytheft.gov/

https://www.chexsystems.com

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!