Hey I-clubers,

Can you guys advise me how to prevent further abuse from a ID theft. Well, I just found out today, someone took out significant amount of the money from my bank account by using a fraud check. So, I was completely broke for a day. Thankfully, my bank reimbursed me. Now I have a completely a new account.
I feel so vulnerabl at this time. I'm afraid what may happen in the future.....

thanks

 

something i can think of off the top of my head...

• I never use my check card ANYWHERE except for Costco.
• I keep ALL my banking documentation.
• I shred EVERYTHING with my name and/or address on it. Including CC application (they pre-print stuff on it some time).
• I only use 2 computers to check my banking information and both never really 'surf the web' or down anything of any kind
• NEVER say your address, phone number, or SSN out loud, even at a bank. I always write it down and make sure I take the paper back after.

 

Well the check card, it's more of a matter of not handing it to the clerk. If they don't have a machine for you to swipe your card, then try to use cash. That way you always have control of your card.

 

^^^Thanks both of you.
On the fake check it had all my info. I can't conceive how this man/woman can all those info. I didn't even lose a check so far and I do shred my personal papers.

 

recently there has been A LOT of theft on check card/atm debit card from gas station pump, atm machines (like those in 7-11), even a grocery store. That's why I don't use it at all.

 

Here are a few tidbits

- Dont use overdraft. Overdraft will only let them use more of your money in the case of ID theft.

- Sign up for electronic statements for bank/CC accounts (saves trees and prevents it from being lost in the mail.)

- Get a free credit report at least once a year and review for mistakes.

- Dont keep all your eggs in one basket. Keep an emergency fund or savings account at a different bank.

 

find a credit card company that uses virtual account numbers.

you setup the virtual # for single vendor. and it expires quickly.

 

oh heck yeah! I have that with my CC, used to be MBNA now BofA. That's how I do ALL my online shopping. Set the credit limit to the purchase amount and expires in 2 months. I don't care if their CC DB ever gets hacked.

 

^^^I took your advice, convert every accounts to paper less now. Thankfully, nothing negative has reflected on my credit reports. Yeah, now I even have ID theft protective membership. Every alert is on operational mode now.

 

I had major id theft when i was living in oregon. they managed to buy a house and a car in my name.. they managed to change my bday on my credit report and i didnt have paper trails to any banks so they took all my info and took money from other peoples accounts and did a address change from me. Tried to steal my cars etc. So far since i got married its been going ok cus i changed my name and stuff but sheesh even when the cops found some of the people using my id (2-5) people anyhow they said at the time there was no protection against id theft. I had to either pay off the debt they created in my name or let it go as they said. Its a big mess when they actually take over everything of yours. They even got a hold of my dads id and he was already dead for 3 years and they started a bunch of **** in his name.. its all a big headache if you ask me.

 

!@#$ I'm $%$ed. ^^^That is horrible! Oh, man now I'm really worried. I think I have a professional on my case too. Like I said, they even fabricated a check. That looks real enough to be cleared by the bank. So I changed all my accounts, going paperless, regular credit report programs, and will not use cards as much as before. What ^^^ would you recommend. Change my name too? Or is it too early to do that. Is it worthy for a police report?

 

Read up on placing a fraud alert with the credit reporting agencies.
https://www.experian.com/consumer/ca...=SECURITYALERT
http://www.equifax.com/answers/set-fraud-alerts/en_efx

 

^^^thanks I'm reading it now.

 

Myself being a Assistant Manager with a bank i would start by closing that account and opening another account. Get a whole new number on your ATM card and change your pin. I would also have the bank put a message on your new account saying basically to call you if anyone tries to cash a personal check of yours. Last i would keep an eye on your credit report, its worth paying a few bucks a month to save your credit standing.. sorry man i know how much of a hassle it is..

 

Did you file a dispute with the bank? Also file a police report so you can press charges if & when they are caught. I work in the fraud dept of a bank so I deal with this stuff all day.
There are areas of the United States which you don't even want to use your debit card in it's so bad. Stupid people stealing money.