Quote:
Originally Posted by xmasbaby75  Thanks  ... Actually, I did google the number - and of course it does not come up with a name - only the city  ... I called the number and it is hooked up to a fax machine - I was hoping someone would answer.  The crazy thing is, I cannot figure out how they are getting my information - I have one debit card, and it is always with me. I thought maybe someone in a store where I used my card might have done it - but they would not have my address ... the only thing I can figure is that the info I'm typing into the computer (when making purchases) is being stolen somehow.  I only make purchases on secure websites - so I am completely stumped on this one. |
Identity theft can be a mess to clean up and is better avoided to the extent possible.
Online games can compromise your identify including facebook games and put you at risk for identify theft because the software you download installs spyware and malware on your computer and extracts personally identifiable information to steal your identity.
Shopping online also stores your data - you type in your user name and password and if there is malware/spyware on your computer, it easily takes this information.
Using a credit card with fraud detection is very useful and citibank has done an excellent job for us. I've closed my account 3 times this year for suspected fraud transactions when the card was in my possession. It usually happens after I travel and use my card in airports/hotels which are meccas for identify theives. I also shop online with only a virtual credit card number - a service from citibank - so that my real numbers are never put into the computer. I do not receive paper statements in my mail and any piece of paper with an account number on it or my name/address etc is put through a cross-cut shredder.
Everyone should change their passwords routinely and use letters, numbers and symbol combinations.
As for dealing with it, sounds like you did most of what can be done. Here is what the FTC has to say about it.
DEFEND: Recover From Identity Theft - Deter. Detect. Defend. Avoid ID Theft