I used to work for a credit card company and I've heard tons of stories about it. I have not personally had it happen to me but down here where i live there was a ring of it going around not only were they using adults ssn but a four year old little girls as well they bought a house in here name using her social. It takes minutes for them to steal your identity and years to get it cleaned up. Most of the time people don't even realize what is going on till months down the road and by then it's to late and your credit is wrecked! I used to sell a credit protection plan to our card members and let me tell you it is worth it to buy or at least be enrolled in some kind of protection for your credit. I have heard of wives doing it to husbands and vise versa children do it to parents and the worst parents doing it to their children. You can never be to careful here are some tips for keeping your identity safe.... Never give your social out over the phone EVER if you have to make sure that they did not call you even if it's your credit card company if they want that info they will be more than happy for you to call them back at there 1-800 # don't call any # they give you always look the # up in a phone book or on the back of your card and only give them the last 4 # they have the rest right in front of them if they are a credit card company. Also if your credit card company offers some type of credit protection enroll in it at least for 30 days and see what it's all about it. Like i always used to tell my customers it only take a few minutes and a few dollars to protect yourself but it takes years and a lot of money to dig yourself out once it has happened. Also never keep your pin # with your cards and never carry your social card with you keep it in a safe lock box. Don't ever give your pin # to anyone not even your spouse and if identity theft happens to you call all three credit bureaus and have them freeze you credit no one will be able to do anything with your credit including you unless they call and verify with all 3 bureaus with the new info you have set up. Good luck in your paper and i hope this is helpful to someone out there! |