My identity was stolen! I need some adult advice here.
 

I went to apply for a job at Publix (a supermarket) today. The application is electronic, and in-store. When I put in my SSN, it said that my number has already been used. I proceeded to go to customer service to ask what was going on, and they looked my name and SSN up, and apparently, my number has been used to apply at TWO different stores.


First of all, I don't know if they actually hired the person that was using my SSN, and if they did, they're supposed to ask to see picture ID when they hire you, correct? If not, I'm seriously considering taking legal action against the idiot that failed to follow proticol.

Secondly, how could they have applied at two different stores, if it wouldn't let me apply with the number because it was already in the system.


Thirdly, I'm only 19, and don't even really have credit, so how much damage could they have possibly done?

I can't think of who would have done it, the girl at the counter said my information was used in Laurensville, GA and Woodstock, GA. I used to live in Georgia, in fact, my whole life up until last year, but I never lived anywhere near there. I lived in south Georgia, and waaaaay up by Tennessee. I'm thinking they used paper applications at one of the two stores, maybe?


What should I do? Obviously, it's too late at night where I'm at to contact the corporate headquarters. I don't know where to start.

Yes, federally you're required to see someone's ss card upon hiring.

I would also contact the SSA....and let them know your SS number has been used fraudulently.

I would check on line and see if any type of credit had been extended using your SS #. It's free.

https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

Hopefully this is your only issue and they haven't gotten credit using it. That is a nightmare....they open the accounts but never pay the bills...and THAT is what ruins your credit.

If you seriously think that it has been stolen you should file a police report. If you explain exactly what happened and your reasons for your concern then they can reprimand the store that you applied to for not following a federal procedure.

Also they can look deeper into it than a civilian can and get you clearer answers much quicker.

Changing your social is a great idea and when you bring the information to your bank, credit card companies, etc., the police report with it will help them take your situation seriously and act faster. Looking at a credit report is a good idea but it may be a matter of time before anything shows up if it was just stolen.

Best of luck.

Have you found anything out yet from the Annualcreditreport thing? I hope this didnt' happen to you :(

Hey, maybe someone else was filling out their application and just guessed at their social, and it was off by one digit or something and it just happened to turn out to be yours? That could then just be an honest mistake? But do check it out anyhow & let us know! :)

Although your young they can do a lot of damage to your credit files. I suggest you go make a police report, pull your credit report and immediately dispute any problems you see on there, also call the head office of that supermarket chain and notify them of the fact that someone might be fraudently using your SS number.

Good luck but I suggest you move on it fast and stop any possible problems that can come up. Bad credit follows you for a long time and can even impact you getting a job or insurance.

I totally agree with this. You need to stop this now, before any more damage can be done.