Paul McElligott
Senior HTF Member
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2002
- Messages
- 2,598
- Real Name
- Paul McElligott
I have been hit twice with identity theft this year. Someone has used my name and SSN to open cell phone accounts with two different companies. I've gotten hit with a bill for more than $800 from Sprint and last night T-Mobile called because they suspected someone had opened a fraudulent account in my name (they were right).
Tips:
Check your credit reports to see who is making inquiries and what accounts are open in your name. Make sure you recognize all of them.
If you detect indentity fraud, call the major credit reporting agencies (I'll post numbers when I have them handy) and have a fraud alert placed on your credit report. This will alert people to be extra careful about demanding proof of identity before letting people open accounts in your name.
If I ever decide to switch cell phone companies, T-Mobiles first crack over Sprint, if only for their more proactive approach to fraud prevention.
Tips:
Check your credit reports to see who is making inquiries and what accounts are open in your name. Make sure you recognize all of them.
If you detect indentity fraud, call the major credit reporting agencies (I'll post numbers when I have them handy) and have a fraud alert placed on your credit report. This will alert people to be extra careful about demanding proof of identity before letting people open accounts in your name.
If I ever decide to switch cell phone companies, T-Mobiles first crack over Sprint, if only for their more proactive approach to fraud prevention.