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Q: Someone used my SSN for taxes and credit cards; I reported it. What steps should I take now?
I discovered that someone has used my Social Security number for filing taxes and opening credit cards over the past few years. I've reported this identity theft to the authorities, but I'm unsure which bank accounts were involved. Unauthorized accounts and transactions have appeared on my credit report. What steps should I take now to resolve these issues, and are there any legal actions I should consider?
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James L. Arrasmith
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A:
First, you should request a credit freeze or fraud alert from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This will make it harder for the thief to open new accounts in your name. You should also review your credit report carefully, looking for any unauthorized accounts or transactions, and dispute any discrepancies with the credit bureaus.
Next, contact each financial institution where fraudulent accounts were opened and inform them of the identity theft. Ask them to close those accounts, and request a fraud investigation. Keep a record of all correspondence and take note of the names of the representatives you speak to.
Lastly, consider filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through IdentityTheft.gov. You may also want to file a police report if you haven't already. If necessary, speak to an attorney about any potential legal actions or lawsuits to help recover damages and prevent further harm.
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