Just found out that these low lifes tried to take out a mortgage in my wifes name (after I put the fraud alert on all our Social Security Numbers). Boy I am pissed!!
For everyones info... if this ever happens to you... make sure you also put a security freeze as well through all 3 credit agencies!
Did you sign up for lifelock or something like it?
No... Life Lock only puts a "fraud alert" on your SSN every 90 days. However, putting a fraud alert does not keep anyone from taking out credit in your name. It only makes it a bit harder for them (if the person running the credit check does their job!). What I mean is that if someone tries to take out credit in your name and you have a fraud alert on your SSN... they are "SUPPOSED TO" ask for additional info to make sure that you are who you say you are!
TO TRULY SECURE YOURSELF:
You have to do is (1) file a police report obviously (2) then call up all 3 credit agencies individually(experian, equifax and transunion) and let them know that you have been a victim of fraud/identity theft and you would like to put a "credit freeze" on your SSN. (3) once they put a "credit freeze" on your SSN... nobody can access your credit unless they have the PIN number which is created for you once you call to put the freeze on!
Thanks for the info...I thought Lifelock put a freeze on opening new accounts. I didn't realize they just alerted you.
Thank you to everyone for their kind words so far in my fustrating experience! As to LIFELOCK... I never had them. But I did read up on them... as I was going to purchase them to help out with my situation. However, from what I read, all they do is automatically put fraud alerts on your credit every 90 days. They also montior known websites that sell your personal info online. If they find someone sellling your info, they will alert you to the situation.
They key take away from this is that a "fraud alert" is different than a "credit freeze". A credit freeze takes more time and is a bit more fustrating to manage. However, it will secure your credit better than a fraud alert.