Stolen SSN, Credit Bureaus Alerted , Now What? 42
privacyIntruded asks: "Recently I was informed by a former employer that a computer containing my name, address, drivers' license information, and social security number had been hacked. Though they do now know what, if any, information was accessed on the computer, they recommended I place a fraud alert on my credit report. To my relief, after placing the alert, I received credit reports that look fine. Now what? Assuming that someone does have the information, do I just wait for the day when someone uses the information for fraud, then hope I can minimize the damage when it is? Is there anything I can do to reduce the risk?"
well (Score:5, Informative)
Inform people this happened, so they don't become victims too. If something had been used already, talk to whoever is in change (if your bank acocunt has been broken in to, the banks will often give you a paper to sign saying they will incur any damages as long as you don't sue them).
There may also be a victim support group somewhere to attend if you are mentally distrought, but since you are on the internet, I'm sure you have gotten around to accepting you ahve no privacy by now.
Here is a list (Score:4, Informative)
In three months (Score:5, Informative)
I had the same thing happen to me last year. We had a break-in at the firm which handled my last company's payroll, which later turned out to be an inside job. Fortunately, I haven't had any problems, and I hope you don't either.
Re:Here is a list (Score:5, Informative)
Not true. See here [kiplinger.com]. Granted, credit cards have a broader umbrella then debit cards, but there are protections in place - the Visa and MC "zero-liability" apply to debit cars these days as well. It's tougher to dispute a debit purchase vs a credit purchase, but's its definately doable.
Credit cards. Under federal law, if someone steals your credit card you're only responsible to pay the first $50 of unauthorized charges. And, says FTC lawyer Carol Reynolds, if you notify the issuer before the thief makes any charges, you may not be out anything. You're also free from liability if unauthorized purchases occur when the card is not physically present, say in an Internet purchase, she says.
Zero-liability policies, like those offered by Visa and MasterCard, add a second layer of protection. Under these programs you won't pay anything if someone fraudulently uses your credit card online or off.
Debit cards. The rules are similar for debit cards, but there are a few restrictions. For example, your liability under federal law is limited to $50, but only if you notify the issuer within two business days of discovering the card's loss or theft. Your liability could jump to $500 if you put it off. And even this cap is lifted if you wait more than 60 calendar days from the time your bank statement is mailed.
Federal protections are a bit more generous if a thief just steals your debit card number (and not the actual card), but you still have 60 days after receiving your bank statement to report any unauthorized transactions.
The Visa and MasterCard zero-liability policies also apply to debit cards, but only to non-PIN transactions. If a thief steals your card and your PIN, the federal rules are your only defense.
For additional protection check your homeowners or renter's insurance policy. Most cover up to $500 for losses from unauthorized card use.
Also, get a new SSN issued and have the old marked as fradulent. It will prevent any new credit cards or loans being created in your name and destroy your credit
Wrong. (Score:5, Informative)
The SSA has a new publication on what to do When Someone Misuses Your Number discussing Identity Theft in general terms. It says If you can prove that you're being disadvantaged because someone used your Social Security number, visit your local Social Security office to request a new one. If you've done all you can to fix the problem and someone is still using your number, under certain circumstances, we may assign you a new number. which seems not to promise anything, and to leave the discretion in the hands of the local office. They do recommend that you file a report with both Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 and the FTC.
Re:Here is a list (Score:5, Informative)
Getting a new Social Security number
If you have done all you can to fix the problem and someone still is using your number, we may assign you a new number. We cannot guarantee that a new number will solve your problem.
You cannot get a new Social Security number if:
* You filed for bankruptcy;
* You intend to avoid the law or your legal responsibility; or
* Your Social Security card is lost or stolen, but there is no evidence that someone is using your number.
Re:Here is a list (Score:4, Informative)
Personally, I think the credit card companies have a lot to do with people thinking they have zero protection. Granted, a debit card isn't as safe as a credit card, but it's not as risky as a lot of people like to think.
What to do When Your SSN is Compromised (Score:4, Informative)
For those of us not as unlucky as the original poster, there is a lot of information available at EPIC [epic.org]