What can we do to protect ourselves if a relative decides to commit identity theft?
960745
Yes!\n\nThe first thing you need to do is notify your bank that this happened.  Many banks will offer a free credit protection program for people who may have been victims.  If they don't, they can refer you to reputable businesses who assist you in monitoring your credit report.  Anytime someone tries to open an account in your name or do anything with your social security number, a red flag goes up.  \n\nIf they are granted a credit card, you will immediately call that credit card company and cancel the card, telling them that your identity has been stolen and you are not responsible for any charges made.\n\nI would also file a police report - they won't be able to do anything without proof it occurred - but as soon as this person does anything, you've got backup that you practiced "due diligence" in protecting yourself.\n\nGood luck.
703617
Your husband is the victim of identity theft.  I would start by retaining counsel and then having the attorney contact the police department to determine what their records show.  The attorney can also advise you on the procedure in Arizona for resubmission of fingerprints on your husband, so that the proper name is associated with this, and that if your husband is stopped on a traffic stop, he isn't required to prove that he isn't your brother.\n\nFor a referral to an Arizona attorney, consult your local or state bar association.
388087
Often these people already have either banking or credit card information or SSN and are trying to get phone number and address to go further.\n\nKeep an eye out on your credit rating and be careful of what information leaves your house by means of the trash.\n\nGenerally speaking only people with very good credit ratings or large accounts are worth going after.  The ident thief would rather get $10,000 than $100 for the same amount of work on their part.
315078
Better start making those phone calls. This is just the perfect opportunity that the illegals are waiting for. You don't want to be a victim of identity theft.
506421
good luck there are worse things you could do like kill someone and steal their identity...see now they can't yell at you, you didn't say that I did....I would do it too if I could get away with it!
514657
Please check if:\n\n1/ you accessed the Internet from different locations -- a friend's house to check email, an Internet café to check a stock quote, or the library to research a term paper.ou must take extra precautions to safeguard your personal information in these situation?\n\n2/ Someone could approach your computer and easily access your account information?\n\n3/ you always sign out completely by clicking the "Sign Out" link when you finish using Yahoo!?\n\n4/ Your browser's cache contains copies of the web pages you have recently visited and stores these files on your hard drive?\n\n5/ Some shared computers allow you to install software on them, making them vulnerable to virus attacks or malicious programs such as keystroke logging programs. If you have any concerns about the security of a shared computer, don't hesitate to ask the administrator about the steps they've take to protect their computers....?\n\nIf you think your identity has been stolen, here's what to do:\n\nA. Contact the fraud departments in your area\n\nB. Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Use the ID Theft Affidavit (PDF, 56 KB) when disputing new unauthorized accounts. \n\nC. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Get a copy of the report or at the very least, the number of the report, to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime. \n\nD. File your complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps us learn more about identity theft and the problems victims are having so that we can better assist you. \n\nView or print an easy-to-follow brochure on how to Deter, Detect, and Defend against identity theft.  For more in-depth information on recovering from identity theft and help with specific problems, read Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft.\n\nGood Luck
115736
There really isn't any reason to be concerned about identity theft..You would be more likely to have your identity stolen, at your local restaurant, when you pay with your credit card..Online business, is one of the safest places to do your banking, etc.
140103
damnnn..\nhaven't you heard a term called "Identity theft"\ndude, SSN are private!\nplease remove your question..\nbe4 somebody report you..
1053200
Your best bet would be to make sure relatives take care of this for you ... that's the ONLY way you can be SURE what happens to you.
779723
Contact your local social security office who will direct you to a website and 800# to report possible identity theft/misuse of your social security number. They will advise you to report this to your credit agencies. Try ssa.gov first and see if you can resolve your issue there but if you are like me, I like to talk to a live person.  My purse was stolen about a year ago and just as a precaution, I went through this same process.  -Well, best of luck.
541392
1. report the lost/stolen wallet to the police as soon as possible\n\n2. cancel any bank cards/credit cards that may have been in the wallet\n\n3. report the driver's liscense stolen and get a new one \n\n4. go to the social security office for a copy of the birth certificate
872015
Sadly, in some cases, yes.  A victim of identity theft here.
910435
Check all your credit cards and your accounts.  Check your credit rating.  Advise your bank about what is happening.  Respond to all these offers by letting them know that there is no such person at this address and that someone is using your address without your permission.
868159
Don't let her have it.  Just say that you've read too much online about it being a security risk, and if something happened, you wouldn't want to have to blame her first.
119845
Yes otherwise anyone could steal checks and use them as their own. If they don't ask to see your id then I would complain to someone higher up. Theres way to many people trying to steal identities these days.
245797
get someone to look out for you. even if it means living w/ a relative or mom
315003
Don't have anything to do with this person. Someone is trying to steal your money! Don't give them any information about your bank accounts or credit cards.