Shit like this is why you want at least one reputable identity theft/credit monitoring service watching your SSN. Anytime your SSN gets used your inbox should light up with notifications.
The least you can do is to tell the 3 credit rating companies to freeze your credit and block credit checks. You can temporary unfreeze it when you actually need to apply for loan or line of credit
I have my credit frozen at all three companies allowed to control it. I will never use it or need it for anything, and I don’t subscribe to the concept. I’ve told them that anyone who attempts to unfreeze it isn’t me and that they should be dealt with.
Locking your SSN with credit bureaus really only catches people applying for stuff. You could be in for a nasty shock when you find out a bunch of people have been using your SSN for jobs, taxes (as in not paying them), driver's licenses and applying for benefits.
Supposedly locking with this protects against some shenanigans.
Shit like this is why you want at least one reputable identity theft/credit monitoring service watching your SSN. Anytime your SSN gets used your inbox should light up with notifications.
Any good ones you know of? Do banks offer these services?
Forbes had an article rating them a while back here.
I'm using Identity Force right now. Fairly decently rated plus it's one of the "free" benefits I get at work (they pay the subscription cost).
The least you can do is to tell the 3 credit rating companies to freeze your credit and block credit checks. You can temporary unfreeze it when you actually need to apply for loan or line of credit
I have my credit frozen at all three companies allowed to control it. I will never use it or need it for anything, and I don’t subscribe to the concept. I’ve told them that anyone who attempts to unfreeze it isn’t me and that they should be dealt with.
Locking your SSN with credit bureaus really only catches people applying for stuff. You could be in for a nasty shock when you find out a bunch of people have been using your SSN for jobs, taxes (as in not paying them), driver's licenses and applying for benefits.
Supposedly locking with this protects against some shenanigans.