Picture this: an identity thief laying hands on your precious ID – driver’s license, social security card, or worse, purchasing your personal data from the dark web. From there, they go on a credit spree, posing as you to lease an apartment, buy a swanky car, and rack up credit card debt. Terrifying, right?
The problem is, most people don’t diligently monitor their credit, and without services like CreditKarma, they might not spot the signs of identity theft at first.
Even if you do have credit monitoring, these crafty ID thieves may resort to creating a “hybrid identity.” In this twisted game, they manipulate your last name with a different first name, tweak your date of birth, or play with your SSN. This sneaky hybrid identity might not immediately show up on your credit report, but eventually, it can sneak in through the cracks. Credit reporting agencies record aliases, and any data sent by creditors could end up on your report, leaving you blindsided by the theft.
Once you discover the heinous crime, swift action is necessary. There are two types of reports to file: an initial fraud report, which can be done with a simple phone call:
- Experian – 888 397 3742
- Equifax – 888 836-6351
- TransUnion – 800-680-7289
This initial fraud report is valid for 90 days, but beyond that, you’ll need to obtain a police report. Mail this report to the credit reporting agencies, and it will remain active for 7 long years.
But hey, don’t despair! We’ve got your back on this treacherous journey. If your identity has been stolen, pick up the phone and give us a call – we’re here to help you reclaim your life and put the pieces back together. Don’t let identity theft dictate your destiny – take charge today!