FRAUD

Ok yep, I've been hit by credit card fraud. Makes you feel all dirty and crap having someone running through my money like that.

So if you find someone is using your name, social security number, or credit cards without your authority here is a short checklist of things to do:

Credit Card Fraud:
1. Contact your bank/credit card company and stop the card.
2. Contact the three major US credit report companies and put a Fraud Alert statement on your credit report.
TransUnion www.tuc.com 1-800-680-7289 About 1 week to get a copy of the credit report
Equifax www.equifax.com 1-800-525-6285 About 48 hours to get a copy of the credit report
Experian (was TRW) www.experian.com 1-888-397-3742 About 7-10 days to get a copy of the credit report
3. Get a copy of the most recent card statement, and as many old statements as you feel like reviewing and sit down and read them.
4. Review the credit statements for any attempts to open a credit line.
5. Tell the card supplier of any charges you feel are fraudulent.
6. Expect to have to fill out paperwork, and answer a lot of questions. Having to prove you are the legitimate owner of the card is a pain.

Social Security and Name theft are associated problems. These websites will help get your identity back:

ID Theft

When Someone Misuses your SSN Number

Federal Trade Comission

Social Security Administration