I've been receiving dunning calls from a collection agency telling me I owe money on a credit card I've never opened. What should I do? – Anxious Al
Dear Mr. Anxious: Run, don't walk to your phone and call at least one of the three credit reporting agencies – TransUnion, Equifax, or Experian – to see if you're a victim of identity theft. With all the data breaches going on that number into the millions, not too many of us can claim being safe. This type of collection call is usually a dead giveaway that something is amiss and it's imperative you follow up ASAP. Other giveaways that indicate you're a victim:
' Denial of credit for a new credit card, mortgage, or car loan, even though you're sure you qualify.
' Notice of approval or denial for accounts you've not requested.
' Later-than-normal bank statements and certainly non-receipt of them.
' Charges on statements for purchases you didn't make, or the envelope appears to be tampered with.
' A new credit card you've requested doesn't arrive on time or, even, at all.
' Long distance calls on your bill that you or family members didn't make.
' A creditor given your name, address, social security number (gasp!) and/or other personal info without your say so.
' Missing papers/documents after a burglary.
This list isn't a complete one by any means, though it's enough to get you worrywarts going. If any suspicious or malicious act occurs, act quickly by contacting your local law enforcement department and all creditors. Moreover, as I've mentioned in the past, I'm a strong believer in ID protection plans that will do the legwork and shoulder much of the costs for you if Ted or Tara Thief steals your ID.
Let's say 'ole Ted/Tara succeeds and your personal info isn't so personal anymore. Follow these steps immediately:
1. Notify affected creditors or bank.
2. Put a fraud alert on your credit report.
3. Check your credit reports.
4. Consider putting a credit freeze on your reports.
5. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
6. Go to the police and make out a specialized theft report.
7. Send creditors a copy of your theft report.
8. Contact credit reporting agencies.
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com