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Stolen SSN, Credit Bureaus Alerted , Now What?

Posted by Cliff on from the waiting-for-the-other-shoe dept.

privacyIntruded asks: "Recently I was informed by a former employer that a computer containing my name, address, drivers' license information, and social security number had been hacked. Though they do now know what, if any, information was accessed on the computer, they recommended I place a fraud alert on my credit report. To my relief, after placing the alert, I received credit reports that look fine. Now what? Assuming that someone does have the information, do I just wait for the day when someone uses the information for fraud, then hope I can minimize the damage when it is? Is there anything I can do to reduce the risk?"

2 of 42 comments (clear)

  1. well by schnits0r · · Score: 5, Informative

    I recently had my informatiuon used against me (1800$ fanished from my account over night, which put me in a bad position as I was about to leave for vacation in 2 days). Anyways, the money was taken from where I was 3 months prior, so if this happened recently, I suggest you change what is feasibly changeibile before it bites you in the ass in a few months after you forgotten about it.


    Inform people this happened, so they don't become victims too. If something had been used already, talk to whoever is in change (if your bank acocunt has been broken in to, the banks will often give you a paper to sign saying they will incur any damages as long as you don't sue them).


    There may also be a victim support group somewhere to attend if you are mentally distrought, but since you are on the internet, I'm sure you have gotten around to accepting you ahve no privacy by now.

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  2. Re:Here is a list by the_cowgod · · Score: 5, Informative

    Huh, that's not what the Social Security Administration says:

    Getting a new Social Security number

    If you have done all you can to fix the problem and someone still is using your number, we may assign you a new number. We cannot guarantee that a new number will solve your problem.

    You cannot get a new Social Security number if:

    * You filed for bankruptcy;
    * You intend to avoid the law or your legal responsibility; or
    * Your Social Security card is lost or stolen, but there is no evidence that someone is using your number.