Stolen SSN, Credit Bureaus Alerted , Now What?

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?"

Comments

News for nerds??

[woobieman29]

I really think that you are looking for information in the wrong place. Contact the credit bureaus (Experian, etc) for information, and then google for other organizations that deal with identity theft to get some pointers. Sure, someone here may have had some experience with this, but realistically asking this on Slashdot is about as appropriate as asking the dudes on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" to help you overhaul your transmission.

Good luck anyway - I hope that nothing bad happens to your credit.

Re:New Credit Card Number

[Nos.]

The concern isn't his credit card number, its that someone will use his SSN, driver's license, etc. to apply for a NEW credit card, or some other fraud. Keep an eye on your credit record is the best bet. If anything suspicious comes in you mail, like a note from a new credit card company the warning lights should come on.