Fraud

[Deathstrike]

Hey guys,

Going to ask something serious so respond accordingly if you can.

I recently looked at my checking account and spotted fraudulent use. I called the company that received the order and they canceled the order and gave me the information about the suspect. (Name, Shipping address and Email) I am highly aware that much of the information is a proxy for the real user (unless they're dumbasses), but am not sure what to do with the information.

I also canceled the card with the creditor. I went to the three credit agencies and filed for fraud alert and checked my credit report. (Nothing seems unusually, but I do realize that some only update it every month)

Now I'm stuck. Should I do anything else? Like file a police report or do more with the credit agencies to see if the suspect has done any ill to my credit? I'm not too sure about the police report as the criminal is supposedly in Spain. I'm also unsure to what extent that they have my information. (The company that received the order told me that they had my name and address.)

Thanks.

[ICEMAN]

lol ...sounds like something your roommate would do

[ru_exp]

I have been dealing with identity theft for ten years. Your first steps are correct.

File a police report locally where you live. Then use the persons "alledged infomation" to file a police local to their area (I think the Sheriffs Dept would be more proactive). This should a case of wire fraud across state lines...hence it is now a federal offense.

COLLECT AND MAKE NOTES ON ANYTHING CONNECTED TO THE CASE. TIME, DATES, NAMES, ADDRESSES, etc.

Continue to follow up until something happens. Since they have your information it is not likely they will stop trying to use it.

Good luck. It is a long and frustrating process. Push the law enforcement agencies to do something over and over. They will want/need you to testify.

[bradly-james]

RU is right. You need to file with the local police. My dad did check fraud and identity theft for a long time. With you catching it this early, I highly doubt the man will be caught. None the less, you need to file with local law enforcement. If you ever discover that money is missing, you will need to file to get the money back from your financial institution.

I can see where RU is going, but this is a very small case and probably won't get beyond filing a report. It sucks, but it is how are police work...


Bradly-James

[ru_exp]

I can see where RU is going, but this is a very small case and probably won't get beyond filing a report. It sucks, but it is how are police work...


Bradly-James

True...but his case does involve the internet and it is across state lines. Class X felony I believe...no matter the amount. Not likely it will move past paperwork but try to push them to do something.

[Ghosted]

Legally change your name to 'Max Power'. Close all your old accounts/cards and open new ones up under your newer, cooler name.

[vivr]

You can freeze your credit with the 3 big agencies, that keeps people from opening cards and making large purchases in your name. http://clarkhoward.com/topics/credit_freeze_states.html

If they just got your check card number or credit card number then that's no big deal. Banks/Credit card companies will not hold you liable if you contact them and take the necessary steps within a specified time. It's happened to me several times in amounts over $10k.