ID Theft

Kind of ID theft/ what to do?

I was told recently that my sister who lives in Minnesota is using my name when she gets pulled over or is questioned by the police in any way. I live in Florida. I contacted a town in North Dakota where I know she used my name. And they set it up so that when my name is ran it shows up as her possibly using my name. I also contacted the the town in minnesota where she lives and they told me to contact the state office. I talked with someone from the state office and she said there's nothing I/they can do. Now, I would think that she could not be arrested under my name unless she has fake ID. Which I do not beleive she does. Should I be worried? Is there anything else I can do?

Public Comments

1. yes you should be woried and you can get your name changed
2. start using her name and see how she likes it...it will teach her a lesson.
3. there is a company that prevents identity theft its called Lifelock... call them and see... check out their website... www.lifelock.com, and just so you know you can ask the state to flag your name that two forms of identity need to be shown... if she is using your florida address as part of her being you then contact your local police or sheriff and/or DMV to put a flag on your name
4. Your sister could be in a lot of trouble by impersonating you. You should check into it better. How do you know this? I know you said someone told you but until an law enforcement agency tells you this or you have to go to court for something she had done you will not know for sure. If she gets a ticket and has to go to court or if she is arrested and gives your name as hers they will know. The police will finger print her when she goes to jail. Once they find out that she use you idenity she could have an impersonation charge put against her. I would try to find out more information about what she's doing. Better hope she doesn't have any other information about you. Expecally your social security number. Once someone steals your idenity and they take out credit cards in your name and start putting all their bills in your name it will be a hard road for you to travel. I had my idenity stolen by my youngest son four years ago. I made the mistake of paying off the credit cards he took out in my name. He took me for a lot of money and my credit still is not cleared. He figured since he had the first and last name as mine he could do this and get away wisth it. I should have neve named my son after me. I din't press any charge againt him because he is my son. This is the wrong thing to do. He commited the crime he should have did the time. Instead because I didn't put any charges against him I'm the one that is being punished. It takes 7 years before your credit slate is wiped cleanded . It's been 4 years so far and creditor are beating down my door. I hope you lots of luck. Becareful and don't be afriad to turn her in. Even though you do that people will still not belive you. It's a hard road to travel when someone stells your idenity. Idenity Theft TIPS TO AVOID IDENTITY THEFT · Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you’ve initiated the contact or are sure you know who you’re dealing with. · Be skeptical of e-mail requests for personal information, especially when they come from companies that should already have the information. Identity thieves may pose as representatives of banks, Internet service providers (ISPs) and even government agencies to get you to reveal your SSN, mother’s maiden name, account numbers and other identifying information. · Do not click on links in suspicious e-mails; instead, you should contact the company directly by phone or through a Web site or e-mail address known to be authentic. · Make sure an Internet connection is secure -- with an icon of a lock visible on the Web browser -- before submitting personal information. To reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud, just remember the word "SCAM": S Be stingy about giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them C Check your financial information regularly, and look for what should be there and what shouldn't A Ask periodically for a copy of your credit report M Maintain careful records of your banking and financial accounts There are three credit agency that you can check with. Let me see if I can find their address.Periodically, you should get a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies-- Equifax, Trans Union, and Experian. Credit Reporting Agency Addresses and phone numbers Equifax. Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc. P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA. 30374 Call Equifax at 1-(800) 685-1111 to order a credit report by phone. To place a fraud alert on your credit report with Equifax, call 1(888) 766-0008. Website address is www.Equifax.com. . Trans Union Corporation Transunion LLC Consumer Disclosure Center P.O. Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022 Website address is www.Transunion.com Call Transunion at 1 (800) 888-4213 to only order free credit reports. Experian National Consumer Assistance Center P.O. Box 949 Allen, TX 75013 Call 1 (888) EXPERIAN to order credit reports or place a fraud alert on your credit report. Website address is www.Experian.com 1-800-443-9342. You should get a free report once a year.. Be careful because they will try to charge you for these reports, but by law they are free once a year. Chuck