ID Theft
Pre-emptive ID Theft protection?
I left a usb flash drive at a public computer and it was swiped. It has sensitive information on it including documents with my name, address, social security number and name of my employer. Also one of my previous addresses. Given the nature of the place, where left items are usually turned in at a nearby counter, I know I can't rely on the goodwill of whoever took it. I don't think my credit is good enough for anyone to get a credit card under my name, though I still intend to be wary of that. What pre-emptive measures can I take to prevent misuse of the information on the drive, particularly ones that would could cause me financial or legal damage? It's copies of pay stubs I'm talking about here, which had to be transported and printed. My printer doesn't work so I had no choice. My employer shouldn't be printing my ssn but I can't really change the way they do things.
Public Comments
- I am very tempted to lecture you about the foolhardiness of putting personal information on a flash drive, or even a lap top. Because they are too easily stolen. But I am not going to do that. Contact your bank credit card companies, the Attorney General in your state. All 3 credit bureaus. About all you can do.
- Call one of the credit reporting bureaus and put a fraud alert on your account. This prevents anyone from borrowing money in your name. 1.(800) 525-6285 for Equifax (they all inform each other)
