Identity Theft: A True Story

One day, she received a telephone bill with her name and address on it. This was not her telephone service company so she called to inquire. After a short time the telephone rep came back to inform her that they had been investigating the account in Patty's name. They suspected it was an identity theft case but were still investigating when Patty called.

The telephone company promised to "step up" their investigation and Patty was instructed to ignore the bill.

Patty waited a few weeks then called back for a status report. The company asked her a few questions about the person under investigation--and did she know anyone living in Tennessee or California. She did not.

Finally, they informed Patty that she indeed had been a victim of identity theft and someone had charged $412.00 in her name in a cellphone purchase.

Patty was in shock and very frightened and worried. The telephone company strongly suggested that she contact the credit bureau and request that a "lock" be placed on her credit report.

Patty called right away. Fortunately for her, only 2 transactions had been made in her name. The first one was for the amount of $1.00, which she was told is a test that identity thieves use to see if the transaction will succeed.

This was their undoing because Patty's credit card company and the telephone company caught it. But not in time to stop the larger, second transaction.

The credit bureau, Equifax, also contacted the other two primary credit bureau's when Patty ordered the lock on her credit reports. This was done immediately, over the phone. This was not an easy process, as Patty had to experience an extensive process to prove and protect her identity.

With the lock in place, Equifax emailed Patty to inform her that someone called the bureau, impersonating Patty in order to obtain her new credit lock password information etc. The credit bureau was not fooled by this ploy and they got rid of the caller, who was probably the same identity thief.

Patty remained fearful, not sure she was well protected. However, in time she relaxed. What she learned is that even valid transactions made by her, such as a mortgage refinance, was prevented by her own mortgage lender who wanted to check her credit. Patty simply used her unlock code, using her home computer to allow temporary access to her credit reports. Then she put the lock back on.

Patty pays Equifax $14.95 per month for complete and permanent lock protection. They offer other less expensive plans as well.

It has been five months now and Patty no longer feels like a victim. Instead she feels more in control.

Ladies, please do not allow this to happen to you. Patty did not do anything wrong. Her identity was stolen by way of the internet. Her credit card was not stolen or anything of that nature.