How to change your ssn because of fraud

Question

Ive been getting letters from credit card companies and actual credit cards in the mail that I have not applied for. I think one of my room mates might have been applying for things in my name. Whats is the process of changing you ssn or what could be done?

Answer 1

Put the account on fraud alert through Trans Union Fraud Dept. Their toll free # 1-800-680-7289. They will notify the other 2 bureaus for you. It has to be renewed every 90 days. With the police report, it will stay on for 5  or 6 years. If you put a freeze on it, even you won't be able to apply for credit. I would suggest you request your free credit reports through annualcreditreport.com or call then toll free @ 1-877-322-8228 for all 3 free reports. If there is something you're not aware of, dispute it.

Answer 2

You need to go to the local police dept. and file a police report that you suspect that your identity has be stolen. I would then contact the three credit bureaus for copies of your credit report to find out exactly what is going on in the reports. You can also put a freeze on you reports that alerts you when a credit check is done, and alerts the creditor of the freeze, you then are able to give a password to temporarily unlock the report. There often is a fee associated with this service. Cancel any unwanted credit card as soon as you receive them by notifying the creditor that it was sent without your request.

Answer 3

First of all you need to complete a police report.

If you've ever had your wallet stolen or you have a recent credit report that shows these unauthorized applications then include that.

In addition you need to contact the credit bureau right away (with a copy of your police report) and add a fraud alert to your profile. Check with the bureau about recent inquiries and/or applications. If there are indeed items there then dispute them with the bureau and creditor if need be.

Lastly, getting letters from card companies is not unusual. It's called unsolicited marketing. Happens all the time, they're just fishing for clients.

Answer 4

Police report first.  Contacting all three cr bureaus here are the phone numbers, i.e. toll free information to get the numbers: Experian 1-888-555-1212, Equifax 1-800-555-1212, and finally Trans Union 1-800-555-1212. These are toll free info numbers, Experian is an 888 number.  They will have an automated direct you thru for identity fraud, but this is something you will have to stay on top of for a long time.  This is one of the fastest growing crimes in America, don't be afraid to give the names of the room mates, one of them might crack w/a badge shoved in their face.  You will put an "Authorized by me only" on all future credit apps in your name, which means no credit can be issued in your name unless the credit bureau contacts you and verifies by you that you made that application.

Correct all information that is not correct, they will send you copies of report this is essential, so that the damage done already is repaired, and the above paragraph should minimize future damage.

Now for your original question, a new social security number.  We are issued social security numbers at birth, and to get a new one is very difficult.  You may need an attorney, and prove that it is a life threatening situation supported by law enforcement.

Good luck, but go after the intruders, this will cause much hassles for a long time.

Go to the social security office and ask, it won't hurt, or see if you can get the info on line http://www.ssa.gov the info I state above WAS the law, and may have been ammended.