My purse was recently stolen

Question

Because I had recently let my license expire and had to get a new one, I had my S.S. card and birth certificate as well as many other valuable things in it. If I change my first name legally, will it keep someone from stealing my identity and taking out loans and such in my name?

Answer 1

You need to contact the Social Security Administration ASAP and let them know it has been stolen. They will be able to direct you with the next steps to take.  

Answer 2

Make sure you file a police report.

Then contact each of the 3 credit bureaus and have a freeze placed on your account. It costs about 10 per bureau but will prevent anyone from getting credit in your name. Make sure you let the bureaus know what all was stolen.

Contact the Social Security Administration and let them know about the theft.

You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report each year from each of the 3 credit bureaus. I usually pull one report from 1 bureau every 4 months. To get the free report go to:  www.annualcreditreport.com    (note this is not freecreditreport.com which is a look-a-like pay site).

Notify your bank of any checks that were stolen.

Notify your credit card companies of any cards that were stolen.

Good Luck.  

Answer 3

Poor you.

1. Write down everything you had in your purse, cards money etc.

2. Phone up the companies and cancel the cards/accounts

3. Report it, Dont worry and Ask for advice at the companies etc.

There shouldnt need to be any need to change your name.

Answer 4

Did u report it and if so whats the cops tell you??

You can't change your SS number at all.. so they'd still have access to your personal finances..

I'd keep on the police department until they figure out how to get your purse and personal belonings back.. or catch the fools..

sadly enuff criminals have life alot easier than the working class.. best of luck

Answer 5

Changing your name won't protect your identity, but reporting to all agencies might.  Notifying the credit agencies may also help you!

Answer 6

No, it won't.  Someone can use your SSN even without your name.  This happens a lot with illegal immigrants.  They'll buy SSNs so they can work because most companies don't actually verify an employee's status.  You need to report everything stolen ASAP.  Unfortunately, there won't be a whole lot some of these places (like your state licensing department) can do about it.  But they will make a record of it so that you can't be held accountable if someone does steal your identity.  Call the credit bureaus and have your SSN flagged.  This will prevent anyone from being able to appy for a credit card over the phone.  Unfortunately, that includes you as well.  This will be active for about a year.  If you had any credit or bank cards definitely call them.  You may end up responsible for fraudulent charges otherwise.

You can apply for replacements for your social security card and birth certificate.