Anyone have experience with Identity Theft???

Last night we got a call from the Atlanta Police Department. A detective told us that Mike's identity was stolen by a group of Nigerian scam artists. I know, it sounds CRAZY, but it's true! We have no idea how this happened. Mike used to fly to Atlanta almost weekly for work, but hasn't been there is probably 2 years; so, I'm guessing it was something over the internet. All day he has been calling his credit card companies, his bank, checking his credit report, etc. So far nothing major has been tampered with. I'm just wondering if any of you or your families/friends have had this happen and what else Mike should do to further protect himself Also, please pray that this doesn't affect his credit. We settle on our house on December 7...ahhh!!!

Oh no! You poor thing, that sucks.

I have been affected by identity theft last year. My bank was Bank of America and handled everything, includes fees incurred. It shouldn't affect your credit if you work with your bank.

It sounds like your on the right path by contacting all the banks. As a precaution, I would ask for the credit card you use on the internet to be cancelled and a new one re-issued.

Other then that - I have no idea! Did the police make any suggestions? Did they elaborate on how they knew Mike's identity was stolen?

Urgh, so scary! My best friend had her identity stolen in Florida last year. Her story was absolutely rediculous: she found out when she got a phone call from an angry wife who wants to know why she was sending her husband jewelry from Tiffany's. Apparently the guy who stole her identity purchased himself jewelry from there using her credit card and forgot to mention it to his wife!

I don't know if you have checked out any sites about this, but try checking this out:

Deter. Detect. Defend. Avoid ID Theft

Redirect Fraud Identity Theft

Hope that helps!

Lizz - that is nuts!!! he is very lucky that there hasn't been too much damage.

i used to work with this guy who had his identity stolen and there was oveer $50K in loans / credit cards and bad debt on his SS#. Also - they used his info to get health insurance and his medical records were all screwed up!!!!