Identity Theft

[AVGWarhawk]

I'm working my way through it now. Shut it all down. Still, one bank branch gave up the cash when the account was flagged. Currently pay to have my credit watched (Aura).

Who has experienced it? Any tips?

[em2nought]

Sorry, I'm not even prepared for the event. If you don't have a mortgage you need to watch out for your house too. Really need to photo copy the many cards in my wallet at the very least.


I rue the day that it happens to me. :arrgh!:

[August]

I put freezes on at the three main credit check companies which should prevent anyone from taking a mortgage or other loan out in my name.

[les green01]

i used to use lifelock i only got one main card that my paycard which i just use at the atm to take money off and have its setup if so, much money gets took off i get a text, if i got to use a card then i just use a prepay card and just enough money on it to cover whatever i use it on some bills i pay with a money order

[Rockstar]

Identity theft as in people using your personal data to establish new lines of credit and loans? Or hacked existing acct/bank card #?

[AVGWarhawk]

I put freezes on at the three main credit check companies which should prevent anyone from taking a mortgage or other loan out in my name.

I have that done for me and the missus. I have had my credit watched for well over 10 years(government). Only once did someone in TX attempt to get a loan. It was shut down.

[AVGWarhawk]

i used to use lifelock i only got one main card that my paycard which i just use at the atm to take money off and have its setup if so, much money gets took off i get a text, if i got to use a card then i just use a prepay card and just enough money on it to cover whatever i use it on some bills i pay with a money order

Beside MyIDCare that I have for awhile I also started Aura. Similar to Lifelock but some better reviews.

So far the only issue is having a fake ID and check that they attempt to cash at my bank. Two got stopped. One was able to get funds. The accounts are now locked. New accounts opened.

[AVGWarhawk]

Identity theft as in people using your personal data to establish new lines of credit and loans? Or hacked existing acct/bank card #?

Identity theft in my case is fake driver license, fake checks from others payable to me or my wife. The had our SS numbers. So far just going into banks showing false ID and fraudulent checks.

[mapuc]

Here you have a two steps verification, when you use your credit card.

First you enter a code on a web side then an app open on my smartphone where I have to enter second code. And approve the transaction.

My Credit card is connected to me and my address.

This mean it will be darn hart for someone to copy my person and order things in my name.

Markus

[AVGWarhawk]

Here you have a two steps verification, when you use your credit card.

First you enter a code on a web side then an app open on my smartphone where I have to enter second code. And approve the transaction.

My Credit card is connected to me and my address.

This mean it will be darn hart for someone to copy my person and order things in my name.

Markus

I do not use the two part verification. I do however get instant email alerts on all of cards/accounts when something is charged. Also, the use of the credit card if compromised is really only taking money from the credit card company and not my real money in checking/savings. It is up to the credit card company to get their money back once I advise them of fraud. Knock on wood....none of our credit cards have been compromised. It has only been bank cards(debit) and as of late identity theft with fake DL and fraudulent checks.

[Aktungbby]

I do not use the two part verification. I do however get instant email alerts on all of cards/accounts when something is charged. Also, the use of the credit card if compromised is really only taking money from the credit card company and not my real money in checking/savings. It is up to the credit card company to get their money back once I advise them of fraud. Knock on wood....none of our credit cards have been compromised. It has only been bank cards(debit) and as of late identity theft with fake DL and fraudulent checks.as an ATM tech guard since 9/11 'till I retired in 2019, do U check the machines U insert the debit/bank card make sure someone has not inserted a card reader/skimmer into it?https://www.nwcu.com/learn/how-spot-atm-skimmer

[les green01]

really got to watch card reader/swkimmer ones when me and the buddy went to Montana gold hunting they got a hold of his card 2 week out his wife call did you take 600 dollars off that card trying to come home in a 1 ton diesel hauling a 5th wheel cost us 1200 to get out there and we had was my 500 made it back on a empty tank and broke several state laws using red diesel

[AVGWarhawk]

I can tell you Experian is awful. Lock the wife's credit 25 Nov. 28 Nov the individual with her info changed the internal email at Experian(made new account). The sign on and password on her account are no good. I discovered this by attempting to sign in. No go. I then select "forgot PW and sign in". The messages states an email will be sent to G*******@outlook.com. WTH? We do not have any email like this.

I then read this:

https://krebsonsecurity.com/2022/07/experian-you-have-some-explaining-to-do/

Experian has been breached. If someone has your info a new account can be made and changes(shut down) to the account of the true individual who set it up!! This is a company that is supposed to watch your credentials!!!

I asked the representative at Experian how this mysterious email was added within 3 days of opening an account. He has no idea. :doh:

[Skybird]

Just one of the reasons why I say "Stick with cash". And even that is not safe since any bank account these days comes with a bank card that can be breached like a Visa or Master Card.


When government or corporations tell me that digital security is safe, I have nothing but loud laughter. I kinbow that then people are talking who know nothing about nothing - or knowingly lie to me.



Its okay to have compouters. The real big dimensions of the problem start to unfold when computers get linked to form networks. Networks are what I would like to see being shut down and prevented.



Adama was right: "No networks on my battlestar, M'am!"

[AVGWarhawk]

It's the skimmer at POS that gets your card. Much of that is reduced with using the chipped cards or using the tap function when paying. Never use your debit card at restaurants. It goes out of your sight. They can get the numbers on the front. The three numbers on the back. Then all they need to do ask you as you are filling in the tip is where do you live. That is all they need. Card number,. The number code on the back and zip code the card is issued.

I have had my bank card compromised three times. One in TX. Another in PA. Them some clown purchased some kind of game console and other goodies online. The sale was pending. Never got paid because I got an email notification and called the bank immediately. The bank always reimburses within 24 hours.

Use credit cards. If someone runs them it's up to the issuer of the card to go get their money back. After all,it's not your money. It's the banks. You only asked to borrow some and pay back with interest.

[AVGWarhawk]

After mailing in the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit it was recommended to contact SS and file same. The missus called. Listen to music. A repeating message that representatives are busy with other customers. Eventually suggesting to call back at another time. Then hangs up. Sheesh......

[Jimbuna]

Use credit cards. If someone runs them it's up to the issuer of the card to go get their money back. After all,it's not your money. It's the banks. You only asked to borrow some and pay back with interest.

Precisely :yep:

[AVGWarhawk]

All quiet on the western front. No attempts at the bank for a week. New accounts established and locked. No alerts from Aura or MyIDCare of applications for credit or loans. No alerts our SS numbers where run.

I wonder if these criminals attempt a Blitzkrieg.? Come in fast until the SS# and ID theft is flagged. The info is now hot after a few days of stealing. They move into some other unsuspecting persons info and do it again.

[Aktungbby]

make sure also that no one has impaired your title on your home to get a fraudulent loan against your property.

[AVGWarhawk]

make sure also that no one has impaired your title on your home to get a fraudulent loan against your property.

Aura watched deeds. All property past and present are clear as shown on my Aura app.

[AVGWarhawk]

I don't understand the bank. I open a new account as recommended. All is well here. The old account is left open with $43.09 balance because the bank needs to reimburse me $1700.00 They said it needs to stay open until the funds are released. Fine. Another fake check is passed for $2100.00 on this old account that is FLAGGED. A branch cashed the fake check for the full amount even with a balance showing $43.09. They then find the check is no good and send the overdraft protection to my bank credit card. :doh::doh::doh::06: I wake up to emails stating $2150.00 was removed from the old account and charged to the credit card. WTH? The account is FLAGGED!!!! Sigh......

[Armistead]

Happened to me years ago. I did my bills and such in my office at work and locked papers in my file cab. Long short story, I believe I got a call at work from some security agent detective with a credit card firm. Told him I didn't have one there, but turns out someone got several cards on me and had ran up about 30K fast. Seems first it was they didn't believe me. I was on the phone with several numerous times, had to like sign my name 100's of times for comparison and even told I match on one, which was about 1k in porn calls back then. Met with local police who asked a lot of questions without telling me much. In the end...the cleaning company that did our office had an employee breaking into my cabinet with some key to get all my info. Police arrested him and found many more credit card apps in my name and others. He was an illegal and once posted bail fled. Told all those companies to never issue cards in my name. About 2 years later he got me again in Cali for a few 1000 on one card going to Disney. I got all cleared and didn't have to pay but spent more hours that I can recall proving it wasn't me and on the phone and talking to police. It took years tho to get my credit cleared up.

[AVGWarhawk]

That's awful. Similar happened to a coworker. Started getting credit card bills from local electronics stores. His SS# stolen at work. I don't know how the thieves got my wife's SS#. Certainly some company with our info has been breached but has not advised those affected. I guess they hope it would go away and when it doesn't then it's time to talk.

So far just bad checks getting cashed at our bank. We have that under control. Hope the paid for monitoring program works.

[Rockstar]

If you ever had a security clearance background check while married to your current wife. Then most likely you and her were one of the 23 million people that had your data, your next of kin’s data and close acquaintances data compromised when OPM was breached several years ago. Everything, including SSN is out there now.

Don’t know what to say other than there are two kinds of people in this modern world. Those who are going through what you are, and those people that will.

I signed up for bank alerts which let me know when my accounts are accessed or transaction occur. Just yesterday I tried to make a $1300.00 credit card purchase at a big box store and my phone lit up with suspicious activity alerts. My bank shut it down and would not allow me to make the purchase. I ended up standing at the counter for about 20-30 minutes answering key questions trying to convince them it was me. I was eventually allowed to make the purchase. Considering the possibilities it was at worst only a minor inconvenience which I would gladly endure again. I called the bank later that evening and thanked them for making sure it was me who was spending my money and not someone else.

My brother is a retired detective. He said data breaches happen more often than we could ever imagine.

[AVGWarhawk]

If you ever had a security clearance background check while married to your current wife. Then most likely you and her were one of the 23 million people that had your data, your next of kin’s data and associates data compromised when OPM was breached several years ago. Everything, including SSN is out there now.

Don’t know what to say other than there are two kinds of people today. Those who are going through what you’re going through and those that will.

That is how mine was breached. My info on a government computer for exactly that, security clearance. It was years ago, however, the government provided free watch via MyIDCare. It has worked well. I do see on the report where loans have applied for(kids colleges and cosign on car loans). One entity in TX attempted a loan on me a few years ago. It was stopped. I have also signed us both up on Aura. No oddities or alerts. My thoughts the scammers know the SS# are now hot.

[Rockstar]

That is how mine was breached. My info on a government computer for exactly that, security clearance. It was years ago, however, the government provided free watch via MyIDCare. It has worked well. I do see on the report where loans have applied for(kids colleges and cosign on car loans). One entity in TX attempted a loan on me a few years ago. It was stopped. I have also signed us both up on Aura. No oddities or alerts. My thoughts the scammers know the SS# are now hot.

Really, those cheap bastards gave me only three years of free identity monitoring. :)

[AVGWarhawk]

Really, those cheap bastards gave me only three years of free identity monitoring. :)

That was what was offered when my info was taken. Three years. I was provided protection July 2015. I still get emails monthly and coverage to this day. One time falling through the cracks is a good thing!

[Aktungbby]

Don’t know what to say other than there are two kinds of people in this modern world. Those who are going through what you are, and those people that will.
My brother is a retired detective. He said data breaches happen more often than we could ever imagine....and then there's the damn State of California that recently announced that all info on CCW holders "had been breeched...inadvertantly??!" :hmmm: Now that fat little man in N.Korea and the world knows I pack a Colt's .357 Python, a Llama 1911 .45, and a Beretta DAO .9mm...everytime I go out to CosCo, Walmart or my ATM machine to get cash so I don't have to use credit cards.

[mapuc]

I confess there are things written here in this thread I can't understand..

Maybe it's because we do not have this system here..

Ohh Identity theft we have..and it happens almost everyday, that a poor person get their identity stolen.

It happened for my Moms best friends. This was years ago though.

Main reason for these identity theft is mostly because of the person being reckless with their security numbers or Personal numbers, which each citizens here in Denmark and Sweden have.

Markus

[Rockstar]

...and then there's the damn State of California that recently announced that all info on CCW holders "had been breeched...inadvertantly??!" :hmmm: Now that fat little man in N.Korea and the world knows I pack a Colt's .357 Python, a Llama 1911 .45, and a Beretta DAO .9mm...everytime I go out to CosCo, Walmart or my ATM machine to get cash so I don't have to use credit cards.

I read not too long ago, the Great State of Maryland highway patrol (among others) have access to out of state CCW information when they run out of state plates transiting the area. Some officers were caught wrongfully using 10-28 information as articulable suspicion to detain and search of out of state vehicles.

Democrats :roll: :) ;)

[Aktungbby]

That's as bad as when Viginia was confiscating radar detectors from truckers and selling them out-of-state in the '70's:nope:

[em2nought]

Now that fat little man in N.Korea and the world knows I pack a Colt's .357 Python, a Llama 1911 .45, and a Beretta DAO .9mm...


You should be more worried about "the big guy" than about Kim Jong-un. :03:

[AVGWarhawk]

I confess there are things written here in this thread I can't understand..

Maybe it's because we do not have this system here..

Ohh Identity theft we have..and it happens almost everyday, that a poor person get their identity stolen.

It happened for my Moms best friends. This was years ago though.

Main reason for these identity theft is mostly because of the person being reckless with their security numbers or Personal numbers, which each citizens here in Denmark and Sweden have.

Markus

Many here in the US are reckless with their information. Others not so much. But even those that provide their info to known good secure servers(computers) and with assurances have their ID taken. ID theft has gone on since the dawn of mankind.

[Aktungbby]

ID theft has gone on since the dawn of mankind.

Indeed! In a past life, I posed as a Cro-magnon when, in fact, I was a hairy-bächt Neanderthal;...a shapely blond Cro-chick fell for it, and the rest is DNA history...:D

[AVGWarhawk]

Indeed! In a past life, I posed as a Cro-magnon when, in fact, I was a hairy-bächt Neanderthal;...a shapely blond Cro-chick fell for it, and the rest is DNA history...:D

This explains why I have 3 eyes.

[Aktungbby]

...and a miserable prostate!:O:

[AVGWarhawk]

...and a miserable prostate!:O:

:har:

[AVGWarhawk]

Lessons learned. Any and all accounts set up to send alerts if any withdrawals are posted. Reduce the number of credit cards you have. Run one and be happy. These thieves are clever and resourceful. Do your best to stay ahead of them.

[Rockstar]

Always use strong passwords no less than a random combination of 12 upper case & lower case letters, special characters and numbers.

Never ever use dictionary words, dates or 1337 speak in passwords. Serious hackers have programs which can brute force through those in a matter of hours.

Never use the same password twice.

Not sure if your bank has the option. But mine allows me to freeze my bank card so nobody, not even me can use it until I unfreeze it. I still get alerts letting me know if someone tries even if it’s froze.

[mapuc]

Always use strong passwords no less than a random combination of 12 upper case & lower case letters, special characters and numbers.

Never ever use dictionary words, dates or 1337 speak in passwords. Serious hackers have programs which can brute force through those in a matter of hours.

Never use the same password twice.

Not sure if your bank has the option. But mine allows me to freeze my bank card so nobody, not even me can use it until I unfreeze it. I still get alerts letting me know if someone tries even if it’s froze.

This thief would not come far even if s/he manage to break my code and the credit card number. Cause EVERY transaction shall be confirmed by me on my smartphone.
I can freeze my credit card too.

Markus