Checking for identity theft

Kyougu

Fuuuuuuuuck.

I just received a notice in my mail box from the post office that some of my mail was recovered from them in an investigation to mail theft.

They sent me copies of it and it includes my insurance cards and worst my w2 from a job.

Even worse, i was being sent my birth certificate from my parents and i never received it. I assumed it got lost in the mail but now I'm terrified it got stolen too.

What do i need to do?

noir_blood

First thing, look into getting fraud alert- https://www.transunion.com/fraud-victim-resource/place-fraud-alert

see317

Second, credit reports. Check them and make sure you don't have any unexplained accounts.
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action

NightDragon

I'd also suggest putting a freeze on your credit to make sure nobody can open new accounts in your name.

DoctorArch

NightDragon wrote: »

I'd also suggest putting a freeze on your credit to make sure nobody can open new accounts in your name.

You don't necessarily need to do a freeze, because putting a fraud alert on your credit reports with the big three agencies (Transunion, Equifax, Experian) will require any company opening a credit line in your name to call the phone number that is on file with your credit report. And changing that phone number requires some substantial hoops to be jumped through.

Also let the IRS know you're a victim of identity theft and they will send you an identity theft pin that you use to file your taxes every year.

As an additional precaution, if you haven't activated two-step authentication on your e-mail, do so.

Finally, if you don't have one and can afford it (about 70 bucks), get a U.S. Passport because it is almost always the "I am who I say I am" trump card that you can scan and send in to verify identity.

Mugsley

I'm about 90% certain that intiating a fraud alert with each of the credit agencies also gives you a free and automatic credit freeze. If it does not, take the extra step while you're on their websites and do it. You may need to send them a scan/copy of the Post Office letter as proof.

Also, call your credit card companies and tell them so they can issue new cards.