Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud. Need Help!!! (Houston: credit report, loan) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

asus100 · 10-22-2010, 08:54 AM

I've just found out that someone applied credit cards under my name without my permission and knowledge. The credit cards now have a big oustanding balance but the credit card companies already closed the cards since it is way over due.

This is new to me and I don't know what to do. Does anyone know a really good lawyer in the Houston area that can help me? Any good lawyers with strong experience with Identity Theft, Credit Card Fraud, and dealing with Credit Card Companies and Credit Reporting Bureau? My credit score is now destroyed because of this.

brownybaby · 10-22-2010, 09:04 AM

You have to make a police report, make an affadavit, submit to credit card companies. You will be assigned a case number, which is very important.

A lot of times, you will also have to submit an affadavit to each store to jerk charged at.

Sorry this happened, but the credit card companies have seen this alot before, and they probably have a fraud department.

In regards to your credit score, these credit companies need to be given affadavits and a copy of the police report as well. They will then direct you how to handle.

This sounds like alot of work, but you have to do it. Keep a file with all records of who you talk to and fax confirmation sheets.

I know this, because I have been there, but due to checks. When we moved 3 years ago, we ordered new checks ( new adress) - and they were stolen out of the mail.

BEST OF LUCK!

asus100 · 10-22-2010, 09:18 AM

Thanks BrownyBaby,
Do I need to get a lawyer to help me out or just do everything myself?

I called the credit card companies already and learned that the credit cards are registered to an address in Los Angeles. Can I just go to my local police station in Houston to file report or do I need to go to police station in LA to file report?

brownybaby · 10-22-2010, 09:28 AM

Call the hosuton police, non emergency line, they will connect you to fraud. Get a case number. Tell them all the infromation, and they will prompt you.

I would also call the credit card hey were using's fraud departments. They will tell you what necessary steps need to be taken to get your name cleared.

Explain to the cops and fraud department you have the address in California, and they maysend investigator.

Just be as calm and clear headed as you can be. This happens often now (unfortunatly) and there will be alot of calls to make to get things settled.

Oh- also -call the big 3 credit companies (experian, eqifax and trans union) let them know as well.

asus100 · 10-22-2010, 09:55 AM

Hi brownybaby,
Is it better that I get a lawyer who knows all the necessary steps that I need to do and to assist me?

wheretogo · 10-22-2010, 12:57 PM

Sorry to hear that. But, I can direct you to a good forum..CreditBoards.com
Go there and read thru the threads...You may not get an answer if you post a new topic there as similar issue is discussed a million times there....
Good luck.

Proud2bPinoy · 10-23-2010, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asus100

Hi brownybaby,
Is it better that I get a lawyer who knows all the necessary steps that I need to do and to assist me?

NO you dont need to hire a lawyer.. as scary as it maybe.. it can be fixed without a lawyer.. actually in my case it was fixed even without a police report..

mine was actually fixed i think if i remember right within 2 months..

just check your credit report which ones are fraud.. then call the credit card/bank..
they will connect you to their fraud department and will also direct you to the credit bureau..

also the credit bureau will help you "clean up" your credit score..
when it happened to me a guy from transunion was helping me remove all the fraud in my report.. he sent me some paper works to fill up.. he will also put your credit in a 7 year fraud alert.. which is a good thing..

also if transunion decide that it's fraud.. they will inform the other 2 bureaus.. just check your credit report from these 3 bureaus to be sure..

those who did the fraud was caught in my case.. they did it to others also.. and i get updates from time to time from the govt who handle about the case..

Proud2bPinoy · 10-23-2010, 06:49 PM

just a precaution from now on, subscribe to at least 1 credit report.. it will save you headache later..

asus100 · 10-24-2010, 05:59 AM

Thanks for all your advise. I have a lot of work ahead to fix this problem.

Thila · 10-24-2010, 06:56 PM

If you file a police report then you can request that the three large credit agencies put a freeze on your name and information so this will not happen again. It is free if you are an identity theft victim. I went ahead and put a freeze on my name with all three agencies (Experian, Trans-Union, and Equifax). It cost me $10.00 per agency but I didn't have a problem with it. I did it because I have been an identity theft victim in the past. The freeze is supposed to make it impossible for others to apply for credit using my name and information. You can also file a report to have your identity theft discrepancy removed. This is just fyi but you can lift the freeze if you need to apply for a loan, etc. I rarely apply for a loan so that is why I went ahead and put the freeze on my information. Nothing irks me more than the scum trying to steal my identity! Good luck to you.