Help with credit identity fraud, opened charge account in my name?

Question

I lost my wallet last month. Realized I'd lost it about 18 hrs later. I know it's stupid but my social security card was in there along with my credit cards and other personal information. Whoever found the wallet used 
my credit cards, sent a wire transfer and tried to open new cards in my name. They were successful opening an account with a store I'd never heard of until seeing it on my Experian credit report. I'm worried I won't be able to prove this account isn't mine as this person knows enough personal information to open new accounts. I called the store and they want me to jump through all sorts of hoops to prove the account isn't mine including making trips to their main office which is far and being that I work all the time, I don't have time for. The store refuses to give me the 'personal' information provided by the person who opened the account, even though the account is supposedly mine and I explained I'd like it to include in a police report. Any suggestions? Thanks

bdancer222 · Accepted Answer

Definite check out the FTC site.

As to that account, get off the phone and send them a certified, return receipt letter.  Include a copy  of the police report and tell them you want the account closed.  You won't have to make a personal trip  or jump thru their hoops.  Make a papertrail  and keep the file forever.  When this account goes to collections, you have proof that you notified them it was a fraudulent account.

Kittysue · Answer

You need to follow ALL the steps on the FTC website. It's a lot of work but the only way to get these debts cleared from your credit reports and prevent the people from doing any further damage
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/defend.html

The police should have told you when you reported your wallet lost/stolen that you need to put a fraud alert with the 3 credit bureaus. Had they told you that, it would have prevented the scammers from opening any new accounts

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Help with credit identity fraud, opened charge account in my name?

2 Answers