ID Theft Update - The anti-gift that keeps on giving:
Bottom Line: I shared my play by play experience dealing with ID theft about a month ago when I first starting having attempts to open accounts in my name occur. Having successfully stopped any attempts to open any new accounts - due mostly to immediate notification from my ID theft protection service - I'd hoped that the past three quiet weeks, without activity, would be the end of it (though I knew in the back of my mind it probably wasn't).
Over the weekend the issue popped up again as attempts to open credit cards were attempted in my name. Once again the immediate notification allowed me to take action before anything had been processed. That being said the hassle of having to report to the FTC and file a police report still needs to occur. Part of what I've wanted to due by sharing my experience, as it's unfolded, is to demonstrate that even when you're diligent it's possible to be a victim of ID theft - let alone if you're not. How important ID theft protection is for the ability to act in an immediate way to stop theft attempts in their tracks and the ongoing issues that people deal with once they've been compromised.
I still don't know how, or who obtained my information which makes future decisions more complicated. Going forward I have decide if I should hope that the attempts cease (even if someone doesn't have success, your information often can be resold on the black market - leading to indeterminate attempts) or if I should go through the arduous process of obtaining a new Social Security number. My hope is that hearing what this is like will aid you in your efforts to protect yourself and your family.