How do I check if my identity was stolen?

I had a weird charge on a credit card, it was my first, and only open a few months. So I called up they canceled the card, but the woman said something about having a Southwest Airlines card. I hate planes, haven't been on one in over 13 years.

So now I think that someone stole my identity and using it, but how the hell do I check to be sure? I'm in the USA.

 

Where did you leave it last? Is it possible it's in your other pants?

 

Go through all of your bills with a fine-toothed comb.

In the UK it's possible to buy a copy of your credit-report. I'd suggest you do that.

I doubt Southwest Airlines would be able to help you much - from their POV you'd be the one trying to steal an identity - but they might be worth a phone call.

dJE

 

Try one of those free credit report agencies. Look at your credit score and who they have listed as a creditor for you.

 

So I just have to look at my credit report to see if anything is good?

Does anyone in the USA remember the official websites to use? i don't want to stick my S.S. number into some random website.

 

Go HERE:

Equifax
Experian
TransUnion

These are the three major credit bureaus. Contact all three, get a credit report from each and make changes/alert them to fraud immediately.

 

Stand in front of a mirror. If you don't see your reflection, then either your identity has been stolen or you're a vampire.

Seriously, it must suck knowing someone out there could be running up big debts using YOUR money. I hope you get this thing sorted out quickly.

 

Here you go, bigdaddy: a link to the Federal Trade Commission credit reports website. Good luck.

 

Be careful about the websites for the credit agencies. They try to get you to sign up for free crediting monitoring when you get your credit score.

You really don't need your score to see who's opened accounts.

 

^ This. Better yet call them, and tell them you suspect you're the victim of credit card fraud and or identity theft, they'll process the request quicker.

I had to deal with something like this not to long ago.

 

The only site you need to check is www.annualcreditreport.com

 

I had an identity theft scare less than a year ago. I cancelled my card and checked my credit report. I also put some sort of fraud alert on it, I don't remember what it was called exactly. It was basically a temporary thing that meant I had to answer a few more questions when setting up new accounts (I was also in the process of moving at the time).

 

...well...helping out isn't usually my thing but if you'd like to know for sure just post your name, credit-card number, and PIN it will ensure your identity is stolen.

You will then know for sure.

Not sure the closure is worth it, but hey....whatever floats yer boat.

 

www.creditkarma.com is absolutely free