Identity Theft....

[nitrostarter]

Well guys, it started off as what I thought was a marketing survey. 3 days ago I was contacted by 2 department stores that are owned by the same company. They said I was being contacted to verify and order and state the word "research" when I called back. Well hell, I didn't place an order there nor have I ever shopped there. The Research part led me to think this was just a way they were trying to get me into the surveys they call you about. so I paid no attention to it.

Well yesterday and the day before I got similar phone calls from 5 more department stores that left messages saying to call about an order placed. Well red flag definitely went up this time considering I don't shop at Bloomingdales, Kohls, or Macy's just to name a few... So I took the liberty to start calling some number back, but I was doing it very cautiously in case the numbers were surveyors or frauds trying to get my information.

After wading through the bullshit, it turns out that someone has stolen my SSN and obtained the rest of my personal information, how? I don't know. This person or persons has applied for and made purchases on brand new department store charge cards using my information. And the phone calls were placed to me to try and verify the information on the cards.

So last night I called TransUnion and placed a fraud alert on my name and SSN. this is going to direct future creditors directly to me for verification on any new activity with creditors.

Now I get the joy to try calling these department stores and canceling these cards that were started and reverse the damage thats been done...

The worst and scary part is that no telling how many people have my information if it was compromised and sold on the black market. And now my credit rating could be scarred for life...

Any one have any similar experiences or information that could help me rectify my situation? I just need to get a hold of the delivery address these packages were going to be sent to and the identity theft part will be solved after I take a road trip. But my credit is something I need to get fixed!

Any help or suggestions, please let me in on!!