Fifteen or so years ago my social security number was obtained in the IRS security breech. Since then, my information is on the dark web and I have to be vigilant with my ID and credit. To be honest, it’s tiring. And in July, for the third time, I found a loan was taken in my name.
When speaking with the loan manager, someone opened a savings account and subsequently a $20,000 loan via the bank’s online system. They had a copy of my driver’s license and a (fabricated) W2. I spent Tuesday on the phone and online with the credit bureaus freezing my credit, filing fraud alerts, and submitting a police report. Believe me this was much easier than fifteen years ago, more of a time consuming nuisance now compared with back then.
One month prior I did lose my wallet and found it but not after applying for a duplicate license. Our working theory is someone at the DMV made a copy for themselves to sell on the black market when they sent me mine. Being self-employed I don’t receive W2’s. Let that tell you how sophisticated hackers are and how lenient financial institutions are with on-line application processes.
In any event, I won’t be responsible for the loan and the bank is investigating because they want their money back.
Why do I tell you all this? First, I had those moments of “oh $^&T” and “my life is over.” But we realize that is the mind going off the deep end. I control my mind. You control your mind. Gain control of it and we’ll do fine. Second, to warn you of anything that doesn’t require you to provide proof of identification IN PERSON. Without looking at you in person and comparing to your ID, there is no way for them to know if you are you. Last, to offer you hope if something like this ever happens to you or someone you know and love, the process is much easier. Yes, it sucks. Yes, it’s time consuming. Going THROUGH the steps and taking ACTION eases the mind and moves you towards solution and growth.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Dr. N
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