LifeLock Identity Theft Prevention
I was always pretty content, and maybe smug as well when it came to my credit rating and didn’t realize how FAST it could be turned upside down. This is a true story.
LifeLock is the only Identity Theft Prevention Solution backed by a one-million dollar guarantee!Click here to get a 10% discount.
One spring morning my bank called; there had been a lot of ‘unusual’ activity and they wanted to clarify several purchases. I sat, stunned, listening to a list of charges for over $5000.00 I knew nothing about: Sears, Victoria’s Secret, tickets to see Sinbad In Los Angeles, Sharper Image, and on and on it went.
The bank was extremely helpful and walked me through the process of disputing the charges; essentially they took care of it for me, and except for some residual feelings of disbelief, I thought it was a one-time event.
Fast-forward about two years later: I was now single, and wanted to purchase my own home. The first step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage, and I was confident there would be no problem. Well. I guess you know where this is going; the mortgage company called and apologetically told me my credit rating was pretty bad and I may want to clear up some problems before proceeding any further.
With working full time, facing new battles trying to make one household into two and all the emotional upheaval of a marriage unraveling, I had neglected to protect myself financially. After getting a copy of my credit report, I sat down. I had to sit down to take it all in; someone had accessed my social security number and proceeded to help themselves.
There were three different cell phone services that had been set up then never paid, credit cards, and department store cards. All blaming me for being a deadbeat. It was surreal; the only thing I had going for me was I could prove where I was living during that time period. Calling the various companies was so frustrating; one man representing a cell phone service began berating me and actually was threatening. I felt almost like I was a bad person!
I followed all the recommended steps, which was lengthy. Besides contacting every vendor, I had to supply proof of my whereabouts (phone bills, utility bills, etc.), I had to submit legal forms disputing the charges, I had to keep getting updated credit reports, and I had to file police reports.
The police had no interest in helping me. I had to figure out where to file the charges, which department to contact, etc. After that seemed to be in order, the detective in charge told me not much could be done. It was frustrating, because I had addresses for the alias person! I was told by the time the addresses were visited, this criminal would be long gone.
So someone got away with a lot of free things without once thinking how it would affect someone else. After several months I could begin to relax; there was no further activity. This was because I placed a notice on my credit report not to open any more accounts. But it also prevented ME from opening accounts as well; a catch-22.
The reason I am sharing this is because of learning about Lifelock. A friend of mine uses it and has such peace of mind. Lifelock could have done all the things for me that took me hundreds of hours to do; and actually Lifelock’s service would have made sure I never had such a serious problem.
LifeLock is the only Identity Theft Prevention Solution backed by a one-million dollar guarantee!Click here to get a 10% discount.
I was so impressed I became an affiliate of Lifelock; if you join through my link, you will get an extra 10% savings. Even if you don’t want to subscribe here, please check it out and avoid letting some low-life attach themselves to your finances and ruin your credit. Just read about what Lifelock can do for you.
Stumble It!
{ 0 comments… add one now }