Identity theft... Protecting myself?

Is there a website where I can basically red flag myself for identity theft? I have recently had money taken out of my debit account. My bank put it back and verified it. Then, I received something in the mail I never ordered. And just now I got an email asking to verify my American Express online account request, that I did not make... From the fraud department. I'm going to call them in the morning but I want to basically flag myself so that any credit requests or new account stuff needs a verification before approval...

What can I do? A number to call? Report it to someplace? Or a website?

Thanks so much, I'm worried.

Message edited 5/26/2015 10:35:50 PM.

Identity theft... Protecting myself?

I have Zander Insurance. It protects you in case there is ID theft. They do the legwork to get your "life" back. It does NOT prevent.

I would flag your account with all 3 agency's for 3 months.

Look into Lifelock. They offer a service close to what you are asking.

Re: Identity theft... Protecting myself?

How do I flag my account for three months and what three agencies?

Identity theft... Protecting myself?

You can freeze your credit, no one can open any new accounts in your name. You do it right online with the credit bureaus. It doesn't cost anything

Re: Identity theft... Protecting myself?

Freezing your credit is extreme (it definitely works) but I would do it only if you have no interest in buying a car, home, new credit line, etc.

What I would recommend is notifying one of the three credit bureaus that you have been a victim of identity theft and they will flag your account. Once you notify one, they notify the other two bureaus. I believe you may need a police report. Your account is flagged for 7 years. Then I would purchase a monitoring account (~$100/yr) that alerts you if anyone is opening any type of credit in your name (a new credit card, loan, etc). Anytime there is an inquiry on your credit, you are alerted. You can set it up so that even if your balance on an existing account is above a certain % you get an alert.

If you have absolutely no interest in obtaining credit in the next few years, you can do a freeze. Otherwise, stay on top of your credit reports and score. Identity theft is a problem if you aren't aware of it occurring. Most things can be stopped early before they can ruin your credit. A monitoring account (the three credit bureaus offer them and so do private companies) would be my best advice.

Message edited 5/26/2015 11:19:48 PM.

Re: Identity theft... Protecting myself?

Do you have AAA? They have a service through them that does this.

Re: Identity theft... Protecting myself?

Call up one of the three credit bureaus and put a fraud alert on your account. I did this when I was notified that there was a breech at a medical lab I went to. I believe they put a freeze on your account for like 3 months or something like that... The credit bureau I called (Trans Union) also offered some sort of credit monitoring for free for a month but then you had to pay 12/month I believe after that.

Re: Identity theft... Protecting myself?

Yeah I spoke with some friends who are in the police department and have worked in fraud and whatnot -- they told me it is best to have my account flagged. So, basically whenever *I* go to do anything -- purchase, open an account, get a car, house, whatever it is just going to ask for additional verification...... But it won't make it so that I cannot do it if I want to. And doing this will stop anyone who isn't me, which is great.

Re: Identity theft... Protecting myself?

OK I did the 90 day flag.

I can extend it for another 90 days at the end, if I want.

I probably will.

Thanks everyone!!

Re: Identity theft... Protecting myself?