My 2yo got a credit card application...neat!

MrsMandaK

That can't be a good sign, can it? I called Discover (cc company who sent the application) and, luckily, there is nothing open in her name. Then, I called the Fair Credit Bureau and the lady wanted to charge me $260 for a long therm fraud alert package. I told her to hold up and let me do some research first. I'd be happy to pay for something like this if it's really necessary, but I'm not totally sure what all the options are. Don't wanna get scammed while trying not to get scammed, KWIM? Anyone have experience with this? I need some advice! Thanks.

KYmama9286

I don't know much about this kind of stuff but I do remember reading quite a few articles about how the newest scam is people stealing the identity of young children/babies-- they can steal the ss number and open things and it will be years until they are caught (once the kids turns 18 and tries to open anything is when they will realize their credit is ruined). A few friends of ours are really keen on Lifelock and have bought policies for their kids because it is really cheap ($10/month or $110/year). DH has wanted to do this for our entire family but I haven't quite bought into the idea just yet but if something like this happened to me (a cc application for Nicholas) I might be more apt to look into it. HTH!

Lucky_N_Love

wow that is scary. Unfortunatly I work in the banking industry and feel like I see all of the creepy things and scams that happen to people. I'm glad there is nothing open in their name. Were they able to give you any information on how they got her SSN? I agree with Lauren about there being different Identity Products out there that may/may not be a good thought for you.

Check at your local bank because they may even have something similar or better to lifelock. I know the place I work at does. It's scary to think you have to pay for services to protect your identity but crazy stuff happens.

Tell C you're on to her applying for cards and not telling you

MrsMandaK

Lucky_N_Love:

wow that is scary. Unfortunatly I work in the banking industry and feel like I see all of the creepy things and scams that happen to people. I'm glad there is nothing open in their name. Were they able to give you any information on how they got her SSN? I agree with Lauren about there being different Identity Products out there that may/may not be a good thought for you.

Check at your local bank because they may even have something similar or better to lifelock. I know the place I work at does. It's scary to think you have to pay for services to protect your identity but crazy stuff happens.

Tell C you're on to her applying for cards and not telling you

It didn't have her SSN on it. It was just one of those mass-mailling offers. What's really weird is that it was addressed to 'Char [Ourlastname]' and not Charlotte. I know I've never filled out any kind of paperwork with her name listed as 'Char'. That's just a nickname I call her at home. It freaks me out that a whack job from the pedi's office or something got a hold of it and is using it in some way.

Lucky_N_Love

MrsMandaK:

Lucky_N_Love:

wow that is scary. Unfortunatly I work in the banking industry and feel like I see all of the creepy things and scams that happen to people. I'm glad there is nothing open in their name. Were they able to give you any information on how they got her SSN? I agree with Lauren about there being different Identity Products out there that may/may not be a good thought for you.

Check at your local bank because they may even have something similar or better to lifelock. I know the place I work at does. It's scary to think you have to pay for services to protect your identity but crazy stuff happens.

Tell C you're on to her applying for cards and not telling you

It didn't have her SSN on it. It was just one of those mass-mailling offers. What's really weird is that it was addressed to 'Char [Ourlastname]' and not Charlotte. I know I've never filled out any kind of paperwork with her name listed as 'Char'. That's just a nickname I call her at home. It freaks me out that a whack job from the pedi's office or something got a hold of it and is using it in some way.

Wow creepy. I am so sorry this happened. Sounds like a strange incident that hopefully won't really result in anything since the name was off and no social. Regardless it is just a hassle for you to worry about. Sorry ;(

hav2run

Do Not pay for that.  No!  Things to think about:  You can check her credit free once a year.  If anything did show up, it will be gone in 7 years.  Way before she needs her credit.  I would be creeped out, too, but you did the right thing by calling and telling them that they effed up royally.  Maybe that will stop the offers?

hannah&ben

You don't need to pay for that - you can check a child's 'credit report' (though, unless there is something on it, an actual report doesn't exist with any of the agencies).  You can do it for free and you can do it whenever you need to.  I don't won't want to get into specifics but we had to do this with my DD (and there was stuff) but it was so easy to get rid of.  Clearly, when it's a child it's fraud, and the agencies are happy to wipe it all clean without police reports and all that stuff you would need when it's an adult's report in question.  The best way to deal with it all is to contact each credit reporting agency directly.

Hannah