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Question:

Identity Theft???

I pulled my credit report through a company called Identity Guard and in it it contains background information and according to that I was arrested and charged for drug posession a felony in the state of Arkansas I have never even been to Arkansas and that definately was not me I live in Ohio. I dont know what to do to find out if this is a mistake on the part of Identity Guard or if someone has stolen my Identity. I called Identity Guard but am just getting the run around from them and my local police department will not help me until I can prove this is really listed under my social. I am going for a great job interview on Saturday and am afraid I wont even be called back If this does show up on my background check. Arkansas is not a public information state and they want you to pay for everything. I dont know where to begin Please Help!!!

Answers:

1) I'm really sorry that this happened to you. There is, unfortunately, no way to fix this by Saturday. But you can start the disputation process, and if this comes up have the documentation with you that you are fighting back. I wouldn't blame Identity Guard. Most likely someone stole your SSN and gave it to the cops when they got arrested. You need to call the Social Security Administration and report that your SSN has been compromised. They will issue you a new one. Call 1-800-772-1213. Take these steps: http://www.identitytheftassistance.org/Immediate_steps.html But to really get at this, you need to do the following: Contact your AG and the AG of the State of Arkansas. Tell them what happened and ask for their help. Explain you have no idea how to fix this, but would certainly be willing to have yoiur fingerprints compared to the guy who was arrested because it will not be a match. AGs are THE most useful resource for getting things straightened out. People listen when AGs speak up. Arkansas: Dustin McDaniel (D) (800) 482-8982 200 Tower Bldg., 323 Center St., Little Rock, AR 72201-2610 http://www.ag.arkansas.gov/ Ohio: Marc Dann (D) (614) 466-4320 State Office Tower, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43266-0410 http://www.ag.state.oh.us Call the AGs, but also document everything you do. Get names and direct lines for everyone you talk to. Keep a paper trail, even if it's just "This is to confirm that, per our conversation of today, you will...". People take letters much more seriously than phone calls, because they know they will be accountable. This is a lousy situation. You need to be the squeaky wheel to get it fixed.

2) The only way to get a mark removed off your credit is to go through the dispute process. If the credit agencies are unable to get a response to confirm the allegations against you they must remove it. You will receive a report of their finding. You do all of this on line by vising the three credit reporting agencies. If you need to protect your personal and financial information or want more help with identity theft check out http://identitytheftnow.com

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