What should I do if I have been a victim of identity theft?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 17:32:37 -0500

Im been in the Army since April 2018. Born in Puerto Rico and spend all my life there. The situation that I am having is that an individual has been using my identity(SS#, name, DOB) for his benefit. I do not know this person, and based on the evidence that i have collected he lives on Boston and is an inmigrant. I have contacted a detective were I am stationed and he tells me that its out of his jurisdiction and that i have to contact Boston police and continue the process with them. When I contacted the Boston police they indicated me that the process has to start with the police here. At this time i do not know what to do because I already freeze my credit, contacted the IRS, Social security administration, even talk with an FBI agent. I desired to retired from the Army but I fear of having problems in my career because of this situation. I will take any advice and/or help.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2022 6:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 18:14:59 -0500

If you have a security clearance, you need to report this to your security manager ASAP. I would probably go talk to your security manager even if you don't have a clearance in case you have to get one in the future. (Security manager is your S2).

The fact you are aware of it and getting ahead of it will be beneficial for you. I would then go back to your local police department and let them know what the police officer you spoke to in Boston told you.

If you are a SGT, you have a ways to go for retirement. The only way this would negatively impact you is if you weren't aware of it and that it went on undetected by you for years and you accumulated debt in your name by someone else.

Have you talked to any of the institutions where your information has been used? I assume this person has used your SSN to get money or items since you said he has used it for his benefit. Since it's your SSN, you may be liable but talk to any institutions that charges were made or applications filled out with your SSN and let them know you've notified authorities and it wasn't you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2022 11:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 11:21:44 -0500

You need to go to Legal office, it has been a few years when Army Finance data was compromised and I was one of those affected, it has been a long battle but finally I have a clean credit report...Legal will start the investigation but you have to keep on checking with the credit bureau. I had a free credit monitoring from one of the agencies...no need to talk to police or FBI...

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 9 at 2022 12:56 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 12:56:05 -0500

Download the Wiki How To app to your smart phone. Search for how to report identity theft. Lots of good recommendations If you’re active duty, start with military law enforcement