Re: Identity theft

[robert <http://dummy.us.eu.org/robert>]

How do you know that someone didn't just guess your password after finding
out your email address?

Alternatively, guess your email address password(s) and reset your
password?

Here's what I would do:

 1) Change your bank password and any passwords that are similar or
    identical to your bank password.
 2) Change your email address passwords, especially if it's associated
    with money (e.g., credit cards).
 3) You should freeze your credit reports, not merely put an alert on your
    accounts.

In the future, you might consider:

 1) Using a password manager.  Noelle uses the KeePass password manager for
    managing all the different passwords.
 2) Using temporary email addresses.  spamgourmet.com is free, but it is a
    bit technical.  There are probably others.  Alex may know.  Use a
    different email address for every service.  That way, perpetrators
    have to guess both your email address and your password.
 3) Using 2-factor authentication if your bank has it.  This requires that
    you supply a cell phone number that they send a text message to when
    you either request a password reset or use a new computer.  (You can
    also supply an email address, but, if those have been compromised,
    they may be less trustworthy.)

 > From: ", Flora" <http://www.state.vt.us/~Flora.>
 > Date: Tue, 5 May 2015 22:41:53 +0000
 >
 > I've been a victim of identity theft. I received a call from my bank when I got 
 > home from work asking if I transferred money from my savings to my checking and 
 > then withdrawing the money in Florida. 
 > 
 > My bank said they will get the money back for me. It will take about three 
 > days. 
 > 
 > I submitted a fraud alert to one of the three credit reporting companies. It's 
 > supposed to be submitted to all three as a result. 
 > 
 > I requested my credit report from the three companies. I was able to view two 
 > online and don't notice anything unusual. 
 > 
 > I'm still trying to figure out what to do next.