Potential for identity theft?

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

My husband recently got his commercial driver's license. He was gun ho and applied to as many trucking companies as possible, He applied to one that advertised on Craigslist. He got an "interview." He filled out an application and then the secretary made a color copy of his social security card, CDL, and his green card. Now he realizes that companies make photocopies of those things when you get HIRED. He is afraid this company is going to try to steal his identity.

He knows he made a mistake. He didn't tell me until way after the fact. Had I known he answered an ad on Craigslist I would have told him not to go! He asked me to go to the company with him and be a major bitch (if necessary) to get that photocopy. It's in a crap section of Newark. There was no company sign. The place reeked. When we asked to see the secretary we were told she was gone for the day (Tuesday at 3pm).

SO, what recourse do we have? Even if I get the copy it doesn't mean they didn't make copies. I'm freaked out myself because we have a joint checking account and a credit card with my bank. My own checking, savings and IRA are with this bank.

Any advice? He feels horrible about it. He's really worried.

[PapaBear]

You can try one of those ID protection companies, but I think that may be costly.

[Hottub]

Did it seem like a reputable company? It is common practice to copy or scan identification these days.
I would google the company, gather a bit of information, then have a glass of wine and chill.
There is a chance that everything is legit.
If you find anything funny, file a report at the PD

[Snacks]

My husband recently got his commercial driver's license. He was gun ho and applied to as many trucking companies as possible, He applied to one that advertised on Craigslist. He got an "interview." He filled out an application and then the secretary made a color copy of his social security card, CDL, and his green card. Now he realizes that companies make photocopies of those things when you get HIRED. He is afraid this company is going to try to steal his identity.

He knows he made a mistake. He didn't tell me until way after the fact. Had I known he answered an ad on Craigslist I would have told him not to go! He asked me to go to the company with him and be a major bitch (if necessary) to get that photocopy. It's in a crap section of Newark. There was no company sign. The place reeked. When we asked to see the secretary we were told she was gone for the day (Tuesday at 3pm).

SO, what recourse do we have? Even if I get the copy it doesn't mean they didn't make copies. I'm freaked out myself because we have a joint checking account and a credit card with my bank. My own checking, savings and IRA are with this bank.

Any advice? He feels horrible about it. He's really worried.

why do people even use craigslist? every story about craiglist is some sort of scam or something illegal. I would call all your cc and banks and get new accounts and account #s. it might be a pain in the ass but its free. at least this way you know everything will be new and not available. I would also see about changing his ss number. from what i understand its not as hard as it sounds and when you use your identity might have be stolen it could be easier? I dont know i just heard that.

[hanso]

Did it seem like a reputable company? It is common practice to copy or scan identification these days.
I would google the company, gather a bit of information, then have a glass of wine and chill.
There is a chance that everything is legit.
If you find anything funny, file a report at the PD

Thought the same. How else could a Co. track your background?

[Suspect Chin]

This sounds like a case for Little Carby!

[Suspect Chin]

why do people even use craigslist? every story about craiglist is some sort of scam or something illegal.

Many companies advertise on Craigslist for jobs. In fact, those ads are the only paid ads, and Craigslist's only form of income.

[JPMNICK]

I have found my last 3 jobs on Craigslist. They have all been reputable. I would not be overly concerned about it

[angrytruckingguy]

Always a concern. When picking up high-value loads many companies insist on making photocopies of CDL. One thing I did was open another checking acct., keep a minimal amount of money in it, no overdraft protection and this is the debit card I carry on the road and use online so if lost or stolen it could minimize my exposure. You can't be 100% sure because even Merril-Lynch lost my info on a laptop that was stolen from an employee's car. Those companies that advertise on XM are bullshit. Take Luck.

[cougarjake13]

You can try one of those ID protection companies, but I think that may be costly.

not as costly as doing nothing

[SatCam]

get a copy of your credit report in a few months. other than that its not worth worrying over other than having them destroy the copies of his id they have. i dont think job postings by trucking companies are how identities are stolen

[Willmore]

My husband recently got his commercial driver's license. He was gun ho and applied to as many trucking companies as possible, He applied to one that advertised on Craigslist. He got an "interview." He filled out an application and then the secretary made a color copy of his social security card, CDL, and his green card. Now he realizes that companies make photocopies of those things when you get HIRED. He is afraid this company is going to try to steal his identity.

He knows he made a mistake. He didn't tell me until way after the fact. Had I known he answered an ad on Craigslist I would have told him not to go! He asked me to go to the company with him and be a major bitch (if necessary) to get that photocopy. It's in a crap section of Newark. There was no company sign. The place reeked. When we asked to see the secretary we were told she was gone for the day (Tuesday at 3pm).

SO, what recourse do we have? Even if I get the copy it doesn't mean they didn't make copies. I'm freaked out myself because we have a joint checking account and a credit card with my bank. My own checking, savings and IRA are with this bank.

Any advice? He feels horrible about it. He's really worried.

Easy solution: stop marrying FOBs.


But seriously, it does sound problematic. Certainly contact your bank, make sure they have some sort of ID-protection schemes in place, like unusual charges, etc.

Check you credit score often, every month or so now, every few months later.

There really isn't anything you can do to make sure they don't steal your identity, just to mitigate things if it does happen by being vigilant, and not be one of those people that don't know that someone has charge 50 grand worth of stuff to your name over the course of several months.

Also, maybe do some research on the company, call the BBB, look online, etc.


PS:

It's in a crap section of Newark

You mean Newark?