I found out today that someone may have stolen my deceased brother's identity and is living under his name.
Long story short, I was playing around on Yahoo's people search today and for some reason (I think I just miss him) I typed in my late-brother's name to see if his old address and phone number would come up. Instead, his name came up with a new phone number at an address that is 1 block away from his old home. I immediately ordered an "Expert Assisted Background Search" from USSearch, and the information that came back was credit information for my brother. I called USSearch and they recommended that I report the suspected fraud to the major credit agencies.
I also went to a pay phone (to avoid be detected by a caller ID) and called the number, but didn't recognize the voice on the machine.
I telephoned a friend of mine who is a LAPD officer and he told me that the police are just starting to get actively involved with identity theft, but that the real victim is the businesses that are extending credit to this person -- not the person who's identity has been stolen! He told me I could call the local police in the city where my brother lived and "tip" them that this person has stolen my late brother's identity, but he seriously doubts they will pursue the matter with much effort. Too many other big issues to deal with in a large L.A. county city.
My friend advised me to let it go. He said since my brother is dead, he and his credit are not being hurt and I should not go to much effort to get involved. Perhaps he's right, but I'm very angry and I don't want to just forget about it.
I plan on driving up to the city this week and find the address. If it's an apartment, I'm going to the property manager and explain that I believe the person living at the address is a fraud and will show the manager my brother's death certificate. I'm also planning on going to his old post office to be sure that all his remaining mail is being forwarded to me.
At this point, I can't think of anything else I can do to catch this person or bring this issue to anyone else's attention.
Do any of you have any experience with identify theft or any advice that you could give me that might help me handle this matter. I'm very angry and feel very violated that someone is getting away with this fraud. He had a couple of "shady" friends that I had problems with after his death (I was the administrator of the estate) and I believe one of these men may be the creep who is now living under my brother's name.
Any advice ... even wise words that might settle down my temper would be appreciated. Thanks .. OG. ++++++++++ 11-20-02, 12:05 AM Lydia OG - I understand why you would feel the need to make things right concerning your brother's name. Although he is not here and his credit has no meaning, the fact that someone is pretending to be the loved one that you miss is just so mind consuming!!!
I really do not know anything about identity theft, so don't have anything concrete to offer you. I will suggest that you do not drive there alone. You don't want to be confronted with this individual if the opportunity presents itself. A person who would assume someone else's identity may be capable of anything. Even if you are to meet with the manager of an apartment complex, you have no concrete evidence to present to him and will likely aggravate a bad situation.
Given that he is using your brother's personal information obtaining credit, I would venture to think that he is using his social security number. This now brings the federal government into the picture. Contact the Social Security office and tell them exactly what you have found out. They may be your best bet in getting someone to help you.
I am so sorry for your situation - for the loss of your brother and for the peace you have not yet been able to have.....
11-20-02, 12:45 AM Oceangurl Thank you Lydia. Your advice is very good and I will find someone to drive with me to the property.
I've been thinking some more tonight and I'm thinking I may drive there and get the phone number for the management office from the sign and call the manager. I am afraid of running into the person.
I'll explain the situation over the phone and let the manager know that they are the one's being duped by this person and the choice to believe me and investigate it on their own is their own decision -- I'm just providing them a tip that they may easily get ripped off by this person.
I will contact social security -- that's an excellent idea! I have an office about two blocks away from me so I'll head over there right away.
This is eating away at me. The anniversary of my brother's death is November 25, and I've been thinking of him so much lately. It's SO FRUSTRATING to know that some parasite of humanity is using him after he's gone.
Oceangurl, I am sorry to hear about your brother. My condolances. frown
I realize this question is of a personal situation. However I did run across an article on the subject of identity theft. I hope that to those that read it will find it to be helpful.
12-04-02, 04:47 AM SeattleRon sorry to hear that, but this is how easy it is to steal an identity, I'm gonna be straight forward with this so pardon me.... Here is how they stole your dead brothers identity, they got his death certificate from the county records dept. that costs about 7 bucks. After that they send away for his birth certificate. With a copy of the birth certificate they can get registered for a library cards and simple bills, like Cable and phone. At this point they can send away for credit cards and even obtain a drivers license and Identification cards. Thats how they do it. Theres lots more to be explained, but i'd go on for pages and pages. If you need to know more email me please!!!!
12-06-02, 11:26 PM Oceangurl Thank you fellas for your links and insight. This has been very informative and helpful.
OG
12-07-02, 09:31 PM Beth000376 My sister in law has been going through this same problem for five years now it started when someone went through her garbage and got hold of one of her old sears credit card statement. I'm not sure on all the details but I know this person was able to get her social security number, and then use her identity to apply for numerous credit cards. I don't think she ever found out who was behind it, or what she did about it. I'll give her a call and see if I can get some information on some things you may be able to do. Good Luck Beth
12-09-02, 03:54 PM Ewood27 One thing jumps out at me, Oceangurl. BE WARY. Whoever this is, he had an identity of his own before. Nobody will lightly abandon their persona completely to take on a new identity. He's obviously got something major in his history to make him take this step, and you could be tangling with a thoroughly nasty person. Good luck, but get official agencies to take the actual action.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,
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