ID Theft.. family members
Looks to me like it is a complete mistake and they mixed your re
Looks to me like it is a complete mistake and they mixed your reports. You need to dispute all this with the bureaus, because obviously you are not your brother. They need to separate the files, and put his stuff on his own file.
That same thing happened to us a few years ago, when we went to buy our house. We pulled our credit report, and my husband's grandfather's info was on our report. The man had EXCELLENT credit, and all his bills were paid....he had cards with $10,000 limits on them! I was floored. Made us look good, but obviously it was not correct so we had it removed.
So, what I am saying, is don't automatically assume they are using your credit...it may be a complete accident and your brother may have no clue that his stuff is even on your report.
As far as preventing someone from using your credit, you can put a fraud alert on it by calling the bureaus..they have an option you can press to get to it. What happens then is that anytime someone applies for credit using your SS#, they will have to answer questions only you could answer. I did that on mine because I saw that someone had applied for a credit card, poor souls were declined though. Sometimes though, I have to actually get on the phone with the company and answer questions, so it can be a pain, but it works.
Last thing, I would not try to change my SS#...that would be the last resort, things could really get messed up then.
Hope this info helps.
You found your brother's name in the equifax credit report. Have
You found your brother's name in the equifax credit report. Have you checked the reports of the other two bureaus also? This will be helpful for you.
Contact the bureau and give proof of your identify for getting the actual details reflected in your file. Getting the SSN# changed is not an easy task. Basically, you will have to prove to the bureau that you had been a victim of ID theft in the past. They won't change if it is based on assumptions.
Consult reports from other bureaus as told by David. It will hel
Consult reports from other bureaus as told by David. It will help you understand whether your mother has used your SS # or not.
If the mistake is there only with EQ, chances are there was some error in posting on their part. Dispute it. You can collect format letter to dispute from the ???debt consolidation Sample Letters For Free???