We've been robbed!

[Betty]

Went down to visit family today and see the new baby in the family - came back and the barn doors were open. Someone went through our stuff out there and stole items out of an old purse. I had an old wallet in it that probably had old id, old credit card and maybe a credit card I haven't used in years. I have no idea what else might be missing. Having recently moved, we put a lot of random boxes out there.

The kids bikes are still there but there are files and paperwork spread about.

I'm so fvucking pissed off. and at myself too as it wasn't locked. Too trusting of people I guess. (and so effing stupid in hindsight. what was I thinking?) I immedialy think of the 2 new neighbors near us and the one with 17 grandchildren that seem to hang around all the time but that's nothing more then speculation as it could have been anyone.

Should I even bother calling the police? It's not like they're going to find the person that did it.

fck fck fck!

What should I do? Am I supposed to call my credit agency? What if there was an old checkbook receipt thingy in there (the carbon copy check register backs) - should I cancel my checking account?

deep breathing isn't helping. fck!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Absolutely 100% get in touch with credit companies and get a fraud protection watch on your record ASAP. That's clearly what they were after. Call credit any credit company that you know they got information about, they'll start the work on getting your identity locked down, then yes you should probably file a police report.

[Betty]

I'm thinking I want to let these agencies know as soon as possible (calling or email?) yet I also want a record of me doing so (cert mail with return receipt?). Both?

[Mousey Girl]

Make sure you call the police and make a report. If anything happens id theft wise, later, the people involved will want proof of the robbery and will require a police report.

[katiesue]

I'd call them - it's faster. Just make a note of the name of the person you spoke with and the date/time.

[Betty]

Police report filed. Locks are getting purchased as I type - sort of closing the barn doors after the horses are out but whatever.

Now more than ever I want a webcam recording things. Stupid people making me paranoid in my own home that someone is going to come and get me.

[Gemini Cricket]

Ugh, Betty. Sorry to hear about that. I hope they catch the bastards...

[bewitched]

Oh, Betty that totally sucks. Fvcking assholes.

[cirquelover]

I'm so sorry this happened to you! Hopefully you caught it quick enough that they can't do any damage. I really, really hope they get caught and soon!

[Chernabog]

You can file reports with the credit agencies directly, and I would do so immediately. (Equifax.com , transunion.com , experian.com ) There's a way to put a fraud alert out on your credit (which has the added bonus that you'll stop getting junk mail for like 6 months).

Obviously, contact your bank and credit card companies directly. The credit card companies will cancel all of your cards and reissue you a new card. The bank will cancel your debit card, and issue you a new debit card. I would imagine the bank will also want to change your actual account numbers as well.

So basically, this will end up being a pain in the ass problem, but in the end, a fixable problem In a few weeks you'll have all shiny new cards and shiny new account numbers, and you'll just have to re-enter those numbers when you go to pay your bills next month on the internet. It'd be the same problem as if you flat out lost your wallet. Just remember to breathe.