posted
So my wife and I are applying for a new apartment that is a little closer to my work, and we expect everything to be fine considering that the last time we applied for an apartment, they came back amazed at how good our credit was. I believe they even used the term "spotless".
So, we get a call from the apartment people at the new complex we are trying to move into, and they tell us that there are 2 eviction notices on my name... from last summer...
Now I have been living in the same apartment for the past 2.5 years, and they love us, they even gave us a $100 dollar break on rent this last time we renewed because they like us so much. So obviously the answer lies somewhere else.
About a year and 3 months ago, an "underprivileged" kid (about 16-17 years old) that my employer at the time was helping to rehabilitate (he is kind of like a step dad to this kid) got a hold of my social security number (from my employers house), and had used it to get a credit card, and make cash advances on the card.
We found out about this and my employer, being close to the kid, wanted to pay off the debt, and punish the kid himself instead of us turning it over to the police. We agreed figuring this kid had learned his lesson, and wouldn't bother with it again.
Now I am assuming that the same kid is using my social to get apartments he can't afford. I am not positive, because I still need to find some more information, but I am fairly sure it is him.
I let him off the first time, hoping he would learn his lesson, but obviously he didn't and I am about to go find him and go postal on him, or at the very least, I hope to pin him with a federal offense.
The only question I really have is what kind of legal repercussions can I take here? Does anyone know if I can go after the apartment complexes he leased from for not checking the information out enough? And what about neglagence(sp?) on my employers part for leaving my social out in plain sight?
You know what really peeves me is that after the stuff a year ago, I put security on my social, so if anyone uses it for anything they are supposed to call me first to make sure it is me. Heck I can't even get a credit report online because of this security (I have to send them a signed document through the mail and such), but some stupid kid can go rent an apartment!??!
posted
Chaz, there are a number of things that you need to do immediately.
First, get a written statement from your current landlord stating that they have never filed an eviction notice against you and that you have never missed a month's rent. Have this document notarized.
Second, get a written statement from your former employer stating that you have been the victim of identity theft in the past and that debt has been fradulently incurred in your name. Have this document notarized.
Third, write a statement yourself. Outline the entire situation. Once again, have this document notarized.
Now, unless there is solid proof that this person is the one impersonating you (a paper trail that leads to him, etc.), you cannot assume that he is the guilty party. You need to consider yourself the victim of identity theft and take the necessary steps. I would also consider getting a new SSN.
I hate to add insult to injury, but it was a mistake not to report this when it happened the first time. I'm not sure what liability your former employer has, if any. He may even try to deny the whole thing to avoid said liability. I don't know what the statute of limitations is for identity theft or fraud - I'll ask Andrew when he gets home.
You may want to get a lawyer to help you through this. I would. If you cannot afford a lawyer, try Legal Aid.
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