What can be done about unauthorized use of social security number?

A friend of mine just told me that he recently discovered that someone he knows personally has used his name and social security number to open an account with a telephone company without his permission. He discovered this because he got the bill in the mail. He called the phone company and informed them of the situation. I told him to call the cops, but is there anything else he can do? He's concerned that the person may have used it for other things as well. He doesn't want his credit damaged or any legal problems over this. Are there any numbers or agencies he can call?

This is an excellent website to go to:

http://www.identitytheft.org/

or this one which is the government's site:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/id...

call the fbi...this is a federal offense...

He needs to get a copy of his credit reports ASAP and go from there.

He needs to get a hold of all of the credit reporting agencies and notify them that this occurred. They can give him some steps to take to help rectify the situation. Also, you might consider going online and doing a search for "Identity theft" which should give you plenty of resources for fixing any other potential activity that might have occurred.

It is called identity theft. Tell them to check their credit report for further knowledge of any unauthorized activity. Look in the phone book and call local authority that deals with fraud. I dont think the local police will do much to help.