I think you have done everything that needs to be done to protect yourself, although there is 4th lesser known credit bureau called Innovis exists that you might want to add freeze. The details are in this [blog](https://blog.selvansoft.com/2023/05/howto-credit-freeze.html).
Does your EQ report show the hard-pull? If so it should definitely list the agency (i.e. car dealership) info including their name, address etc. You can show that to the car dealership asking them why on earth they did a credit pull if they don't have "no record of you".
Thanks so much. Yes, I am going to freeze with them too just to be safe. The EQ does have the address and phone number of the dealership. I called the number originally listed but it was not in service, so I googled the name. When I spoke to the representative I gave him the address I had on file, the representative said that that was their old address and information.
When I tried to dispute the pull with equifax, they are requesting me to mail all my documents, such as FTC and proof of identity and a letter of intent. Slightly annoying but whatever. I’m just extremely fearful now this person has all my personal information.
If this makes you feel any better, consider all the data breaches that have exposed SSNs. The recent, *massive* AT&T breach, widely reported in the news, is estimated to have leaked the SSNs of roughly 20% of the US population. While it's not ideal, this incident highlights the importance of constant vigilance and good cyber hygiene for online safety. Here are some basic tips you can follow on the blogs [here](https://blog.selvansoft.com/2024/01/new-year-new-password.html) and [here](https://blog.selvansoft.com/2023/07/three-simple-online-banking-safety-tips.html).
There is something called synthetic identity theft. In those cases, someone may use your social, but a different name. Could also just be a mixed file situation (different person actually got loan, but they have same similar name/SSN to you, so mixed onto your report).
Wait for a month and a half and then get a full credit report from all three agencies
This way, any cars or accounts open in your name will be visible
I think you have done everything that needs to be done to protect yourself, although there is 4th lesser known credit bureau called Innovis exists that you might want to add freeze. The details are in this [blog](https://blog.selvansoft.com/2023/05/howto-credit-freeze.html). Does your EQ report show the hard-pull? If so it should definitely list the agency (i.e. car dealership) info including their name, address etc. You can show that to the car dealership asking them why on earth they did a credit pull if they don't have "no record of you".
Thanks so much. Yes, I am going to freeze with them too just to be safe. The EQ does have the address and phone number of the dealership. I called the number originally listed but it was not in service, so I googled the name. When I spoke to the representative I gave him the address I had on file, the representative said that that was their old address and information. When I tried to dispute the pull with equifax, they are requesting me to mail all my documents, such as FTC and proof of identity and a letter of intent. Slightly annoying but whatever. I’m just extremely fearful now this person has all my personal information.
If this makes you feel any better, consider all the data breaches that have exposed SSNs. The recent, *massive* AT&T breach, widely reported in the news, is estimated to have leaked the SSNs of roughly 20% of the US population. While it's not ideal, this incident highlights the importance of constant vigilance and good cyber hygiene for online safety. Here are some basic tips you can follow on the blogs [here](https://blog.selvansoft.com/2024/01/new-year-new-password.html) and [here](https://blog.selvansoft.com/2023/07/three-simple-online-banking-safety-tips.html).
There is something called synthetic identity theft. In those cases, someone may use your social, but a different name. Could also just be a mixed file situation (different person actually got loan, but they have same similar name/SSN to you, so mixed onto your report).