Credit Fraud Victims Are Long-Suffering

I read with interest the article on credit fraud (“An Identity Crisis,” Nov. 12). I have been a victim since 1992 and still can’t clear it up.

It seemed to have started when I bought a new car in 1991 and financed a small part of it. I believe my Social Security number was sold, either to a woman in Northern California or a ring of people. It has been more than five years and I’ve worked hard on this, but I still can’t get the woman off my credit reports.

I’m told they can only clear it up for today, and tomorrow she can use my Social Security number and it’s back on.

At one time, my credit report showed 16 names and eight Social Security numbers. I had to deal with more than 80 different companies that she got credit inquiries from. She used my name, address, mortgage loan number and Social Security number. Last year, one company came to my house to repossess my car, even though it is fully paid for and I have the pink slip on it.

I have contacted the police and they say I’m not her victim; the companies that gave her credit are the victims.

MARILYN GORDON, San Pedro

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Re “An Identity Crisis,” not only do I shred personal papers into separate bags, but I also run hot water over them, making a mush of it all.

C. WALDECK, Torrance