Weird!! Do you think I should say something?

[bisous]

So about a week ago or so, the toilet broke and overflowed all over our front carpet. It was SOOOO gross and due to a malfunction--not to anything that we did. Consequently, the apartment management company came and fixed it during which time I requested that they also clean the carpet. They said they would ask about it. I didn't hear from them and knew I needed to follow up but didn't. Then two days AFTER the cleanup and incident, I came home from school to a wet and clean carpet! I was happy, but a little miffed because I really had no idea that they were coming. Still, it was nice not to have to complain and the carpet looked great. Usually, though, they need permission to enter my unit although when the toilet was patently malfunctioning I had given permission for maintenance to enter without having to be home.

Well, then this week I was doing some filing and noticed that one of my files is missing! The file cabinet is in the front room in full view of the door. The file is labeled "credit card" and it was FULL, really, really FULL since I'd had the card for 10 years and hadn't cleaned it out for at least two!

It is totally, totally gone. I guess it is possible that I pulled it out and didn't put it back but I don't remember doing so ever, DH says he didn't do it, and I really don't see the file anywhere and my apartment is quite small.

WWYD? I don't want to make an accusation that I'm not 100% sure isn't totally accurate but I'm about 90% sure that I didn't remove the file. Is that enough to move on? My credit card account in question is quite safe and ironically enough my card expired at the end of March so most of the transactions on that card that were in the file had a different number. Still, I'm peeved at the management company that allowed access to my unit without permission (although the incident was a week ago and I didn't complain) and what kind of carpet company is it that employs people that steal files???? The audacity!

Aside from ordering credit reports from the three bureaus WWYD?

[Mom2Will]

I would cancel the card(s) right away just to be sure. I had to cancel one of mine a few years back and it was very easy to have another issued with a different number.

[tiffanie1717]

I would cancel the card(s) right away just to be sure. I had to cancel one of mine a few years back and it was very easy to have another issued with a different number.

Ditto. They will issue you a new card pronto. I've had my identity stolen once before. It was not fun!

As far as the management thing goes, I would definitely tell them to check with you for things like that and that the toilet deal was a one time thing. I would also tell them what you suspect because then you're covering all your bases.

[Tigerlilly's mom]

I would cancel any cards that may have had records in the file, including department store cards. I would also inform the managment company of your suspicions, they should know that they have contracted with a company that may have hired dishonest employees. Also let the management company that in the future you must be home for someone to enter your apartment.

[Kaylee's Mommy]

I would let them know, definitely!! It most likely wasn't management that was in your unit, but the carpet cleaning company (unless management does their own carpet cleaning, which is possible).. they broke your lease by not notifying you that someone would be entering your appartment.. I'd also call the credit card company and ask them what you should do.. credit card statements have a LOT of information on them.. they could access your account with just that information.. definitely call them! Defintely don't let this go.. doesn't matter how long ago it was..I'd also be inclined to report it to the police. Just incase there is anything down the road that happens, you have proof that this file was stolen. whomever has your file now has enough information to open OTHER cards in your name.. can very easily steal your identity and make a big mess for you!

[bisous]

I'm definitely calling the bank where I have my credit card (ironically, it isn't all credit cards! It was just the first! The others have their own names--Chase, Capital One on their file folders!) But again, we just switched out and got a new card so I hope we saved there. I'm very, very concerned about all the information that was in that file! I'm going to have to check my credit periodically forever it seems!

Yes, I'll contact the property management company and let them know not to enter my apartment without me.

I think I'll stop at accusing the carpet cleaners though because I really, can't be 100% sure that they are at fault and I would hate to accuse without hard evidence!

Frustrating!

[fredntan2]

You can also put a hold on all new credit cards. I think it last 6 months or so.
I think thats what you call it.
my dh did that when the govt keeps losing credit info. If we wanted to open a new account the credit bureau has to call you to confirm it you that is opening a account. makes it a hazzle toopen new accounts.

def. call the police to get it on file.
was anything else missing?

[Kalebsmom]

You may want to read over your rental agreement. Years ago we lived in an apartment and our lease stated the landlord could come in to do any repairs at any time without notice. I did not agree with it, but that is how it was.

Did any of the paperwork have ss#'s or anything? We had our idenitity stolen a year ago and I called all of the credit reporting companies and put a fraud alert on our accounts. Now, no new accounts can be opened in our name without written consent. It is a small pain in the butt as I can not walk into a store and open a credit account, but that is probably a good thing. It stays on for a few years I believe.

[buggle]

Did any of the paperwork have ss#'s or anything? We had our idenitity stolen a year ago and I called all of the credit reporting companies and put a fraud alert on our accounts. Now, no new accounts can be opened in our name without written consent. It is a small pain in the butt as I can not walk into a store and open a credit account, but that is probably a good thing. It stays on for a few years I believe.

I was wondering exactly the same thing. Did you have tax records there or passports or any other records they could use to steal your ID? It may be that they wrote down the info in the other files and then ran out of time and just grabbed the last file. I'd assume that they had any info that was in your apartment. What slimeballs. The management definitely needs to know.

[bisous]

Hmm. What is weird is that I do have a very carefully labeled (computer label, color coded) file that says "ID/Documents" that appears to be intact. Also, I have a file titled "Taxes" that is also still there. See if the perpetrator really didn't want to get caught, you would think that they wouldn't have taken the whole file. THAT is what I noticed is missing! If they took one or two statements, I'd never have been any the wiser!

I can't be 100% sure but I think that all the tax files are there and ID files too.

Just the ONE credit card company!

[Denise]

I hate to say this but in this day and age...all it takes is a cell phone camera with a built in cam to take pics of all the necessary information they need to steal your identity...I sure hope this hasn't happened..