Yesterday I got some mail from
Paypal Smart Connect that looked like a preapproved credit application. I shredded it like I do all financially junk mail. Today I got something from them again; this time it's a statement with a real-looking credit card number, a 29.99% interest rate, and $1095.90 balance.
![](https://armedpolitesociety.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ragemaker.net%2Fimages%2Fthumbs%2Frage%2520classic.png&hash=9a51295fd1703510b61ad7bb793d63915dae8049)
I called the (866) number and told the nice Indian tech support guy that I did not have a Paypal credit card, had never opened an account, and WTF. He was helpful; closed the account and started a fraud investigation at GE Capital, who I guess is their underwriter. I asked about calling the credit agencies to freeze my credit and he said he was just about to recommend that, because they have *all* my identity info. Then he wished me a happy birthday tomorrow.
![Face Palm! :facepalm:](http://www.armedpolitesociety.com/Smileys/default/smack.gif)
So I went to Equifax and filled out the web form for a 90 day freeze. Now what? Do I need to file a police report so I can get a 7-year freeze? Get a free copy of my credit report immediately, or wait a month? (this account was just opened a week ago and they happened to hit right at the end of the billing cycle)
I thought the "happy birthday" was a nice touch.