Utahtea started by saying: [[We had someone apply for a credit card in my husband's name while we were on a four week
vacation a few years ago.]]


When you ended by indicating you thought someone at the office started this credit request, the following experience came back to mind.

While I was in Brazil last year on assignment, we had an incident of credit card theft in our building. Police investigation revealed the following:

Suspect entered the guarded office tower by visiting first a more public company in the tower, that had lots of visitors. Then he made his way to our company floor. Dressed casually but professionally, he seemed to blend in, and was not challenged for not having a company badge (bad on our part). In a moment of privacy, he slipped into a small walled office and took credit card number 1 from Employee number 1's suit jacket pocket, where Emp #1 had left his wallet. He exited this office and floor, made his way to another floor, and found a second jacket and wallet left unattended. Now he slipped card #1 into employee number 2's wallet, but took the same (Amex) card from employee #2 and then left the building.

Ok, so now employee #1 just didn't notice the missing card. But employee #2 SAW what he believed to be HIS card still in his wallet....but the truth was the suspect was already on a spending spree for a week, charging small durable goods from department stores and food from several restaurants, as well as a couple of airline tickets. $5000 equivalent in less than 1 week before employee #2 discovered the name of employee #1 on "his" Amex and took measures to close his account.

I for one used to leave my wallet deep in my desk or in my closed briefcase while at the office. I don't feel comfortable sitting on it! But not now. It is either locked and key with me, or (uncomfortably) remains in my hip pocket.

I have returned to a basic conservatism regarding my personal property, especially at the office: if someone COULD steal it, take preventive measures as though someone WILL steal it. I leave nothing of value out anymore, from personal pens to CD's.

Just thought you might like to know.

R