stolen info purchased cards in my name am I responsible

I live in Texas and someone has gotten ahold of my social security number and taken credit cards out in my name. They got these over the internet. Upon investigating learned the credit card company never required a signature and the purchases was all internet charges. They have a fake address for this but used my email address,my name and ss #. Am I responisable for this? If so what action can I take to at least reduce the debt? Please respond quickly as credit card company is wanting money from me or they will turn this in to collections or file charges against me. Tks

[bigun]

First of all, report this to the cc company by phone and follow up with a letter return receipt. Then, go to the police station and file a report with them. Send a copy of the police report to the cc company. You'll also want to report a person using your ssn# to the SOcial Security Administration. Do all of this as quickly as possible.
You are not responsible for fraudulent chrges. But, since they have your ssn# and email the cc companies probably think you know who might have done this. If you do know, you should cooperate.

P.S.

You need to contact the Credit Reporting Agencies and let them know of the fraud.

My purse was stolen about 5 months ago, and I'm just now finding out about these cards. Is it to late to report it? I'm not even sure this is how they got the info, but it it the only way I know they could. Unless they got into my personal computer somehow.

[bigun]

No, it's not to late. You have a duty to promptly report it and if you have just learned about the problem it isn't to late. Did you report the purse as stolen?
It's very important to report this to the police. Get a copy of the report to the cc asap as well as the credit reporting agencies.

[JETX]

You need to do the following AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (or sooner):

1) Get a copy of your credit report from all three CRA's. They are Equifax, Experian and Transunion. Here are their contact numbers:
Equifax: (800) 685-1111
Experian (formerly TRW): (888) EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Trans Union: (800) 916-8800
Review the reports and contact ANY creditor listed (and inquiries) that are NOT yours that it is a fraudulent account and to close it IMMEDIATELY. They will probably connect you with their security department, who will send you an affidavit to complete and return to them.

2) Put a 'Fraud Alert' on your credit files (again all 3 CRA's). This will put them and any creditor on notice to contact YOU at your valid address and phone on any credit application for verification.

3) For further information, click on the following:
[url]http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/cards.htm[/url]
[url]http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/atmcard.htm[/url]
[url]http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/[/url]
[url]http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/victim.htm[/url]

[racer72]

I would like to add the everyone that feels they may become a victim of identity theft should place a fraud alert on each credit report. My wife and I did about 6 months ago after she thought she lost her purse. Fearing the worst, we contact all our credit card companies and the 3 credit bureaus. A week later the purse turned up (she accidently put it in the trunk of her car and forgot where she put it). But last month we were contacted by 2 potential creditors on the same day about co-signing for a car loan. My ex needed a co-signer and thought I would not mind. My ex is still riding the bus and my credit has not be compromised.