My stomach dropped as I read the words on the screen:
We take your privacy and your security seriously. In order to process your request, you must first complete the following identity quiz.
The last time I had to take an identity quiz, I failed.
It was just over three years ago and I was in an AT&T retail store to open up my own account. I was already nervous about committing to the higher monthly fee of a smartphone and I was worried that I would fall flat on some credit score high jump.
Those weren’t the problems.
“Okay,” the clerk said, angling the computer screen and keyboard my direction, “I just need for you to answer these quick questions to confirm your identity.”
The first question was a softball to the gut: “Which of the following is a name you have used?”
At least I knew that answer I thought, as I selected my former married name, swallowing hard at the rude intrusion of the past.
I hit “next.”
“Which of the following is an account you have had in the previous five years?”
I didn’t recognize any of the names listed. With a prickly sense of dread, I turned to the clerk, “I don’t know this one,” I explained, “My ex. There was a divorce. He lied. He hid. He’s wanted for a felony. I’ve been working hard to rebuild, but I…”
My voice caught as I feared that he would again manage to interrupt my future.
“It’s okay, honey, “she replied in a nurturing tone, “I’ve been there. Just do your best and don’t worry. We’ll make this work.”
Bolstered by her conviction, I did my best on the remaining nine questions, putting forth my best guess on account names, balances and addresses.
But my best wasn’t good enough.
I failed my own identity test.
The clerk (AKA my hero) got on the phone with the finance department and went to bat for me.
“She went through an awful divorce and doesn’t know most of the answers to the questions. I have in my hand three forms of photo ID, a checkbook and a bank statement, all in her name. It’s her.”
And I could have kissed her as she finally hung up with a triumphant smile on her face.
So you can see why I nervous about submitting to another identity test.
The first question?
“Which of the following people have you resided with?”
The answer?
My husband’s name. My current husband.
A tiny hint of a smile crept over my pursed lips.
“At which of the following addresses have you resided?”
The correct response was the address of the town home that my husband had when we first moved in together.
The pursing of the lips faded entirely.
The final question had to do with my current county.
I passed my identity test!
Once I was duly acknowledged, processed and allowed within the stronghold, I ran into the bathroom where my husband was taking a bath.
“I just had to take an identity quiz and all of the questions were from the past five years!!! Isn’t that awesome?!?”
“Sure,” he said, with an indulging smile.
I felt renewed as another layer of the past was shed.
My identity was stolen.
But I got it back.
i have the same feelings for me, i have future days in my mind that are like a checklist waiting to be checked off my list of “Ties to My Former Life. The day when i finally pay off a joint loan with my ex, we took out to consolidate our joint debt right before things went way south. “hindsight is 20/20 as it was his idea, little did i know it was part of his “exit strategy” to another already involved with and also married, woman. The day when my credit is restored back to it’s former stunning glory. What’s worse than finding out about an affair? Finding out about an affair that also resulted in my former husband being fired and losing that income….on top finding out my husband was more stranger than husband. and last but not least, the day my youngest turns 18. It’s a day at the same time i don’t want to come but yet want to as having to communicate with this former husband, turned stranger turned, blame all the bad choices on the now “ex wife” hopefully will come to an end. My parenting ties with him will be cut as much as it is going to be, as our children turn from “minors” to adults.
That will be a day to celebrate!
I was fortunate my ex had created her own accounts prior to letting me know she was leaving. She just left me with the majority of the debt she created during the marriage.
For me, the identity theft was that I gave up much of my identity trying to save our marriage – not understanding she had never been committed to it or me and was using the marriage to get my help raising her kids. Once her youngest completed college, she let me in on who she really was and that our marriage was a sham.
It’s been almost 2 years and I’m still working to forgive myself for falling for her and losing so much of myself trying to save a relationship that was never reciprocal. I know I’ll get there and am hopeful the worst of it is behind me. Still trying to learn.
Yet another form of identity theft…
I can so relate to you!!!!!!! Maybe we can compare stories 714-272-0040. I am just realigning that I am worthy. I stumbled upon KArla Downing ministry at changemyrelationahip.com. You should check it out
That’s very inspiring, Lisa. I felt for you describing the quiz and not knowing the answers. What an awful feeling carrying around someone else’s mistakes, someone you trusted. Congrats on your new life!
Yay!