This happened to me about 3.5 years ago. Only things stolen were Soc Sec. and birthdate -perhaps in dr's office (was being treated for breast cancer). They went to phone store, opened acct and bought 4 phones on the account. Got the bill 2 days before Xmas -some fun. No cc info-that would have been easier to deal with. Filed police report, and pay monthly to Equifax for monitoring -hate this but they file the fraud alerts w. 2 other credit bureaus evey 90 days. Since I am now on Medicare my SS# is on that damn card as well as on my husband's (he' got spousal SS) so I have great concern.
I try to remember to unlock my Equifax rept before applying, but generally I get a phone call to ensure that I made the app. Never been denied, but, yes, it is a bit of pain. Sometimes I just call them telling them I just made app and have fraud alert on acct. I think BofA Alaska gave me instant approval but that was only one I can recall.