Credit report monitoring is essential for protecting your financial health and catching identity theft before it damages your credit score or derails major purchases like buying a home. Your credit report contains detailed information about every credit account, payment history, inquiries, and public records—all of which impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage and the interest rate you’ll receive. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America, and thieves often target credit files to open fraudulent accounts, make unauthorized charges, or steal tax refunds. Understanding your credit report and implementing identity theft protection measures safeguards your financial future.
File a police report, and if possible, an Affidavit of Forgery (the police don’t always do this) and obtain a copy
Cancel all credit card accounts
Contact all three credit bureaus to put “Fraud Alert” in your file
Equifax – 800-525-6285
Experian – 888-397-3742 (long voice mail however)
Trans Union – 800-680-7289
If checks are stolen, alert your bank and close checking account
Check with the Post Office to see if someone has submitted a fraudulent “change of address” card. If so, contact your Postal Inspector, get mail re-forwarded back to you and contact the Police.
If someone is using your Social Security Number, call the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271
Notify the Passport Office for someone who may try to use your social security number to obtain a new passport
Call each creditor, ask for the Fraud Department and fax over a copy of the Policy Report and Affidavit of Forgery
Obtain letters from your creditors that you are not being held responsible for the charges incurred on the accounts and send them over to the credit bureau as well.
TIPS ON PREVENTING ALL KINDS OF ID THEFT
Call the Credit Reporting Agencies “OPT OUT” phone number at 888-567-8688. (This is an automated number that feeds directly to all 3 credit bureaus and lets you “opt out” for at least a year.)
Don’t lend your credit card to anyone. If you have other family members living with you, keep your papers in a locked desk or drawer.
Use an “auto payment system” to pay your bills so checks cannot be stolen in the mailing process
Don’t give our your Social Security number. Don’t print your Social Security Number on your checks and don’t put your phone number when you sign a credit card receipt
Limit credit cards to only two
Don’t carry your Social Security Card or birth certificate around with you
Cancel all unused credit cards—in writing
Don’t leave mail in your mail box (with the red flag up) for the postal worker to pick up. They are easily stolen. Take your bills directly to the post office instead
Check your credit report with all 3 credit bureaus at least once per year. This report is provided to you FREE.
In most cases of Identity Theft, the victim knows the perpetrator. It is frequently a family member, a co-worker who has access to personal information, a roommate or an ex-spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend seeking revenge. “Personal Fraud” is more common than fraud perpetrated by the Giant ID Theft ring that you read about in the newspapers.
This important information has been provided by Shari Barnhill. I want to be your trusted advisor for life!