After you get free credit reports you're able to verify the accuracy of the information and
check for any fraudulent activity. And with credit fraud and identity theft increasing at a
rapid rate, the possibility of illegal use of your credit is a real possibility. But to help
prevent any unpleasant surprises when you get free credit reports, you can act to increase
the security of your personal information.
It use to be that a thief would steal a wallet, spend the cash and maybe buy a few things
with the victim's credit cards. Now they're much more interested in stealing your personal
information so they can use your identity to get credit and commit crimes. And because the
information is stolen secretly, the Federal Trade Commission reports that the average victim
isn't aware of the theft until a year afterwards. Which is a good reason for getting free credit
reports.
Free credit reports may show you've been the victim of identity theft, but what should you do?
The FTC offers the following guidelines:
- File a report with the police immediately. Get a copy in case your bank, credit card
company or insurance company needs proof of the crime.
- Cancel each credit and charge card. Get new cards with new account numbers. Call the fraud
departments of the major credit reporting agencies: Equifax (800)525-6285; Experian
(888)397-3742; TransUnion (800)680-7289. Ask them to put a "fraud alert" on your account and add
a "victim's statement" to your file requesting that creditors contact you before opening new
accounts in your name.
- Ask the credit bureaus for copies of your credit reports. Review your reports carefully to
make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized
changes made to your existing accounts. In a few months, order new copies of your reports to
verify your corrections and changes, and to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.
- Because your driver's license number is on some credit reports, report it to your state's
department of motor vehicles.
- Report the theft to the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline 1-877-IDTHEFT(438-4338)
Identity thieves count on their victim being unaware of the crime until much latter, so the
more often you check your credit report the less of a mess you'll have to clean up if they strike
you. And with the ease of getting free credit reports, there's no better time than now.
To get free credit reports and free 30 days of credit monitoring, please go to
free instant credit reports.
