fraud
Out of context: Reply #16
- Started
- Last post
- 20 Responses
- mattuch0
Below are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of preventing identity theft:
1- Monitor your accounts frequently and report any suspicious activity right away. Insist on a security alert on your account even if the bank or creditor doesn't think it is necessary after spotting something suspicious- a mistake I made in trusting my bank.
2- Get a copy of your credit report- which is free once per year. Review it, clean it up, and monitor it. Also something that will help you qualify for the best loan rates when you purchase real estate. I don't think this is something you should have to pay for but the 3 credit bureaus offer a monthly monitoring program where they claim they will send you alerts when activity occurs- about $12 a month.
3- Call this number 1-888-567-8688 and you can have yourself removed from promotional solicitations for credit offers by mail.
4- Buy a shredder and shred documents that contain any personal info.
5- Due to the amount of fraud under my name and social security number, I can no longer apply for instant credit for the next 7 years. This means the next time I am at Macy's and the salesperson offers me 20% off if I open a new account, I won't be able to do this. If I need instant credit in the future, like a car loan, I will have to make arrangements in advance. This may seem like a negative consequence but if I had this on my account prior to this event it would have prevented this person from getting any credit in my name. If you know you won't need any instant credit in the near future you may want to call any of the three credit bureaus and have them remove the ability to get instant credit from your name/social security number.
TransUnion 800-680-7289
Experian 888-397-3742
Equifax 800-525-6285
6- I recently opened a new checking account with Citibank and they seem to be the industry leaders in "preventing" and "assisting" with identity theft. I can't emphasize enough how much you want to focus on the "preventing" of identity theft because although Citibank has done a great job "assisting" me in cleaning up this mess no one can give me the countless hours back, relieve the stress endured, and give me the security that my compromised information won't be used against me in the future.
7- Be careful with your personal info and who you give it to. Never click on an email with a link from a bank, paypal, ebay, credit card, etc. If your bank sends you something that needs attention then open another window on your computer and type the address of where you want to go so you know you are on the correct website and not forwarded to something that looks similar but is a fraud. Also, remember your bank or credit card issuer will never email you asking you to give them confidential information.Here is a good link that also discusses prevention methods: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/…