Learn the Signs of Identity Theft
Have you had something like this happen?
- You get a phone call or letter telling you that you have been approved or denied credit for accounts that you never requested.
- You no longer receive your credit card statements, or you notice that some of your mail seems to be missing.
- Your credit card statement includes charges for things you know you never bought.
- A collection agency tells you they are collecting for an account you never opened.
If you notice anything like this, it's possible you've become a victim of identity theft. You should go directly to our emergency help page.
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
But what if nothing is obviously wrong? How can you be sure you're not a victim?
The FTC says that the average victim of identity theft is unaware of the problem for 12 months. (see the FTC report) You don't want to let 12 months go by before finding that you're a victim.
Be Sure You're Not a Victim. Check Your Credit
Report.
The Federal Trade Commision says "One of the best ways to catch
identity theft is to regularly check your credit record."
Free Credit Reports are Now Available for Every Region of
the U.S.
As of September 1, 2005, everyone in the U.S. has access to free
credit reports from www.annualcreditreport.com. Read more about the Fact
Act.
Credit Monitoring is Another Option
We've reviewed the best credit monitoring products out there. Take
a look and see if any of them meet your needs:
Still have questions? See the Credit Report Frequently Asked Questions.
* This benefit is not available to members who enroll using a New York mailing address
NOTE: Whenever you order a credit report from anyone, you may be required to provide your name, address, telephone number, social security number, and credit card. This information is used to verify that you are who you say you are. It is one of the few times it is okay to provide this information. Even if you order a report directly from the credit bureaus, you will have to provide this information to verify your identity.
Service features and pricing verified as accurate on 17 NOV 2008.
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