Are You a Victim 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.
Fight
Identity Theft Video |
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:
| Credit Monitoring | |||
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| More Info | Order Service | More Info | Order Service | More Info | Order Service | |
| Overall Rating: |  |
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| Cost: | $14.95/mo | $12.99/mo | 1st month free, then $14.95/mo |
| Credit bureau data source: | Equifax | Experian | TransUnion | Equifax | Experian | TransUnion | Equifax | Experian | TransUnion |
| Best Feature: | Unlimited access to all 3 |
Least Expensive | Unlimited Equifax reports |
| Details | Details | Details | |
| Credit score included: | Unlimited
access to all 3 credit scores |
All 3 credit scores | Yes (FICO® score only) |
| I.D. Theft Expense Reinbursement Coverage: | Yes - $25,000* | Yes - $20,000* | Yes - $20,000* |
| Credit analysis tools: | Yes | Yes | No |
| Credit bureau data source: | Equifax | Experian | TransUnion | Equifax | Experian | TransUnion | Equifax | Experian | TransUnion |
| Easy to ready report: | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Frequency of credit alerts: | 24-hour notice of changes to all 3 of your credit alerts (via e-mail or mail) |
Every
Business Day (via e-mail, phone, mail or text messaging) |
Every
Business Day (via e-mail, phone, mail or text messaging) |
| New credit report available: | Unlimited
access to all 3 credit reports and scores |
Quarterly update to all 3 credit reports and scores. | Unlimited access to Equifax credit report only. |
| Credit alerts report: | -
new accounts - credit inquiries - address changes - public records - changes to current accounts |
- credit inquiries - new accounts - public records - address changes - changes to account info |
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new accounts - credit inquiries - address changes - public records - changes to current accounts |
| Company owned by: | Service provided by TrueCredit, owned byTrans Union | Intersections Inc. | Equifax |
* 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 2 MAR 2007.
Have Questions? See the Credit Monitoring Service Frequently Asked Questions.
