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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

8:40 minutes
Produced by the U.S. Dept. of the Treasury

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."

When anyone applies for credit in your name, it will show up in your credit report. You just need to figure out where to get your credit report and how often to get it.

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:

 5 stars
More info | Order service
4 stars
More info | Order service
3 stars
More info | Order service
Cost $14.95 per month $11.99 per month
(second month free)		 $14.95 per month
(1st month free)
Credit bureau data Equifax, Experian, TransUnion Equifax, Experian, TransUnion Equifax, Experian, TransUnion
Best feature Unlimited access to all 3 credit reports and scores 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 Reimbursement Coverage Yes - $25,000* Yes - $20,000* Yes - $20,000*
Credit analysis tools Yes Yes No
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
  • new accounts
  • credit inquiries
  • address changes
  • public records
  • changes to current accounts
Company owned by: Service provided by TrueCredit, owned by Trans Union. Intersections Inc. Equifax

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.