Fifteen million victims a year resulting in $50 billion in fraud, as this number shows the impact of identity theft is staggering. What can you do to protect yourself?
Hi, I’m Bob Sullivan from MSNBC. The safest and frankly the only effective way to stop many types of ID theft is a place of security freeze in all three of your credit files. A freeze prevents anyone from accessing your credit report. Without that credit history, a company won’t approve alone or issue a credit card. So identity thieves cannot get credit in your name.
Let me take you inside the ID theft for the info you need to get a Security Freeze. Freezes aren’t free. Prices vary from state to state but if you’re a victim of identity theft, credit viewers may wave the fee. You will have to contact all three credit bureaus; Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. And provide them with their personal information. The process will be slightly different at each bureau.
At Experian, you’ll first get this warning that is security freeze may make your credit life very difficult. But don’t worry because it isn’t permanent. You can lift the Security Freeze even when you want to apply for credit. Now pick your state then you’ll be ask for your name, social security number, date of birth, current and pass addresses dating back two years, a copy of your driver’s license, and one utility bill. Notice you’ll pick up PIN unlock code. Write that down and put it in a safe spot. You’ll need it later to have the freeze lifted. Send the paperwork by certified or overnight mail to this address. And then a few weeks, you’ll get a notice from Experian that your credit file is frozen.
You’ll need to contact the other two credit bureaus too to be sure your credit is safe. To get a freeze from Equifax, send a certified letter with the requested information; a utility bill for proof of address, a police report if you are a victim, and payment. These are different depending on where you live so you should check for your state online.
TransUnion wants similar information; a copy of your driver’s license and payment. Send your freeze request to TransUnion’s Fraud Victim Assistance Department. And if you states, residence can apply by phone.
Freeze has offer a real piece of mind. The people who are worried about identity theft. But remember, a Court of Freeze may delay any new loans, credit applications, or other purchases you legitimately want to make. So you’ll have to plan ahead for thawing that freeze.
To learn more about ID Theft, check all the resources available online at www.insideidtheft.info. You’ll find the latest news commentary in video about ID Theft plus valuable tips on how to protect yourself, your family, and even your business. Insideidtheft.info your inside source for ID Theft information.
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