Question : Would you be able to detect if you are a victim of identity theft/fraud?
Hi everyone! i just went to a store last week and applied for a credit card. unfortunately i was declined. i just remembered the day after that i filled out a form with my personal info including my SS number and wasnt able to get it back. Now, im getting nervous that i might be a victim of identity theft.
- asked by nuggetsgotai
All Answers:
Answer #1
No one returns credit card applications. If youare a victim, it won't be from a secure hard copyof a credit card application that was turned down.
- answered by wizjp
Answer #2
You need to keep an eye on your credit report forany unauthorized activity. In the US, you'reentitled to 1 free credit report from all thecredit bureaus a year. And, you're also entitledto a free copy of your report when you've beendenied credit.
- answered by tikitiki
Answer #3
quickly apply for your FREE CREDIT reports, allthree.don't be fooled by the sites that come upand want you to pay for your credit score. youdon't need that. you also can ask if they canfreeze your account. they then would not giveyour info to anybody, but you also won't be ableto get another credit card without unfreezing thataccount.find out the phone numbers you can call toget those FREE reports. that's how i get mine. it's less confusing.look them over carefully tomake sure no one is opening any accounts in yourname and social sec. numbers.find all mistakes andreport them to each credit bureaugood luck to ya
- answered by adam/penny
Answer #4
You should have received a letter telling you oftheir decision. This letter should have includedinformation about receiving a free copy of yourcredit report. Their decision to decline a line ofcredit is based on what is on your report and bylaw you are entitled to a copy of the report. Youare given 90 days to request it. I would alsosuggest you enroll in Transunion's CreditMonitoring program. Pricing depends on theircurrent promotions but as of today, you canpurchase your first report and scores from the 3agencies for $14.95 per month. As long as you'rein the program you are entitled to unlimitedreports and scores from all 3 agencies, you willbe notified of any critical changes within 24hrsand will be you will have Identity Theft Insuranceof 25K . You can also add a fraud alert message toyour credit report to help protect your creditinformation. Fraud alert messages notify potentialcredit grantors to verify your identificationbefore extending credit in your name in casesomeone is using your information without yourconsent. When you have no proof that IdentityTheft has occurred but believe there is apossibility, you can add a 90 day alert. If youfind that you are indeed a victim, contact yourpolice department and have them issue you areport. With this, you will be able to add a 7year fraud alert to your file.
- answered by Sweet Satisfaction
Answer #5
You will find useful tips on how to avoid identitytheft at the link below. It's a helpful freearticle that details easy steps that you can take.
http://www.how-to-prevent-identity-theft.reviews-n-ratings.com
- answered by Potsie
Answer #6
That should not cause a problem, but stores havehad trouble before with the information they havestored on people, so as other posters havesuggested keep an eye on your credit reports for awhile. Additionally, to protect your identityhere are a few ideas:Give your credit card numberonly to known and trusted companies.Never respondto, or click a link, in unsolicited e-mails. Nobank will ever e-mail you and ask you to go tolink to update personal information for example,nor will e-bay do that without also alerting youin your e-bay account.Have just one specific cardfor online shopping and let the bank know that isthe purpose of that card so that if theinformation gets stolen it is very limitedinformation and a low limit card. Most banks willdo that now.Shred all regular mail and junk mailthat has any identifier on it. If you have door todoor mail delivery have a locked box or have anopening in door.Use you debit card as little aspossible. The more often you use it, the morechances of the information being stolen. When youenter your PIN number cover or shelter the numberpad.Change all passwords frequently.Do onlinebanking only from secure locations.Check yourcredit rating and credit reports a couple of timesa year so that you are aware of what ishappening.Check credit card statements and bankstatements carefully.Do not carry your socialsecurity number / social insurance number on you.Have it in a safe place, such as a safety depositbox, unless you need it for a specific purpose.Donot leave bank statements and credit cardstatements lying around at home. People who breakin today are looking for those kinds of thingsprobably more than for valuables.Those are thesorts of things I try to be aware of. I hope thishelps.
- answered by Imaka
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