Dealing with Credit

[judith_s]

Someone recommended recently, in order to reduce the threat of identity theft, sending a letter with the following data to each of the three main credit companies:

Fraud Victim Alert: Fraudulent applications may be submitted in my name or my identity. Action may be required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act before opening or modifying an account. Please contact consumer @ xxx-xxx-xxxx or xxx-xxx-xxxx prior to taking such action. If you cannot contact consumer, do not extend the credit under any circumstance.

Especially useful if you've experienced credit problems, or are worried about someone opening an account in your name. I'm going to send the letter this week.

Comments

"freeze" credit reports

[jacob11.livejournal.com]

I believe the official thing to do is to freeze your credit reports. Supposedly that will prevent anyone from getting your credit report, but you can re-enable it for a few days at a time. I'm thinking about freezing my credit reports once I've finished messing with my mortgage.