Credit Rating Protection

By KarenKay Ross

My children are now embarking on the adult adventure, learning to embrace the responsibility that comes with the freedom. They are excited about buying a home, but Mom lends a bit of practicality to the process. A reality check reveals a necessity for protection against thieves. There are many horror stories about fraud that is committed in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc. Here is some good advice to stop identity theft and credit rating protection.

To control your checking account from thievery, the next time you order checks have only your initials and last name put on them, not having the first name spelled out. If someone steals your check book, only your bank will know how you sign your checks. The thieves will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name.

Do not put your phone number on the checks for you can always provide it if asked. Use a PO Box instead of your home address if possible. Never have your social security number printed on your checks. Protest if anyone ever asks for you to write it on the check because if you do, anyone can get it.

Do not put the complete account number on the "memo" line when you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts. Instead, just put the last four numbers of the account because the credit card company knows the rest of the number. Anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels cannot obtain the number.

Make photocopies of the contents of your purse or wallet, copying both sides of each license, credit card, medical card, etc. This will serve as a record of all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Also photocopy other important documents such as a passport, birth certificate, social security card, etc. and keep them all in a safe place.

As means to provide evidence to the credit providers, file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your cards are stolen. Cancel credit cards immediately and have the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Hopefully, you took mom's advice and made photocopies.

In order to stop rampant charging, call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. If someone tries to gain credit, that company will check your credit and will know your information was stolen. They will have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit, which presents an opportunity to stop your credit rating from tanking.

Obtain a copy of your credit report and evaluate the records of all the credit checks initiated by purchases. If there is anything suspicious on the list, contact the credit reporting agency.

Get more information about your Credit Score

The numbers for reference are:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742

Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

Submitted by:
KarenKay Ross
www.ireal.net
619-522-0550
Cell: 619-917-real(7325)