Prevent ID Theft

 

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission.  ID theft can destroy your credit and financial welfare.  All of which will make purchasing anything on credit again in the short-term impossible.

  1. Opt out of the marketing lists
  2. Always question when giving out your Social Security Number
  3. Use passwords on your banking informaion and change them regularly
  4. Secure all personal information within your home
  5. Do not give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the contact or know who you are deling with
  6. Treat your mail and trash carefully.
  7. Be cautious responding to promotions
  8. Do not crry your Social Security number
  9. When ordering new checks, pick them up at the bank rather than having them mailed
  10. Check your credit report yearly
    1. www.myfico.com
    2. www.nationalscoreindex.com
  11. If you suspect ID theft you can go to the following websites
    1. www.ftc.gov/theft
    2. www.idtheft.gov

Disputes

When disputing make sure to do it correctly otherwise you can drop your credit score, lock in bad credit and have a loss of time and money. To do it correctly make sure to have all the facts together and in chronological order, understand the sections of the law that were violated and put together a clear and concise letter with supporting evidence to submit to the correct parties. In rare cases you may need to get some professional help.

Order of operations

  1. Directly with the creditor
  2. Bureau’s dispute process
  3. Attorney General
  4. Attorneys legal counsel
  5. Or contact a mortgage professional for additional guidance