Credit Reporting Agencies Help Monitor Identity Theft

If you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft, you may want to consider working with the major credit reporting agencies for assistance.

Obtain a copy of your Credit Report

You are entitled to one free credit report annually by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Consumers may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed above to request a free copy of their credit report.

Fraud Alerts

You may consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report. This is at no cost to you. An initial fraud alert will stay on your credit file for at least one year. A fraud alert tells creditors to contact you directly before opening any new accounts or making changes to existing accounts.

You can place a fraud alert on your accounts with any one of these three credit reporting agencies listed below.  One agency alert will automatically notify the other two credit reporting agencies.

Security Freeze

Like a fraud alert, you can use a security freeze to stop any new credit from being opened under your name. However, in order to initiate the freeze, you will be issued a PIN number which will be required for any future credit applications. A freeze helps prevent potential creditors from accessing your credit report without your consent. Learn more at USA.gov.

Need more information? Here is an informative video about avoiding identity theft from consumer.gov.