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Posts Tagged ‘Fraud’

While trying to seek your credit report there are a number of ways that unscrupulous thieves can take advantage of you. They will find any way to steal your identity and one way would be for them to offer fake “free credit report” opportunities.

The main way they get you is to require a credit card even if it is supposed to be a free trial. However, sometimes they try to cancel and put additional charges on top of the ones you already made.

They also then try to make it difficult for you to cancel your free trial. Then you are stuck paying probably for additional services you no longer even want.

Prevention Tips

Make sure you go to a recommended source to obtain a free credit report. Annual Credit Report.com is probably your best choice, but any comparable to this that are reputable would be fine.

If you must use a credit card because you think the additional credit monitoring services may help you then keep the following in mind:

• Never sign up unless you know the server is secure. This will prevent third-party fraud.
• Never give your credit card number to a company that you do not recognize. This will reduce risk of later becoming the victim of unauthorized charges.
• Make sure you verify the name of the company providing credit report monitoring services. Verisign seal information is one way to do this, or you could check with the Better Business Bureau if you have any doubts.
• Only fill out the information that is required. Be very careful about to whom you give your social security card, driver’s license, birth date, and other information.
• Do not pay for any services you could get for free. For instance, you can have free fraud alerts placed on your annual credit report.

There really are ways to get a free credit report instantly, but these supposed “free” credit reports could cost you. Among the list of confusing marketing tactics are those pertaining to the retrieval of your financial history and payment records-and credit score.

A list of the marketing tactics used by companies who offer supposedly free credit reports include as follows:

• Oftentimes companies will offer a free trial of a service that is designed to help you monitor your credit. However, it can be very easy to forget that the advertisers of these services asked you for your credit card number or PayPal account and you can run up a bill in no time.
• If you have signed up for a free trial, you might be paying a pretty penny for services you do not need when that trial is over. Sometimes you can expect to pay $20 to $30 for services you could otherwise get free according to the Credit Transaction Act of 2003 (FACTA).
• Consumers are entices by “free credit report” offers and then later are coaxed into signing up for services inconsistent with the regulation standards of the Better Business Bureau or Federal Trade Commission.
• In the worst-case scenario, people have signed up for what they thought was a legitimate place to get a free credit report. However, what ended up happening is they got ripped off.

This is not to say that credit-monitoring services do not offer worthwhile assistance to people. You should just watch out because you could end up paying for services that are unnecessary.

Identity theft is a serious matter and regular monitoring by way of a free credit report is one way to combat this problem. The frequently asked questions covered here will educate you more on how to use a free credit report and will help you understand your rights and responsibilities as indicated by the Fair Crediting Report Act (FCRA).

What is identify theft?

This may seem like a basic question, but since not everyone has been a consumer for very long they may need to really know what exactly is identity theft. This is the act of stealing someone’s photo I.D., birth certificate, social security number, credit card number, school records, driver’s license number, or even credit history in order to impersonate someone else.

Why would someone steal someone else’s identity?

Usually they may do it in order to obtain something they otherwise could not. For instance, someone might get into a school because they represent themselves by names on stolen school records. Someone may have obtained a car loan by using someone else’s social security number. The most common reason why people steal someone’s identity is to make online purchases.

How can theft of personal records be prevented?

Whenever possible, please make sure you shred all personal documents that might have vital information on it such as birth date, social security number, or driver’s license number on it. You can also have your financial history monitored by requesting a free credit report instantly online.

What is a fraud alert?

This is a procedure used to protect a person who has had their personal information stolen for some financial purpose. This lets the credit reporting agencies know that someone may be using your financial information without your permission.

How can I get a free credit report?

All you need to do is sign up with a service online that you can trust. You are allowed one copy of all three nationwide credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) if you have received an initial fraud alert. You can also receive additional copies (up to two per year) in case an extended alert is placed.

How many free credit reports am I allowed to have per year?

It depends upon how many fraud alerts you have on your file, or what type. For the initial fraud alert you are allowed one copy every 12 months, and then for the extended fraud alert you are going to be allowed two per every 12 months.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alerts consumers about access to free credit reports. This information pertains to the fact that according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) you are entitled to one free credit report every 12 months.

However, you should also know that you are actually entitled to one report from each of the three agencies, not just one report total every year. Therefore, you can receive a copy of your payment histories and other vital financial records as kept by Equifax, Experian, and TransUninon.

Additional FTC Guidelines

In addition to the above, you are also entitled to the following:

• Accuracy and privacy of the information kept about you
• The right to know if someone has stolen your identity
• Immediate access to your credit report if you file online
• To receive your requested report within 15 days if you want it mailed to you
• Right to a free report if you are unemployed and looking for work within 60 days
• Right to investigation in case of an error
• Opportunity to dispute your case when necessary
• The right to know if anyone has obtained an unauthorized copy of your financial records

FTC Function

The Federal Trade Commission works to prevent consumer fraud. They also fight against unfair and deceptive business practices, including false advertising. They also help consumers remain aware of problems and thus teach buyers and sellers to avoid being a victim of fraud.

The FTC also helps people file complaints in the event a company or individual has wronged them in some way. This organization deals with all types of consumer-related scams, including falsified records, fake credit report fraud, and credit card identity theft.

Consumers Beware!

The Internet has given rise to many fraudulent websites claiming to offer you a free credit report instantly. While some of these sites are very helpful, you need to watch out for any sign of a stolen identity.

WARNING: If you seek a credit report instantly online, make sure you know whom you are dealing with. This is especially important if you are signing up for a free trial of a credit monitoring service.

Remember, you should know what you are getting yourself into and who you are dealing with at all times. This is not to make you paranoid but rather to make you aware.

Use the Internet with caution when seeking a free copy of your financial history. Your financial future greatly depends upon taking proper precautions.