Ways To Prevent Credit Report Fraud

Identity theft is a very real problem, and has happened to many people. One way of finding out if this has happened to you is by obtaining a copy of your credit report. If anyone has used your identity to obtain credit, the details of their transactions will show up on your credit report.

What Do I Do If This Happens To Me?

Unfortunately identity theft is more common than people realise, and it is unlikely to stop happening. If this does happen to you then you must notify the police immediately.

The police report is your proof when you approach companies to alert them to your situation. The next step is to notify the banks and creditors. Cancel all of your credit cards, pins and passwords and replace them with new ones.

From there you can ask the credit bureaus to attach a fraud alert to your file so that they are aware if someone tries to use your identity again. They will then call you if anyone applies for credit under your name. Correct your credit report, and pass it on to all creditors that have obtained your report since the fraudulent activity occurred. Check your credit report every three months.

Check with the courts to make sure that no criminal activity has been perpetrated in your name, and if it has, get this removed from your file.

People often perpetrate identity theft by stealing mail; so let the local post office know in case this was how your details were accessed. If you haven’t had mail in awhile, the perpetrator may have filed a change of address form.  Check that no one has applied for a motor vehicle licence in your name.

What If I Need Support?

There are support groups available if your have difficulty doing any of the above, or are being refused credit if someone has used your identity fraudulently.  Get online and find a support group in your area that can help you with the above steps, or if your are having trouble with a particular agency.

Identity theft is not a pleasant experience, but it can be rectified. The first step is to be aware that it is happening. Obtain a copy of your credit report, and if some one is using your identity you can stop them sooner rather than later.