Credit Guide

By: James Dimmitt

Card Consolidation Credit Debt LexisNexis, a provider of personal and financial data, recently reported that the personal information of as many as 310,000 people nationwide may have been stolen. This figure is nearly 10 times higher than the original figure disclosed last month by the company.

By Credit Health We've all heard of identity theft, but what does this term really mean Going far beyond credit card fraud, identity theft is a rapidly growing crime that most people will face at some point in their lives. Credit Health explains the different kinds of identity theft crimes common today and pinpoints new identity theft trends that are emerging.

Credit Union ChoicePoint Inc., another consumer data collection service, stated 145,000 people in their database were possibly exposed to identity thieves earlier this year. At DSW Shoe Warehouse, officials acknowledged stolen credit information at 103 of its 175 stores nationwide. Hackers have also targeted databases at California State University as well as the University of California, San Diego.

Unused credit cards are putting millions of Brits at greater risk of falling victim to identity theft, according to a specialist credit history firm.

Merchant Credit Guide Co Many consumers now fear that using the internet puts them at a higher risk of identity theft. However, surveys have shown that only 10 percent of known identity theft cases have resulted from online fraud. Dumpster diving along with phone scams account for far more ID theft than the internet.

Identity theft monitoring is the solution to identity theft. time identity theft monitoring to give you peace of mind.

Apply Online For Credit Card In fact you can use the internet to help protect yourself from this crime in three unique ways:

Phishing and Internet Identity Theft One of the most notorious Internet identity theft methods is "phishing." up messages that claim to be from a business or financial institution, asking you to share your private information. The message usually claims that the company wants to verify or update your account. If you give them the information they seek, these criminals can steal your identity and ruin your credit.

By Card Credit Debt Debt Guide 1) View your banking and credit accounts online.

While online banking may be a safer alternative to postal delivery, consumers still need to be vigilant about Internet Identity Theft. One of the reasons ID theft has grown so fast in America is the increasing demand for easy access to credit. But while trying to accommodate our endless demands, friendly creditors have also made it much easier for identity thieves to apply for credit by using our identities.

Credit Repair Almost all banks and credit card companies have secure web sites that allow you to view your statements and activity safely online. Secure sites are those that begin with https// or display a padlock icon on your computer screen.

Active Credit Credit Guide NEVER access a financial site through a link embedded in an e-mail message. E-mails with links asking you to verify or re-register your personal information are a sure sign of "phishing", a scam to collect your name and other identifying information to steal your identity.

Credit Score Instead, type the bank or creditor's website address into your browser. Check your accounts every two weeks. Verify that the credits and debits shown on the statements are valid. Report any suspicious activity immediately to your bank or creditor.

Bad Car Credit Guide Loan 2) Monitor your credit report.

Bad Credit Loan The main reason for stealing your identity is to open new credit accounts to purchase good and services using your name and stolen identity. Chances are that you won't know you're an ID theft victim until you're denied credit or you receive bills for accounts you never opened.

Credit Definition Derivative If an ID thief has opened accounts in your name, they are most likely to appear on your credit report. There are three major credit reporting agencies; Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.

Bad Credit Mortgage New legislation allows you to obtain your credit report annually from all three of these agencies for free. This new program is being phased in gradually across the U.S.. Check www.annualcreditreport.com to see when your state becomes active in this program.

The Insider Guide To Credit 3) Use credit monitoring services.

Business Credit Card A variety of paid services are available that will monitor your credit reports for activity and alert you to any changes. As with any product or service, make sure you understand what you're getting before you buy. You can enjoy a free 30-day trial of CreditCheck® monitoring service and get a free copy of your Experian credit report by visiting http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com. This monitoring service checks your credit report daily to notify you about fraudulent activity, new inquiries, new accounts, late payments, and more so you can spot possible signs of identity theft. After the free 30-day trial, you will be billed $9.95 monthly unless you cancel the service.

Banker Complete Credit Guide If you become a victim of ID theft, your opportunity for loans, jobs, or even housing could be affected. Taking immediate action after being victimized can minimize the damage.

Credit Card Application Here are some other helpful identity theft related sites:

Credit Guide Managing http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ (US government ID theft website)
http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm (ID theft resources)
http://www.identitytheft.org/ (ID theft prevention and survival)

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Merchant Credit Guide Company © 2005, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com Author: James H. Dimmitt - James is editor of "TO YOUR CREDIT", a free weekly newsletter with tips to help you manage your personal finances. Subscribe today and receive his e-book "IDENTITY THEFT- How To Avoid Becoming the Next Victim!" and other free bonuses by visiting http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com



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