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As far as I know all three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) will allow you to freeze your credit report, thus preventing anybody from accessing your credit report.
Yes I understand I will be unable to open new bank accounts, get new loans or other credit. I don't need any. And anyway at least Experian's site says you can temporarily lift it. -- And I don't care what my credit score is so I won't mind if I don't get updates either. And I plan to live in my present residence for many, many years so I will not need to change my address in the foreseeable future.
Secondly, I understand that the big three have gotten together in a site annualcreditreport.com which allows you to view and print all 3 credit reports for free once a year.
Is annualcreditreport.com the legitimate site?
So here is my idea and I would like feedback on what I may do:
1.) First, get my free credit reports to verify that I am not already compromised. Use annualcreditreport.com, get and print the reports, go over them and verify all creditors are legitimate.
2.) After verifying I have no parasites, visit each of the big three and freeze my credit report at each. I understand you set a PIN and after that nobody can touch your freeze without the PIN. Furthermore you will be notified via email if there are any attempts to get your report or tinker with your freeze.
Do I have these steps right? Are there any other suggestions?
My end goal is to slam the door on anybody being able to open accounts in my name. I want to cover myself against identity theft, at least the financial kind.
So here is my idea and I would like feedback on what I may do:
1.) First, get my free credit reports to verify that I am not already compromised. Use annualcreditreport.com, get and print the reports, go over them and verify all creditors are legitimate.
2.) After verifying I have no parasites, visit each of the big three and freeze my credit report at each. I understand you set a PIN and after that nobody can touch your freeze without the PIN. Furthermore you will be notified via email if there are any attempts to get your report or tinker with your freeze.
Do I have these steps right?
Yes, you do. It's a fairly simple process. You should be aware that (depending on your state) there may be a small fee charged by each agency to unfreeze your credit in the event you do decide to take out a loan, but it's not a big expense.
You are trying to freeze (impossible unless court order) your credit history to prevent someone from using your personal data (easily obtainable) to open an account in your name?
That's some sort of fantasy.
You are trying to freeze (impossible unless court order) your credit history to prevent someone from using your personal data (easily obtainable) to open an account in your name?
That's some sort of fantasy.
Impossible? Please visit one of the big three credit report agencies. It's as easy as pie according to their FAQ.
TransUnion suggests a fraud alert might be a better alternative. Anybody have any thoughts?
If your identity is stolen you can lose more than you own.
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