Posts Tagged ‘ identity theft ’

College savings account won’t appear on credit report or risk child’s identity

Dear Experian, If a family member were to open college savings accounts in my children's names, would that appear on a credit report? I've had to deal with identity errors with my husband, and I'm concerned that my sister would do this using her address and mess up my kid's identities. - CLE[ READ MORE ]

Identity theft on rise during tax season

Dear Readers, The threat of identity theft this tax season leaves consumers with more to worry about than whether or not a tax return is in the mail. A thief may use sensitive information, such as a Social Security number, to claim a fraudulent tax refund, open fraudulent credit cards or commit other criminal acts. It is especially important to protect the personal financial information found in your tax returns.[ READ MORE ]

Protect your heart and identity from “sweetheart scammers”

Tweet   Dear Readers, Everyone would like to make a love connection on Valentine’s Day, and online dating sites can be a great way to meet someone. Unfortunately, online dating services and social communities are prime targets for identity thieves who know how to prey upon the vulnerabilities of those seeking relationships. The Federal Bureau [...][ READ MORE ]

Fraud alert should not cause an increase in apartment fees

Dear Experian, My apartment complex raised my fees because you reported, “APPLICANT: High Probability SSN Belongs to Another. There is an excellent chance that the Social Security number on the application belongs to someone else. This is highly indicative of fraudulent activity. Carefully verify the identity of the applicant before proceeding.” Does Experian make such claims? - ATR[ READ MORE ]

Full account numbers not shown on your personal report

Dear Experian, I see that your report displays my bank account number, as well as several current account numbers for credit cards, etc. Does anyone who requests a credit report on me see all this personal information? - GNG[ READ MORE ]

Inquiries can be removed only if fraudulent

Dear Experian, Can inquiries be removed from your credit report? -VNT[ READ MORE ]

National Protect Your Identity Week is Oct. 20-27

National Protect Your Identity Week is Oct. 20-27. Here are a few tips to help you protect your identity.[ READ MORE ]

How to add a security freeze to your credit file

Dear Experian, How can I get a credit freeze on my report? -FSG[ READ MORE ]

Removing an incorrect address in your credit report

Dear Experian, You have me listed at an address I have never lived at. How is this removed? -DNW[ READ MORE ]

Lifting a credit freeze to apply for credit

Dear Experian, I do not want to lift my security freeze but want to apply for a new credit card. Is that possible to do without lifting the freeze? -HPD[ READ MORE ]

Actions to take after receiving a security breach notification

Dear Experian, I work for a school district and its information has been hacked. They advised us to contact the credit companies. What I should do to protect myself? They are not sure how much information was stolen, and the hackers are threatening to release the information to the public. Please tell me what I need to do. - AAD[ READ MORE ]

Removing an Active Duty Alert

Dear Experian, How do you remove an Active Duty Alert? I am not on active duty and have never been in the service, but I have an Active Duty Alert on my report and it is preventing me from getting a mortgage. - MZN[ READ MORE ]

Protecting yourself from identity theft after a burglary

Dear Experian, I returned from two weeks away from my house to find it had been burglarized. Among the missing items are some credit cards, and I have notified the card issuers. However, my Social Security number appears on an ID (with no other identifying information but my name and address) that appears to have been taken. What steps should I take to protect my credit? A neighbor advised me to ask you to request an alert. - ARZ[ READ MORE ]

Requesting report for minor son to protect from fraud

Dear Experian, How can I get a copy of my son’s credit report? I believe that his father may have tried to get credit in his name. We are divorced, and he lives in a different state. I just want to protect my child. I received a card for him at my home that we never applied for. - RNS[ READ MORE ]

What to do when daughter’s SSN is being used to open credit cards

Dear Experian, Someone is using my five-year-old daughter’s Social Security number. They already have two credit cards open under her number. What should I do? - REN[ READ MORE ]

CPS documents helpful in fraud by mother against child in foster care

Dear Experian, I have received a few inquiries involving debt owed to companies. I am 21 now, and the cases were for bills from 2004 till 2008. I was 14 at the time and in foster care. I am positive it was my mother, and I have letters from the government stating I was in Child Protective Services custody. Is this enough to dispute the charges? - CTC[ READ MORE ]

Tampering with mail is a federal crime and fraud risk

Dear Experian, Lately, someone has been tampering with my family's mail. Mail pieces that contain card-like shapes have been rubbed down so that an impression of the card shows through on the outside of the envelope, and the mail piece containing my wife's renewed driver's license arrived opened (or at least unsealed). What should I do? - YSS[ READ MORE ]

How to remove a fraud victim statement from your credit report

Dear Experian, Can I cancel a fraud victim statement so I'm not asked a billion questions anymore when I apply for a loan? - RST[ READ MORE ]

What to do if you become a victim of cyber-fraud

Dear Experian, I made an online purchase from a site that now appears to be a fraud, and I’m worried that my credit card may be at risk. I did not receive the merchandise and cannot get a response from the retailer. What should I do? - GHR[ READ MORE ]

Protecting your children from identity theft

  • September 15th, 2010
  • Posted in Featured

Dear Experian, Identity theft is a growing problem for children. Can I put a security freeze on my three-year-old daughter's file even though there most likely is no activity? If this is not possible can I call to see if there is activity under her Social Security number? - MJJ[ READ MORE ]

Steps to take after wallet is stolen

Dear Experian, I had my wallet stolen. My entire life was in my wallet including a check book, my Social Security card, driver's license, identification and passwords to all my personal information, and all my credit cards. I have cancelled all my credit cards but am afraid that they will use my information for other reasons. As it is my credit is not great. What should I do? - MJG[ READ MORE ]

Parent using child’s Social Security number

Dear Experian, I believe my daughter’s father is using her Social Security number for electricity, gas, water, phone and credit cards. How do I find out? - CKY[ READ MORE ]

Steps to take after vehicle burglarized

Dear Experian, Our vehicle was broken into and confidential identity information might have been accessed. Does this warrant obtaining a security freeze? If so, how long can I expect for it to take place? - CND[ READ MORE ]

Steps you can take at home to prevent ID Theft

Dear Experian, What is the best way to prevent identity theft at home? - OBE[ READ MORE ]

How fraud alerts work

Dear Experian, Please explain how a fraud alert works. - MIH[ READ MORE ]