Credit Fraud Protection

[sparrow]

Hey All:

Does anyone use a credit fraud protection service? The kind that will, for a monthly fee, contact you if there is *any* attempt to open new credit under your info? Sadly I may be in need of this and would appreciate company names if anyone has any experience!

Sparrow

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www.scifichics.com

 

[Miss Lee]

Hi Sparrow,

I've used consumerinfo.com. I thought they were good. They monitor your credit status daily and will send you an email alert if they detect any fraudulant activity or new inquiries, etc. I think you can get free credit reports too. I don't remember what the fee is--maybe $70 or $80. We had a situation where someone in Ankara, Turkey charged $4000.00 worth of merchandise on our AMEX. It was a bit of a shock to say the least. Thankfully, we weren't held responsible for any of it.

Good luck to you and I hope this helps.

Michele

 

[Yvanna]

Sparrow -

I do not have this kind of insurance - but do not understand why there is a need for it. Unless you have lost your identification - and someone finds it who is able to duplicate your signature, and has access to other personal info such as employer and annual salary - it isn't easy to apply and receive credit in another's name.

Your credit bureau would have your personal information - including date of birth, address, employer, tax info including salary,and this info is cross-checked with the information on the credit application. (In cases of credit card applications). In the event of loan application - your identification - including picture identification would have to be presented.
As well - your credit information would be on your bureau - which would also have to be stated on the application.

Unless you believe that the potential felon would have access to most of this information, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Yve

PS - A few months back - my VISA co informed me that a felon had duplicated my visa card, and had attempted to authorize it. The bank systems are sophisticated enough to catch duplications in advance of thread...My card was cancelled and a new one was issued to me.