Should You Use A Credit Monitoring Service?

Posted in: All Videos, Credit, ID Theft
Do you need a credit monitoring service? You can pull your credit report once a year for free from each of the three credit reporting bureaus from AnnualCreditReport.com, but you might want to monitor your credit more frequently. If you feel that you are at risk for identity theft, your personal information has been compromised, or you just want to keep an eye on your credit score, you might want to use a credit monitoring service. With a credit monitoring service you should be able to see your credit report and credit score, be notified when any changes occur, and depending on the service, freeze and unfreeze your credit file.   Play video



Protect Yourself From Identity Theft With a Credit Freeze

Posted in: All Videos, ID Theft, Credit
A proactive way to prevent identity theft is to freeze your credit file with the three credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Freezing your credit file means no one can open a new account. It does not close your exisitng lines of credit, but it means that no one can open a new credit account or line of credit. If you're young and trying to open lines of credit to establish your credit history you probably don't want to freeze your credit file. However, seniors who don't need to open more lines of credit and maybe have paid off their mortgage can consider freezing their credit to prevent possible identity theft. Also, consider freezing your credit if you think your personal information was compromised and you're at risk for identity theft.   Play video



How To Detect Credit Problems and Identity Theft

Posted in: All Videos, Credit, ID Theft
Do you know what is on your credit report? One of the first signs of identity theft is false information or mistakes on your credit report. Get a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com from each of the three credit reporting bureaus once a year. Check your credit report for accuracy, and look for suspicious information that can suggest identity theft. Consider using a credit monitoring service to protect yourself against identity theft. This will help keep an eye on your credit history all the time, rather than only once a year by pulling your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.   Play video



How To Keep Your Identity and Credit History Safe

Posted in: All Videos, Credit, ID Theft
Who is responsible for protecting your identity and credit history? Only you are responsible for making sure your personal information is safe. The best way to protect your credit is to check your credit regularly through AnnualCreditReport.com. If you discover any errors or mistakes, report the errors immediately so the banks and credit reporting bureaus can help resolve your credit disputes. If you do want to hire a credit monitoring service, make sure you use a service that will help prevent fraud, protect your personal information, and resolve any disputes.   Play video



How To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Posted in: All Videos, ID Theft
Guarding your personal information is the key to protecting yourself against identity theft. Don't carry unused credit cards and your social security card in your wallet. Don't give out your social security number to doctors. Ask your employer what they do to keep your personal information safe. If you are careful about protecting information like your social security number and mother's maiden name, you can reduce your risk for identity theft. Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips video for more identity theft solutions.   Play video