Three Steps to Protect Your Identity

Taking action now to protect your identity can save you time and money in the future.  Here are a few steps to take to start the process:

Step One: Get a Copy of Your Credit Report

A credit report is a detailed document about an individual’s credit history from different sources including banks, credit card companies, collection agencies and public records. The three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion report credit based on credit information gathered on the individual. Lenders use the credit report to determine whether the individual is financially responsible to take on a new loan or credit card. By federal law, Americans are entitled to one free credit report per year (365 day period) from each credit bureau. The credit bureaus have a central website, a toll-free number, and a mailing address to obtain a free credit report. Online is the easiest and fastest way to get the credit report, telephone and mail request take 15 days to receive your credit report.

• Online: annualcreditreport.com  Telephone: 1-877-322-8228
• Mail:  Complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to:
  • Annual Credit Report Request Service
    P.O. Box 105281
    Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

When reviewing your credit report, look for information that is inaccurate or incomplete. Errors may include incorrect name, out-dated address, closed accounts listed as open or same debt listed twice. Fix errors by contacting the credit reporting agency and the company that provided the information. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website for more information. If errors on your credit report is the result of someone stealing your identity, visit identitytheft.gov to get step-by-step instructions. It’s important to check your credit report frequently because it’s a step to help guard against identity theft.

Step Two: Freeze Your Credit Report

A credit freeze also called a security freeze. This allows you to block new lenders from viewing and granting credit.  It also makes it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.  With the new law,  Americans have the right to freeze and unfreeze credit at no charge. But, you must request a credit freeze at each of the credit reporting bureaus. If you are applying for a new loan or credit card, placing a credit freeze will delay in the approval of the new loan. Don’t forget to unfreeze your credit report with all three credit reporting agencies. Placing a credit freeze does not affect your credit score.

To freeze your credit report at the three credit reporting agencies visit the websites listed below:

• Equifax:  freeze.equifax.com, 800-685-1111
• Experian:  experian.com/freeze, 888-397-3742
• TransUnion:  transunion.com/credit-freeze, 888-909-8872

Step Three: sTroNG#R P@$$WorDs

“Password123” is easy to remember—but also easier for hackers to get personal information from you.

• A strong and long password (12 characters or more) made up of uppercase, lowercase letters, numbers and symbol is best.
• Use unique passwords for all your accounts and resist the temptation to recycle passwords.
• Websites and applications allow you to turn on two-factor authentication.
  • This requires a second form of identification such as a code texted to your cell phone.