An effective way to prevent identity theft is to freeze your credit files.
Doing so blocks anyone-including yourself- from accessing your credit report and prevents new creditors from opening accounts in your name.
More information at;
http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/le...84indiv.html#NY
Full Version: Prevent Identity Theft
QUOTE(zaaky @ Dec 27 2007, 07:33 PM) 
An effective way to prevent identity theft is to freeze your credit files.
Doing so blocks anyone-including yourself- from accessing your credit report and prevents new creditors from opening accounts in your name.
More information at;
http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/le...84indiv.html#NY
Doing so blocks anyone-including yourself- from accessing your credit report and prevents new creditors from opening accounts in your name.
More information at;
http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns/le...84indiv.html#NY
Doesn't sound like great advice for those young people on this site who are trying to build credit history. In addition freezing only prevents companies from accessing your report, it doesn't stop your report from updating. And it would not prevent someone who stole your credit card to use it.
Possibly a better strategy is to closely monitor your credit to catch possible fraud in its early stages before it can effect you. A freeze would then be a possible first step if you find out you have been victimized.
Anyone who wants my identity can have it. I've been trying to shed it for years now 
QUOTE(Mike Smith @ Dec 27 2007, 08:25 PM)
Doesn't sound like great advice for those young people on this site who are trying to build credit history. In addition freezing only prevents companies from accessing your report, it doesn't stop your report from updating. And it would not prevent someone who stole your credit card to use it.
Possibly a better strategy is to closely monitor your credit to catch possible fraud in its early stages before it can effect you. A freeze would then be a possible first step if you find out you have been victimized.
Possibly a better strategy is to closely monitor your credit to catch possible fraud in its early stages before it can effect you. A freeze would then be a possible first step if you find out you have been victimized.
1. It's most suitable for folks who are not planning to apply for credit in the near future.
2. It helps prevents identity theft; crooks who use your identity to open multiple credit accounts accounts, and other damage.
3. Young people can continue to build a credit history by maintaining their accounts and opening new accounts when they deem it necessary.
4. By the time you find out someone has stolen your identity, you may have 3 houses in your name. Bills may go to a fake address and it's a pain to get it all straightened out.
QUOTE(Kalashnikover_Rebbe @ Dec 27 2007, 07:57 PM)
Anyone who wants my identity can have it. I've been trying to shed it for years now
My next door neighbor might be interested.
QUOTE(krumlikeapretzel @ Dec 28 2007, 05:46 AM)
My next door neighbor might be interested.
What do they have to offer???
QUOTE(zaaky @ Dec 27 2007, 10:19 PM)
1. It's most suitable for folks who are not planning to apply for credit in the near future.
2. It helps prevents identity theft; crooks who use your identity to open multiple credit accounts accounts, and other damage.
3. Young people can continue to build a credit history by maintaining their accounts and opening new accounts when they deem it necessary.
4. By the time you find out someone has stolen your identity, you may have 3 houses in your name. Bills may go to a fake address and it's a pain to get it all straightened out.
2. It helps prevents identity theft; crooks who use your identity to open multiple credit accounts accounts, and other damage.
3. Young people can continue to build a credit history by maintaining their accounts and opening new accounts when they deem it necessary.
4. By the time you find out someone has stolen your identity, you may have 3 houses in your name. Bills may go to a fake address and it's a pain to get it all straightened out.
Sorry, it's still bad advice for 99% of the people on this board.
QUOTE(Mike Smith @ Dec 28 2007, 07:30 AM)
Sorry, it's still bad advice for 99% of the people on this board.
This is not advice. This is presenting information so people can make their own decisions. I really don't care what people do or don't do.
So why is it a bad decision for 99% of the people on this board?
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