Credit report information Missoula

There are several reasons one might issue a credit report freeze.  Primarily this is a preventive measure against forms or identity theft and fraud.  A credit freeze on each of the consumers three bureau reports prevents anyone (including yourself) from opening new lines of credit in your name.  This type of identity theft is not only the most common form, credit report information Missoula but it also one of credit report information Missoula the hardest to catch in a timely matter. It is important to note that a credit freeze does not help prevent fraud that may occur on existing lines of credit or bank accounts. Luckily, credit report information Missoula the risk for fraud on an existing account is far less than the risk of a predator opening new lines of credit.

Authorizing a freeze is especially helpful credit report information Missoula to consumers who have already been victims of identity theft. a credit report Once an account is compromised the risk for additional fraud to occur goes up exponentially.

Once a credit freeze is placed on a report it will stay in place until either temporarily or permanently lifted by the consumer themselves.   For credit report information Missoula example, someone may temporarily lift credit report information Missoula the freeze from April credit report information Missoula 15th April 25th to shop for a mortgage or conduct any other business requiring access to their report.  On April 25th, the freeze will go back into credit report information Missoula place.  You can also permanently lift the freeze at any time. One potential drawback is that bureaus have up to three days in order to lift the freeze, meaning that it may be difficult to grant same-day access to your report.  However, if you have a problem with applying for credit impulsively, this may actually be a benefit to you! how do i get my free credit report A fraud alert is a helpful option, however an alert only credit report information Missoula forces the creditors, in compliance with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, to take extra steps to verify identity when they see the alert on a report.  This step comes after theyve credit report information Missoula already pulled the report and scores and will only prevent cases in which the criminal is not able to produce the additional identification needed.  In addition, typical alerts only last 90 days for consumers who arent already victims of identity theft. Unfortunately, this is the most complicated part of the entire process.  Credit credit report information Missoula freezes are controlled by individual state laws, which means fees vary from state to state. Currently, Indiana is the only state which is completely free to add, temporarily lift, and completely remove freezes.  (Yes, ironically I live in Indiana). free id theft protection Fees for other states vary from $3 to $20 to credit report information Missoula place the initial freeze.  In addition, fees for temporary and permanent lifts may also vary.  Equifax has an easy to view website outlining all state-specific fees.