Best Identity Theft Protection

[bicker]

Anyone have any insights on which of the options is the best?

 

[D&DDisney]

Freeze your credit.

All others "watch" programs are just a waste of money.

 

[legalsea]

Agree: If you take the time and REMEMBER to contact the various credit agencies and submit your request to put a freeze on your account, you can do without the services of a company.

However, I do have Lifelock because I will not remember to do the freeze activity every six months. I know me, and I would forget.

I have had Lifelock for three years. Since that time I have applied for credit on three occasions: buying a house; buying a new cell phone with service agreement; and buying a car.

Each time the credit process stopped dead in its tracks until I was personally called (by the credit company, on the phone number I had supplied when I signed up with Lifelock) and asked if I had applied for said credit.

It was interesting that, as I stood at the desk for the cell phone transaction waiting as the clerk entered (via computer) my request for credit the cell phone in my pocket suddenly rang: it was the credit company. That is how fast it can take to contact me when credit is applied for in my name and using my Social Security number.

It did make me feel safer knowing that if someone steals my identify and tried to open new credit they would be stopped quickly. NOTE: it does nothing for pre-existing credit cards and such; it is to stop someone from establishing new credit under your SSN.

 

[Thumper_Man]

I don't know which is the best, but I recommend subscribing directly to the 3 major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Transunion); or some place like freecreditreport where you can monitor your own credit from all 3 bureaus at one time. Most places that claim to prevent identity theft merely do this for you. You don't need to pay someone to watch your credit when you can do it yourself for much less.

As D&DDisney stated, you can also Freeze your credit. You will need to contact each of the major credit bureaus to do this. You just need to remember to contact them when/if you ever plan to make a major purchase, apply for a loan, or apply for a credit card. The bank/lender will need access to your credit history.

Most people do not know this, but every year you are entitled to a free credit report from each of the credit bureaus. Just go to their sites and you can obtain a copy of your credit report.

Also, invest in a paper shredder. Shred any junk mail, old bank account statements, bills, etc. People who often want to steal your identity will do so by going through your trash to retrieve any type of personal information.

I work for our state's Attorney Generals Office. We have a free pamphlet online that you can print out. You can find that HERE on page 2. It's titled: Identity Theft Repair and Prevention Kit.

 

[2binak]

You know the guy who goes on TV and dares you to steal his social security number? Well, it has been stolen, at least 5 times, according to Frank Abagnale, the man who inspired the movie "Catch Me If You Can". He held a lecture at my company last Fall and mentioned that the FBI (who he has worked with for over 30 years) has had to step in each time it was stolen. Like others have said, watch your own credit card bills & credit reports and freeze your credit if you really want to protect yourself. That's all these companies really do anyway.

 

[bicker]

Where are the steps to "Freeze your credit" listed?

 

[D&DDisney]

Check out this...
http://clarkhoward.com/topics/credit_freeze_states.html

 

[JuneChickie]

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[The 4 "Quay"balleros]

anyone have any insights on which of the options is the best?

cash

 

[JuneChickie]