How to Stop Identity Theft
To stop identity theft you need to offer credit reporting agencies proof that fraudulent accounts are actually fraudulent. If you provide sufficient proof that an account is fraudulent a credit reporting agency should remove it within days of receiving written notification from you. You can then ask the agency to block these fraud accounts from showing on all future credit reports.
Information that you want blocked or corrected on your credit report may include more than just fraudulent accounts. It can also include bankruptcies, tax liens, addresses, names, and any other errors you uncover.
Just keep in mind that credit reporting agencies have a right to "unblock" any information you've asked them to block if they feel you haven't presented a strong enough case that a specific incident involves fraud. So diligence and follow-up on your part are always important.
As a part of the process for getting fraudulent accounts removed from your credit report, ask each credit reporting agency to send you copies of any notification sent to creditors who've issue fraudulent accounts. When any creditor, CRA or company that acts as a re-seller of your credit information receives proof from you regarding fraud, they're supposed to remove the instances of fraud from your file and not re-sell that information to other parties. This also includes collection agencies.
A credit grantor shouldn't re-submit a fraudulent account to credit reporting agencies unless they're able to prove it's you (and not the identity thief) who really owes them the money. Occasionally, a creditor may dispute your claim of fraud, thus making it difficult for you to have it removed from your credit report quickly.
If for some reason you're not able to resolve such a dispute in a timely manner then the credit reporting agency might allow you to attach a statement to any disputed section of your credit report so you can explain the reason why you disagree with any information within that section.
To download a free, comprehensive manual on how to fix identity theft AFTER it happens visit the IdTheftHelp911.com website. Pre-written letters are also available that can be used to help clear up your records.
Information that you want blocked or corrected on your credit report may include more than just fraudulent accounts. It can also include bankruptcies, tax liens, addresses, names, and any other errors you uncover.
Just keep in mind that credit reporting agencies have a right to "unblock" any information you've asked them to block if they feel you haven't presented a strong enough case that a specific incident involves fraud. So diligence and follow-up on your part are always important.
As a part of the process for getting fraudulent accounts removed from your credit report, ask each credit reporting agency to send you copies of any notification sent to creditors who've issue fraudulent accounts. When any creditor, CRA or company that acts as a re-seller of your credit information receives proof from you regarding fraud, they're supposed to remove the instances of fraud from your file and not re-sell that information to other parties. This also includes collection agencies.
A credit grantor shouldn't re-submit a fraudulent account to credit reporting agencies unless they're able to prove it's you (and not the identity thief) who really owes them the money. Occasionally, a creditor may dispute your claim of fraud, thus making it difficult for you to have it removed from your credit report quickly.
If for some reason you're not able to resolve such a dispute in a timely manner then the credit reporting agency might allow you to attach a statement to any disputed section of your credit report so you can explain the reason why you disagree with any information within that section.
To download a free, comprehensive manual on how to fix identity theft AFTER it happens visit the IdTheftHelp911.com website. Pre-written letters are also available that can be used to help clear up your records.
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