Credit Score

・Prevention of ID theft and keeping good credit score

1.Keep your social security number, address and date of birth out of reach
Someone who finds these could easily open a credit card under your name. They can retrieve information from the trashcan/disposal and/or send you an e-mail to verify your info, etc.

2.Check your credit report periodically
Order your credit report at: www.freecreditreport.com, or www.annualcreditreport.com Especially if you have planned to buy big things like a home, do it more than half a year in advance. If you request a correction on any mistaken report, it is required by law to investigate within 30 days of your request.

3.Do NOT be the co-signer for your friends, relatives and acquaintances.
If he/she were unable to make a payment or default, the creditor will be after you and you will be responsible for further payment and it affects your credit score if you cannot or do not make a payment.

If you are careful about the above things, you will be prevented from most of identity theft cases. However, you will not be safe if any bigger-scale case occurs, like credit skimming from retail store, restaurant, or misplaced from government, phone company etc. If it has ever happened to you, make a report to the following entities immediately. In addition, there are some services provided by each credit bureau. If you enroll in these services, you will be notified whenever account has opened under your name and/or social security number. Those services cost only a few dollars a month. Also, there is some insurance available to cover all your costs if you became a victim of identity.

Contact info of credit bureau/government agencies
Experian 888-397-3742 TransUnion 800-680-7289
Equifax 800-525-6285
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
877-438-4338
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
US Dept. of Justice
www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html