Would you be able to detect if you are a victim of identity theft/fraud?
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Sara
No one returns credit card applications. If you are a victim, it won’t be from a secure hard copy of a credit card application that was turned down.
Florence
You need to keep an eye on your credit report for any unauthorized activity. In the US, you’re entitled to 1 free credit report from all the credit bureaus a year. And, you’re also entitled to a free copy of your report when you’ve been denied credit.
Neil
quickly apply for your FREE CREDIT reports, all three.
don’t be fooled by the sites that come up and want you to pay for your credit score. you don’t need that. you also can ask if they can freeze your account. they then would not give your info to anybody, but you also won’t be able to get another credit card without unfreezing that account.
find out the phone numbers you can call to get those FREE reports. that’s how i get mine. it’s less confusing.
look them over carefully to make sure no one is opening any accounts in your name and social sec. numbers.
find all mistakes and report them to each credit bureau
good luck to ya
Nathaniel
You should have received a letter telling you of their decision. This letter should have included information about receiving a free copy of your credit report. Their decision to decline a line of credit is based on what is on your report and by law you are entitled to a copy of the report. You are given 90 days to request it.
I would also suggest you enroll in Transunion’s Credit Monitoring program. Pricing depends on their current promotions but as of today, you can purchase your first report and scores from the 3 agencies for $14.95 per month. As long as you’re in the program you are entitled to unlimited reports and scores from all 3 agencies, you will be notified of any critical changes within 24hrs and will be you will have Identity Theft Insurance of 25K .
You can also add a fraud alert message to your credit report to help protect your credit information. Fraud alert messages notify potential credit grantors to verify your identification before extending credit in your name in case someone is using your information without your consent. When you have no proof that Identity Theft has occurred but believe there is a possibility, you can add a 90 day alert. If you find that you are indeed a victim, contact your police department and have them issue you a report. With this, you will be able to add a 7 year fraud alert to your file.
Bruce
You will find useful tips on how to avoid identity theft at the link below. It’s a helpful free article that details easy steps that you can take.
Yvonne
That should not cause a problem, but stores have had trouble before with the information they have stored on people, so as other posters have suggested keep an eye on your credit reports for a while. Additionally, to protect your identity here are a few ideas:
Give your credit card number only to known and trusted companies.
Never respond to, or click a link, in unsolicited e-mails. No bank will ever e-mail you and ask you to go to link to update personal information for example, nor will e-bay do that without also alerting you in your e-bay account.
Have just one specific card for online shopping and let the bank know that is the purpose of that card so that if the information gets stolen it is very limited information and a low limit card. Most banks will do that now.
Shred all regular mail and junk mail that has any identifier on it. If you have door to door mail delivery have a locked box or have an opening in door.
Use you debit card as little as possible. The more often you use it, the more chances of the information being stolen. When you enter your PIN number cover or shelter the number pad.
Change all passwords frequently.
Do online banking only from secure locations.
Check your credit rating and credit reports a couple of times a year so that you are aware of what is happening.
Check credit card statements and bank statements carefully.
Do not carry your social security number / social insurance number on you. Have it in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box, unless you need it for a specific purpose.
Do not leave bank statements and credit card statements lying around at home. People who break in today are looking for those kinds of things probably more than for valuables.
Those are the sorts of things I try to be aware of. I hope this helps.