Now that the holidays are over and those credit cards were used to the hilt, there is always a concern that someone from a store clerk to an internet hacker can steal your identity. How can you protect it? There are a number of ways. I have listed the top 3 most popular options below.

1. Credit Freeze locks down your credit files at credit reporting agencies so identity thieves cannot open new accounts in your name. In many states, you would need to send a letter to all three credit reporting agencies telling them you want to put a “freeze” on your account. This is considered to be the most effective tool to prevent new account fraud.

2. Credit monitoring. Customers get an alert, typically by e-mail when something changes in their credit file. All three bureaus, Experian, Trans Union and Equifax offer this service. There is a cost associated with credit monitoring. This is a great tool if you want to keep an eye on your credit and are still applying for active credit in your name.

3. Fraud Alert. A special message on your credit report that requires lenders and merchants to verify an applicant’s identity to open a new account. Easy to do. If you contact one of the credit bureaus to do this, they will contact the other two, and it’s free! If you suspect you may be a victim of identity theft this is for you!

Start the New Year off right by protecting your identity and yourself!

This entry was posted on Monday, December 31st, 2007 at 8:00 am and is filed under General Interests. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.