Just think for a minute how much of your information is stored on-line, from retail stores, to doctors, to insurance. The more you think of it, personal information about you is all over the web!
We are regularly hearing of more and more major companies experiencing security breaches that make millions of customers vulnerable. By using a credit monitoring service you are alerted of any possible threats to your credit, including identity theft, report errors, and your credit score evaluation to help you improve your credit score.
Private Information On the Web
USA Today pinpoints what information identity thieves can use to gain access your identity and money:
- User names, passwords, and PIN numbers
- Social Security numbers
- Phone and utility account numbers
- Bank and credit account numbers
- Employment and student identification numbers
- Driver’s license and passport numbers
- Professional license numbers
- Insurance identification numbers
- College or university financial-aid form information
Protection From Identity Theft
Identity theft is a raging fire that is spreading quickly, and the thieves are becoming better and better at it. The sad truth of the matter is that, according to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, “it takes 12 months, on average, for a victim of identity theft to notice the crime.” By then it is unlikely you will get much resolved. A credit Monitoring service can alert you regularly (by text, phone call or email) so that you can take immediate action if there is even a chance that someone has tried to steal your identity!
Reports From all Credit Bureaus
A credit monitoring service will provide you with regular reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Having all three reports means you can quickly look over information each time to make sure it is correct.
Improve Your Credit Score Based on Reports
In addition to these reports, some services will even point out what factors make up your score and grade you on that criteria which will show you the areas you need to work on to improve your overall score.
Services Offered
Each company will be slightly different in price and features, but here are some basic services you should look for in your credit reporting service provider:
- 3-Bureau Credit Monitoring
- Social Security Number Monitoring
- Identity Threat Detection and Alerts
- Credit Report Change Alerts
- Lost-wallet protection
- $1 million ID theft insurance
- Fraud Resolution Support
- ID theft victim’s assistance
If you’ve discovered that you’ve become a victim of identity theft, do these 5 things immediately. Do learn more about Lexington Law’s credit monitoring services, take advantage of their free consultation.
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