Have you received a notice? Posted by Michelle at 10/20/06 02:05 PM

Here are 3 useful steps to help you keep an eye out for fishy activity in your credit files:
1. Place a fraud alert on your credit files to help you get a heads up.
2. Place a security freeze on your credit files to make sure fraudulent new accounts (credit cards, cell phones, etc) aren't opened up in your name. 25 states have laws that give its residents the option of a security freeze. For more info on the security freeze, go to http://www.consumersunion.org/campaigns//learn_more/003484indiv.html.
3. Regularly check out your credit files.
You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the 3 major credit bureaus. But make sure you make the request at www.AnnualCreditReport.com or by phone at 877-322-8228.

For an extensive list on data security breaches since Feb 2005, you can check out a list maintained by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. http://www.privacyrights.org/ar/ChronDataBreaches.htm Was your record maintained by one of them?

comments (1)

1 Posted by dana at 07/05/07 01:54 PM

Is Michigan going to join the 29 states with the option of a security freeze?

We certainly hope so. There are two Senate Bills, SB 340 and SB 75, that are currently in a House committee that need to be taken up in order to continue it's journey in becoming law. If you'd like to support these bills, you can take action at www.FinancialPrivacyNow.org and clicking on the map. --Michelle (Consumers Union)