Prevent Identity Theft

If you had a credit card, loan or credit account, you could get benefits from a class action settlement.

As part of the settlement of a class action lawsuit it is quite likely you and I qualify for (among other things) at least six months of free credit monitoring from Trans Union Corporation.

WHO’S INCLUDED?

The Court decided that the Class includes all consumers who had an open credit account or an open line of credit from a credit grantor (including, for instance automobile loans, bank credit cards, department store credit cards, other retail store credit cards, finance company loans, mortgage loans, and student loans) located in the United States anytime from January 1, 1987 to May 28, 2008.

WHAT DOES THE SETTLEMENT PROVIDE?

I'd rather let the court tell you - go read this Summary Notice (pdf) from the court. The settlement website is at https://www.listclassaction.com/

AnnualCreditReport.com is a centralized service for consumers to request free annual credit reports. It was created by the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

AnnualCreditReport.com provides consumers with the secure means to request and obtain a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies in accordance with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act).

AnnualCreditReport.com offers consumers a fast and convenient way to request, view and print their credit reports in a secure Internet environment. We also provide options to request reports by telephone and by mail.

AnnualCreditReport.com is the only service authorized by Equifax, Experian and TransUnion for this purpose. The three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies have always encouraged consumers to regularly review their credit reports.

Please note that, as a security precaution,

• Consumers should never provide their personal information to any other company or person for requesting free annual credit reports under the FACT Act.
• AnnualCreditReport.com will not approach consumers via email, telemarketing or direct mail solicitations.

Prevent Identity Theft

• Secure your wallet or purse at all times.
• Take care when giving out personal information over the internet and telephone.
• Shred or rip all mail that includes personal identification so that it cannot be retrieved.
• Personal information should not be "loaned" to friends or relatives.
• Order a credit report once a year to ensure accuracy.
• Remove your name from telephone or mailing lists.

Take action if you are a victim

• Report the crime to your local police.
• Report the identity theft to major credit bureaus, banks, credit companies, and the Federal Trade Commission.
• Cancel accounts that have been opened or tampered with since the identity theft.
• Utilize password protection on new accounts you open.

Major Credit Bureaus:

	Fraud line	Credit report line
Equifax	1 (800) 525-6285	1 (800) 685-1111
Experian	1 (888) 397-3742	1 (888) 397-3742
Trans Union	1 (800) 680-7289	1 (800) 916-8800

Useful Contacts:

• Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline (SSAFH): 1 (800) 269-0271
• Federal Trade Commission Hotline 1 (877) 438-4338
• Internet Fraud Complaint Center
• Direct Marketing Association to remove your name from mailing or telephone lists:
  • Mail: PO Box 9008 Farmingdale, NY 11735

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See the NYSConsumer.gov website - Identity theft page for some additional information on identity theft.

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National Do Not Call Registry

• Registration is effective for five years

OptOutPrescreen.com

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you ("Firm Offers"). The FCRA also provides you the right to "Opt-Out", which prevents Consumer Credit Reporting Companies from providing your credit file information for Firm Offers.

Through this website, you may request to:

Opt-Out from receiving Firm Offers for Five Years - (electronically through this website).

Opt-Out from receiving Firm Offers permanently - (mail Permanent Opt-Out Election form available through this website).

Opt-In and be eligible to receive Firm Offers. This option is for consumers who have previously completed an Opt-Out request - (electronically through this website).

If you choose to Opt-Out, you will no longer be included in firm offer lists provided by these four consumer credit reporting companies. If you are not receiving firm offers because you have previously completed a request to Opt-Out, you can request to Opt-In. In doing so, you will soon be among the many consumers who can significantly benefit from having ready access to product information on credit and insurance products that may not be available to the general public.

AnnualCreditReport.com

This central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Fight identity theft by monitoring and reviewing your credit report. You may request your free credit report online, by phone or through the mail. Free credit reports requested online are viewable immediately upon authentication of identity. Free credit reports requested by phone or mail will be processed within 15 days of receiving your request.

How to Dispute Credit Report Errors

The Federal Trade Commission has a page with suggestions on How to Dispute Credit Report Errors.