Identity Theft Victim’s Bill of Rights: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft Part 2
written by Credit-HQ Expert
Blocking Fraudulent Records: Your Right to Block Fraudulent Debt.
You have legal rights to ask any of the credit reporting agencies to block anything on file about bills that are the result of an identity theft. Once that debt is blocked, the lender is restricted from collecting on the debt or transferring or selling that debt. As with a dispute, to put a block in place, be sure to provide full documentation of the identity theft. Insufficient proof can result in your block request being denied. However, if that happens, the credit bureau is required to report that denial to you. Also, be sure you apply for a block on the fraudulent debt with all three credit agencies separately.
Fraud Alert FAQs
|
Initial Fraud Alert |
Extended Fraud Alert |
| Do I have the ability to request that a fraud alert be added to my credit profile? |
You certainly can. Just determine first if you have been victimized by identity theft. The symptoms are…
> Someone took your purse.
> You can’t find your wallet.
> You have been target by a “phishing” attack. |
Anyone who has been targeted can request a fraud alert if you…
> Have filled out the “identity theft report”
> sent the identity theft report to the CRCC.
These two simple steps prove you have become a target of identity theft. |
| How do I put together a fraud alert notification? |
You will need the correct personal ID information which will include…
> Your name
> Your address and
> Your Social Security Number. |
Put together all of the proof that you have that you have been victimized by an identity theft. Part of that proof are those basics of your identification. |
| How do I get the ball rolling? |
Submit your information to any of the three credit reporting bureaus. They will update the other two CRAs for you. |
| Will it take a while for the fraud alert to kick in? |
No. The fraud alert is activated within 24 hours. |
| When will the fraud alert expire? |
All three of the credit bureaus will keep the alert active at least 90 days. You can ask for the alert to be canceled with a written request. |
A fraud alert can be extended from 90 days to seven years. While the alert is active, the credit agencies must block any offers for pre-approved credit or insurance from being mailed to you for at least five years. |
| What are my options of the alert expires? |
You can always submit a request to extend a fraud alert or reactive one that has expired. You can also formally request that your 90-day alert be extended to seven years. |
| Do I get to see my credit report? |
Of course. When you file a fraud alert, you are entitled to one free credit report from all three credit bureaus. The CRAs should keep you up to date about your rights |
You also have a legal right to two free credit reports a year from all three of the big three credit reporting agencies. |
| What goes on after my fraud alert kicks in? |
Three things -
- For five yours the credit reporting agencies will keep your name off of marketing lists for pre-screen credit advertisements. The only exception will be for offers you “opt-in” to get.
- Companies that use your credit information are forbidden from giving you any form of new credit without directly contacting you to validate that the request is coming from you.
- If you file the fraud alert with one of the credit reporting agencies, they must update the other two CRAs so the alert extends across all of your credit profiles.
|
| How do I make a fraud alert go away? |
It is as simple as submitting a request in writing for the fraud alert to be canceled. Just be sure that you include all of your identification information including…
> Your Name
> Your Address and
> Your Social Security Number |
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