Prevent Identity Theft After Denied Credit

Yes, even the person that is denied credit can prevent identity theft soon after.  Perhaps you have applied for credit and you were denied, how would you like to know about something that very few of us do.  Did you know that according the the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) you are entitled to a free report if a company takes adverse action against you, such as denying your application for credit, insurance, or employment, based on information in your report.  I think this is great news… oh and one more thing it is the law that this right is granted to you, of course in an effort to prevent identity fraud.

You don’t have forever though
In order to prevent identity theft after denied credit you must ask for your report within 60 days of receiving notice of the action.  So if you are denied credit, insurance, or employment you will just have to get in touch with one or all the three major credit bureaus (depending which credit bureau was used to check your credit at the time of your application). Usually the notice should have the information about how to contact the entity.

Contact info for the big three
Equifax-800-685-1111
www.equifax.com

Experian-888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
www.experian.com

TransUnion-800-916-8800
www.transunion.com

An added identity theft prevention bonus for some
Consumers in Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont have free access to their credit reports.  If you live in any of the states thank your lawmakers as it is a state law to get a free credit report.  Congratulations!