How do I prevent others from applying for a credit card in my name?

Question

Thank you for all of you answers.

I don't have any reason to worry that somebody will apply for a credit card im my name, so an alert or freeze might be darastic. I was kind of wondering preventative steps to prevent myself from becoming a target (eg -- remove birthdate infromation from myspace page)

Answer 1

Put freezes (not just fraud alerts) on your credit record at all 3 bureaus.

Answer 2

- Mail or call the credit bureau and have them put a note in your record

that if there is any account being open, they have to call you at a specific number to

get your permission.



         7- Opt-out for pre-approved credit card offers that you get through the mail.

Thieves will steal these mails, change the address on it, and get the cards themselves.

To Opt-Out Call 1-888-5-Optout.

http://www.bestcreditrates.net/preventin...

Answer 3

Call the credit bureaus and place fraud alerts...This is free...but it's also a drastic measure to take....Any application for credit that you fill out will be assumed to be fraudulent until proven otherwise..The fraud alert will complicate your financial life.

A less drastic measure is to sign up for credit monitoring with Equifax...I think this is about $10/month

General prevention measures: Guard your social security number!  Shred all important documents that need to be discarded.  Check your credit report at least once a year for errors/fraud...annualcreditreport.com is free once a year with no credit card.   OT freecreditreport.com

Answer 4

place a fraud alert with all 3 credit reporting agencies