Identity Theft FAQ

What is an Identity Theft Score?

Your identity theft score is a measure of your knowledge and level of protection against identity theft. If you have taken the wise step of engaging the services of a qualified identity theft protection service, and monitor your credit regularly, then your identity theft score is as high as it can possibly be. If, however, you are like most Americans and you don't think that you need the services of an identity theft protection service or don't monitor your credit regularly, then your score could certainly use a lot of help.

What is Identity Theft Protection?

Identity theft protection usually comes in the form of a qualified service that monitors various aspects of your credit and credit report on your behalf in order to stop an identity thief before they can do any significant damage to your identity. These services usually offer a guarantee that if your identity is stolen while they are engaged in protecting you, they will pay the price and take all of the steps necessary to restore the damage done by an identity thief.

How much are Identity Theft Protection services?

Different services offer different levels and types of protection. How much they charge will vary depending on what services you request. Most plans operate for less than the cost of a few cups of coffee per month.

Is my information on this site secure?

We are concerned about your information and safeguarding it as it is transmitted to our network of providers. For this reason, we use only the latest in SSL (secure socket layer) encryption technology to make sure your information is safely encoded before it leaves your computer and is transmitted.

What if my identity has already been stolen?

We offer information here about how to start the process of repairing your credit and restoring your good name if your identity has already been stolen. Unfortunately it is already too late, after the theft, to use the services of an identity theft protection program to help you handle all that must be done, but you can engage a service starting immediately in order to help prevent any further or future damage.

How can I get a copy of my credit report?

According to federal law, you are legally eligible to view your credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax), once per year. You may get your free report by visiting their websites and requesting it directly.

Am I legally liable for all the charges made by an identity thief?

No. Once you have reported the theft to the thief and lender, you are not legally liable for the charges made by the identity thief. Certain banks or lending institutions may require you to pay a small fee (up to $50.00) in the process of wiping out all of the charges from your credit card or account that were made by a thief.

What is a fraud alert?

Placing a fraud alert on your credit report lets any creditors know that you have suspicion or reason to believe that you have been or are about to be a victim of identity theft in the near future. It requires creditors by federal law, (the FACT Act), to take reasonable measures to verify your identity before approving any request for credit on your behalf.