Can't dispute/online w/fraud alerts

[sisflomi]

So, I put a fraud alert on my experian report. A lot of inq activity that I don't recognize. Well, experian sends the alert to all of the other cras. Well, TU and EQU will not let you dispute online if you have a fraud alert. Just to let anyone know that might be wondering why they can't do online disputes. And TU will block your report from online access through their web site during fraud alert too.

[kb9tbq]

Yup, same thing for adding victim statements to the credit report. Only way to dispute / order is to write including copy of drivers license.

[sisflomi]

Boy that stinks, and who knew that they were going to add it to all reports? I almost fell over when I found that out. On a good note, got Target inq under invest asking how come its there and I wasn't alerted if theres a fraud alert on there. She said, not to worry, she would take care of it. EQU is so nice to me sometimes.

[kb9tbq]

Yes, they just updated that this year - once you call one CRA on fraud alert (the one will notify the other two automatically for you). Here is what we had posted for consumers:

NEW FRAUD ALERT PHONE NUMBERS

In a move to provide consumers with another tool in the fight against identity fraud, the nation's credit reporting companies ó Equifax, Experian and TransUnion ó are going to simplify the way victims notify them about the crime. Starting today, by making only one toll-free call to any of the nationwide credit reporting companies, identity theft victims can be confident that one phone call will result in all three taking the same aggressive steps to help protect their credit information. "We will continue to work with victims to ease their burdens, to partner with lenders to prevent additional identity fraud from occurring, and to support law enforcement's need for additional resources to properly investigate the crime and prosecute criminals," Pratt said. He noted that efforts appear to be working. One reflection of that is that the Federal Trade Commissionís recent reports from their ID Theft Clearinghouse (1-1.877.ID.THEFT or 1.877.438.4338) indicate that more victims than ever are identifying the crime in a short period of time, which reduces the extent of the harm. He added that the national credit reporting companies report that more calls are now fielded from consumers wanting information on how to protect themselves from ID fraud than from those who are

victims of the crime.

The credit reporting companies' fraud assistance departments can be contacted at the following numbers. A single call to just one of these numbers is all that a victim needs to make:

Equifax.................(888) 766-0008

Experian................(888) 397-3742

TransUnion..............(800) 680-7289

[sisflomi]

Thanks for the info. Its not hurting nothing, and hopefully will stop all the inqs on my reports. TU said it stays for a year though. I won't be applying for credit anytime soon anyway. I wonder if this added to my split file?

[Johnnyc]

So you cant apply for any TU pulled accounts for a year? I guess that puts the kibbosh on the Experian fraud department method of geting rid of inquiries.

[kb9tbq]

Likely hood that the additional inquiries pushed it right over the edge. Use to be that Fraud Alert only lasted 3 months, it is not very effective tool, since this is a product that has to be purchased by the lenders just so they know the fact of the matter. I usually recommend initially adding Fraud Alert, but following up with victim statement which lasts 7 years & gets the phone number added to the remarks section (this one definately gets seen by all the creditors).

[sisflomi]

Johnny, you can apply for credit, just means that the creditor has to contact you directly to identify it is you. Not sure how they do that.

My main concern is why the file is so split, and what type of number I have now. I want to buy a house next june. KB, do you work for a cra? If so, do you know if its too late to do fraud af thing? Myself and bf had our wallets stolen, while on vaction in OH last year, we didn't know about the fraud stuff. Since we had bad credit to begin with, (I didn't know that my scores had improved since doing bk in 98) I didn't really think it was a big deal, we just had everything replaced. Bf later that year had his personal checks stolen and were being used, (I know to keep an eye as they could still be out there) and I had my atm card stolen and actually used about six months ago. I asked EQU if it was too late for sending in afidavits, she said she really didn't know.

[Johnnyc]

<blockquote>Originally posted by sisflomi

Johnny, you can apply for credit, just means that the creditor has to contact you directly to identify it is you. Not sure how they do that.

</blockquote>

Sounds like they would ask you to send photocopies of your drivers license, social security card, and two utiltiy bills with your applications. Major PITA.

I remember the Corvette card people asked me to do something like that when i tried to activate and i just cut up the card.

[kb9tbq]

<blockquote>Originally posted by sisflomi

My main concern is why the file is so split, and what type of number I have now.

When a file splits it can be for a few different reasons:

1. They may have multiple names on you, so be sure to use just one spelling of your name when applying for credit or service where you know a credit report will be pulled.

2. It could also be due to the individual who stole your information, if accounts where opened, incorrect information was sure to be given, causing a conflict in the file.

3. May also be contributed to addresses as well, so once you get the report back. Dump what you can on the addresses, and additional names.

*** For each split there is an additional credit score, I know this for fact. So when the file gets combined, the score will also be consolidated to what the re-merged file reflects.

I want to buy a house next june. KB, do you work for a cra?

Different, I work for a Credit Bureau (re-seller for CRA). We also provide additional services, like processing merged mortgage reports to banks and credit unions.

If so, do you know if its too late to do fraud af thing?

No, it is not to late, to try. I have seen credit reports pulled by mortgage companies when the consumer did have victim statements added for fraud. I just simply call the consumer to verify they authorized applying for the mortgage loan. BUT it does make my job harder trying to contact all the creditors to verify the fact of the matter & if you don't have their cooperation (agreeing that you were a victim of ID Theft) they will only verify that the debt belonged to you. Possibly hurting your chances to be approved for the loan.

So you want to be up front with the mortgage lender, provide all documentation proving that you have taken the nessasary steps to protect yourself.

This is a very testing job you have before you with everything which has happened, but I will try to be clear as possible, as to what exact steps you will need to take to show reasonable effort to the CRAs & the Creditors that you are serious.

1. You initiate the Fraud Alert just like you have done already, follow this up with adding victim statement (need to mail in copy of your phone bill with request for victim statement to be added to the credit report). The statement will say Victim of ID Theft, please verify idenity / all information contained in credit report before extending credit - call ......) they will include your phone number in the credit report.

**** Note the draw back to this - is any collection agencies looking for you, will possibly be made aware of your doings, once the credit report provider calls them up to verify information contained in the credit report. My job here is just that - call creditors on all tradelines that are out dated by 3 months and contain a balance.

2. File a police report - put all the facts into the report, if you don't have everything, go back as often as need be to get it all included. Also provide documentation relevant to the case. Get a copy of this report.

3. Contact all creditors & collection agencies that were affected by the ID Theft, ask them specifically for the address to report fraud & what they need in addition to the police report (like possibly the ID Theft Affidavit that the FTC site provides).

Dispute Dispute Dispute, keep notes of everything - and the names of everyone you speak with, Creditors / Collection Agency / CRAs. Have all the companies forward you confirmation of their investigation as they go along, keep up with them, calling to see how everything is going. Bug them often, they will get the hint that you are going to be a PITA till they do something to help you.

If you are fortunate enough, you can get a case worker, to help you in the matter. Also contact the FTC directly through their phone number to report the theft.

Myself and bf had our wallets stolen, while on vaction in OH last year, we didn't know about the fraud stuff. Since we had bad credit to begin with, (I didn't know that my scores had improved since doing bk in 98) I didn't really think it was a big deal, we just had everything replaced.

Usually you have a certain reponsibility to report to the creditor within 60 days of the theft, so that they can close existing accounts, and issue new cards as well as having them add pin numbers and passwords to the accounts.

Also want to contact the DMV to report the stolen drivers licenses.

Bf later that year had his personal checks stolen and were being used, (I know to keep an eye as they could still be out there) and I had my atm card stolen and actually used about six months ago.

Again, you have to move fast to notify banks, since they have such a great system for shuting people down from using checks. With the ATMs, they should of been caught if they used the account. The bank will have the register of which bank or atm machine what drawn on, and most have cameras to take pictures of the individuals as they use them. Worth going back to the bank to check on this possibility.

www.idtheftcenter.org/alerts.shtml

www.ftc.gov

The only fear, is that when you wait to long, the trail gets colder, creditors no longer have documentation on file, that could of cleared you - if only you had moved faster. They can check signatures and such to eliminate you as the suspect. So definately move on this immediately to see what damage control can be put in place.

This will not be easy with, is you have legit collectors out there after you. This will definatley turn into a cat and mouse game with them.

Let me know if you have any other information, can try to figure out what route to go. I am not always quick on things, more slow in working the problem to find the answer, but sure glad to be of help.

</blockquote>

[sisflomi]

Thank you so much, it must have taken a while to help with all of this. The theft of our wallets was in OH, we are in MI. We were at kings island!!! We got the dl and ss taken care of, well replaaced anyway, they were notified that they were stolen. I have not seen a lot of things on my reports that are not mine, but the inqs. BF's bank caught the check thing, he had no idea till they called and wanted to know why he was writting checks for 1000.00 when his account was already emptied. They got most of it taken care of. There were some checks that still didn't clear and he was made responsible for that and bank got default jud against him. Its paid now and his bk lawyer is going to try for vacating it. My bank totally sucked and wouldn't help at all. I knew who did it, as she put a personal check in my atm and took the money out. My bank said, well we investigated it, and it was a deposit for a check that came back as stop pay. I called her bank and she had closed the account a couple days before doing this and was in major trouble already with her bank. At that point she owed them 5000.00. I went to police with that and they told her, pay up or your goin to jail. They were not willing to work with her like her bank was. So, I did get my money back from that, cleared it up with that bank, told the bank to take a hike when they wanted to open a new account for me, and got it all off chexsystems. So, bottom line for both me and bf right now, we don't see a lot of things that are not really ours, but bf just did 341 meet tuesday and it worries me that now that he is discharged, someone could go and open an account with one of those cheapo cards. So, I will keep my eyes open, got pg for us both, exp and now Equifax Gold!!!!!!!!!!! I figure for that small price it will be worth it in the end. Thanks again

[kb9tbq]

Be sure to go through bf credit report with a fine tooth comb - make sure all creditors where included in the bankruptcy. He still has time to file amendment if he sees anything additional out there.

Also even though he included all of these companies in bankruptcy - have him call all of these companies back to check with the customer service department for sure that the accounts are closed and can't be re-opened or activated.

You definately lucked out in your case - getting the money back and reacting quickly to tag this girl.

On your bf's bankruptcy - question: Where any of the accounts included in BK joint / co-signer / authorized user with you. This may be a problem for you if so, and you need to scramble to make sure to terminate the relationship with these if possible.

Oh - and do be sure to call the FTC no matter what, just to log your id theft. They keep a count of how many per year are reported - and are the ones that affect changes in the laws protecting consumers.

Definatley gather up what you have showing on this case for documentation for when you apply for the loan, if there is negative info still on the credit report by then, you want the lender to know the fact of the matter. And not discount you later on for the loan.

If your bf, can't clear the accounts included in BK by that time, he at least absolutely needs for his credit report to be updated to show zero balance included in BK. This way the mortgage company does not include this old debt in his debt to income ratio -- that is a sure loan killer if the company processing the loan can not confirm the fact of the matter with the creditor when it comes time to verify.

[sisflomi]

<blockquote>Originally posted by kb9tbq

Be sure to go through bf credit report with a fine tooth comb -

DONE!

Every last creditor and ca, even had reports from 2000, and I called all ca's to get proper info just incase, and added everything that was on my bk, even without his name just incase.

can't be re-opened or activated.

Will get him on this asap, should we wait till we get bk papers?

You definately lucked out in your case

Yes I did, would have been out six hundred big ones

question: Where any of the accounts included in BK joint / co-signer / authorized user with you.

I filed bk/98, he was the one that needed protection! We have not gotten anything joint since then. Home will be the first in more than five years.

Oh - and do be sure to call the FTC

Will do here too.

Definatley gather up what you have showing on this case for documentation for when you apply for the loan, if there is negative info still on the credit report by then, you want the lender to know the fact of the matter. And not discount you later on for the loan.

I keep great records now

If your bf, can't clear the accounts included in BK by that time, he at least absolutely needs for his credit report to be updated to show zero balance included in BK.

I started disputing way before bk, as most were close to sol. And everything but maybe 4 out of over 50 that were inc. in bk are or were due off 2004. I got a lot off TU, 2 negs left out of 19. Eq is down to 6, and exp is down to 13.

Now, I am thinking right by not saying inc inbk with disputes for now? My thinking is that I can get most of this off his report by the end of this year. If I say in bk, it might be harder to get them off. Any thoughts on this tactic? Or is it better to just say they were bk'd and be done with it all? Bk hit his report two days or so after it was filed. And we will not dispute bk for many years to come. What do you think?

</blockquote>

Again, I really apprecaite your help. I am trying to learn all this, and in just a few short months, I have gotten my scores on a steady rise, and I am able to help some friends and family to clean up their stuff too. Only charge they get are when I have to do crrr.

[Edit by sisflomi on Thursday, June 5, 2003 @ 08:53 PM]

[kb9tbq]

You have definately made progress, keep on disputing. You have plenty of time to see what else may be bumped off.

Would say that if within 30 - 60 days of applying for the loan, if you don't see all the negatives off by then. You may consider changing tactics at that time, to just get the rest updated as included in BK. That way - no balances will remain for the lender to hold against you during loan approval.

Make sure in the mean time, to pay as agreed, and establish just as good as credit as possible. Don't go over the credit limits. And if possible and if you have credit cards at this time, work at getting higher credit limits while maintaining low balances.

Might even consider - adding each other as authorized users to your existing accounts to boost your scores. Even if they are new accounts at this time, since you most likely don't have much else to go with. Unless you have other people that can help out on this part, with better accounts.

Definately get to know the scoring factors / inside out - you want to get just as high of a score as possible, don't settle for 600 range. Will look better in the end to the lender - possibly get better rates.

</blockquote>

[kb9tbq]

I learned of another good way to establish credit today. This will be a bit more out of pocket (in the long run you should make more back) but, if you get a loan from the bank you can turn around and put it right into a CD Account - this means you can borrow more than what you would of planned with a regular savings account backed loan, since the money won't be leaving the bank at all! Usually the interest rate will be more on the loan then the CD, but the loan is being paid down, and the CD is growing so in the end you will make out better. Definately worth checking out with a bank to see if it agrees with you.

[momoney4me]

I have a fraud alert on mine & I can do online disputes. The only problem I've had is with EX. Since the fraud alert went on, I can't pull up my report through PG. I called EXP & they first told me that the fraud alert blocks it, but then after talking to a supervisor, they said their policy had changed and I should be able to pull it up. They eventually told me to send a copy of my DL & a utility bill to them & explain the problem & they could probably fix it (although they weren't sure what the problem was!). I'm going through withdrawal because I can't check my reports everyday!!!

[kb9tbq]

momoney4me:

Just love your mouse

Should read up on the Experian Web site about the difference between fraud alert and victim statement. The last time I checked, it was the victim statement that would shut down the online orders. But it is on their web site for sure.

[momoney4me]

Thanks KB9. I love your panda too!

I looked this up on the EXP website & the 90-day security alert should let you pull up your credit report. The Fraud statement blocks your report from being pulled up. I called Exp to see what was on mine and it's the security alert message. She told me that unless you send them something in writing, they just put the 90-day security alert on it. She said that although the website states that with a fraud statement you can't get your report online, that recently changed. She said I was the 2nd call today that stated I couldn't get my report online (possibly due to fraud alert). She was going to report it to her manager & have them check the system to see if there was a problem. I questioned her if maybe it was because I was going thru PG to get the report. I didn't know if the security alert blocked some companies from obtaining the report, and she said no. She said that the only thing that was different on the report was a statement that asks the company to call me prior to extending credit. So, who knows??? I guess I'll wait & see & probably call again next week.