Article Tags: Consumer Tips

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion— to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, annually or once every 12 months. The FCRA advocates and promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation’s consumer reporting companies.
 
To order your annual credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion:

This week alone, Congress has passed a bill enforcing stronger identity theft protection laws and the Senate has introduced a bill specifically aimed at reducing the identity theft risk among the elderly. In 2006, President Bush even appointed a task force specifically aimed at eradicating identity theft. So, it would seem that the United States government has a vested interest in helping Americans find freedom and protection from the fastest growing crime in America. But when you dig beneath the surface of governmental ID protection you may be surprised about what you find.

Having someone steal your identity might sound bad enough. But the latest trend involves thieves stealing both your identity and your house. Yep. Identity thieves can now steal your house out from right underneath you without you even knowing it. In some cases, the rightful owner of the home was still making mortgage payments after a thief had already had the title transferred into someone else’s name.

I travel a lot for work. Airports are routine to me. In fact, I know the layout of many airports by heart. Several years ago I was on a layover at O’Hare International Airport, which wasn’t uncommon, and I decided to grab a magazine and a pack of gum in one of the Hudson news shops. The entire transaction took less than 75 seconds, and nothing about the clerk seemed suspicious or out of the ordinary. My debit card was within my sight the entire time.