Just wanted to throw something out there, but anyone ever heard of going for an interview and having the backround check come back with false implications because some yahoo was out there living it up under your name, screwing up your credit, getting into trouble, etc! Just something to think about.

 

Now that's kinda scary...

 

Everybody on here should have recognized that fact before the interview, right? You are getting a copy of your credit report at least every 6 months, right??? (It's well worth the $20-60/year!)

 

You get one free one each year from each of the big 3 repositories. Most of the data overlaps in them, so it's kind of like getting one every 4 months if you want (you don't have to pull all three at the same time) https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

 

I want to check mine out but am skeptical about sending my SS# through the internet... Who knows what sleezeball is lurking around.

 

You can also call the credit agencies (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) and request a free credit report. This is not the same as your credit score. Two different things. Phone numbers can be found on their website. If I remember correctly, the system is automated and I got the reports in about a week or so.

My opinion only, but those companies that monitor your credit are a waste of money. The damage could already be done by the time they notify you. I subscribed to one for a while where they stated they would notify me (via email or text message) within 1 to 2 business days if there was any change or new activity on my credit file. I applied for a new credit card and it took over two weeks before I received notification of new activity.

There are a few companies that take a much more proactive approach to protecting your identity. Basically they put a "fraud alert" on your credit file, which means your file is locked so no one can get credit in your name unless you go through an authentication process. Nothing you can't do by yourself, but their service keeps things simple and their fees are minimal. It can be kind of a pain at times like when trying to get new cell phone service, applying for a car loan, etc. But if it's a pain for me, it's probably a pain for the identity thief. Most likely they will give up and move on to an easier target. I'll put up with a little inconvenience for piece of mind.

 

The simplest solution to identity theft involving financial fraud is to lock your credit records. These will prevent ANYONE (including you) from obtaining credit in your name. Unless you open a new department store charge-card on a weekly basis, most folks don't need open credit records. Your existing lines of credit will still work, and if you want to obtain a new credit card or take a home or car loan, you simply unlock your records temporarily.

This would not prevent someone from using your name and SSN to get a job or commit a crime (ie illegal aliens) but it will protect your finances.

 

OR....become such a financial deadbeat that any thief who steals your identity will immediately be arrested for YOUR debts!

Steve Allen joke: "Somebody stole my wife's credit card. I haven't reported it, because he's spending less than she did."

 

The fraud alert will remain in place for 90 days. You'll have to reactivate it yourself. Or if you're lazy like I am, some companies will do this for you for a fee. If you can prove that you've been a victim of ID theft, you can apply to keep the alert in place for 7 years.

That said, fraud alerts are only part of the solution. I have no idea why, but sometimes creditors ignore fraud alerts. So it's still a good idea to get a copy of your credit report from time to time.

 

So i checked mine out, I'm in good shape. I know its probaly nothing to worry about, but still just thinking of some A-"circle" out there pretending to be me getting DUI's etc, then i go to interview and have a surprise waiting. Anyone ever heard of it? At least fingerprints wouldn't match the crime haha.