| Internet fraud is rampant nowadays and many have | | | | solution available now by three bureaus (TransUnion, |
| become victims already. The most common kind is the | | | | Experian and Equifax) is the security freeze. This is a |
| identity theft. It basically steals personal information to | | | | padlock system for your credit report. |
| gain access to private accounts. It is then used to rip | | | | You can issue a credit freeze, telling the three bureaus |
| victims of their hard earned moneys. In worse | | | | that you do not want them to sell your personal |
| situations, when a residence address is tracked down, | | | | information. This credit freeze makes all your credit |
| the house may be robbed, and sometimes families get | | | | reports unavailable to everyone who would want to |
| hurt. | | | | know your credits. Lenders can not issue a credit for |
| It pays to be informed how these internet thieves | | | | your name to someone you do not know. They have |
| operate. They will after all use all kinds of deceptions | | | | to see your credit report first before issuing one. |
| possible to rob victims of personal information, and will | | | | Here are other primers on security freeze to keep |
| in turn open up to many personal accounts. | | | | your identities safe: |
| Shopping online has become popular because it makes | | | | Security freeze do have fees. Fees vary by state. |
| purchasing very easy and less of a hassle especially | | | | The normal rate is $10. Others offer it for free to |
| to busy people. But be careful, because it has also | | | | those who have been previous victims of identity |
| paved the way for scammers to thrive on unknowing | | | | fraud already. |
| victims. | | | | This is advisable if you do not intend to use your credit |
| Online shopping is at its peak in holiday seasons like | | | | card for at least a year. Otherwise, you will be |
| Christmas. Don't be too trusting. Before you input your | | | | charged for transactions made with your card. |
| credit card information, be sure that the website is | | | | Another good reason for credit freeze is it gives you |
| secure and safe. There are many fake websites | | | | enough time to think if you really need the loan or not. It |
| posing as online internet stores. After your payment, | | | | takes a few days for your credit report to be lifted. |
| you will never receive the commodities you bought. | | | | This can give you more time to think. |
| If possible, it is better to go to more renowned brands | | | | You should also know how to arm your computer. |
| with an online store. You can also get referrals of | | | | Use an updated anti-spyware or anti-virus program. |
| reputable online shopping websites. | | | | Remember that you can never stop identity theft so |
| You can also use micro shredders to help you with | | | | you must pay attention very well. If you have receive |
| your shopping. There are credit monitoring services | | | | bills from companies you do not know, this only means |
| you can use although they are expensive. The best | | | | that someone is impersonating you. |