Faith and Finance

Scott Polcyn and Daniel Garcia from University of Central Florida took 1st place in the 2 minute Educause Computer Security Awareness video contest. The video is about 2 minutes. It helps users become aware of identity theft.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Question by Allison S: When to check credit reports after identity theft?
I found out yesterday that my credit card # had been stolen and unauthorized charges were made on the card. I contacted the credit card company and have the issues with that card being handled. This all stemmed from an issue only 24 hours before.

I am concerned about further identity theft and have heard I should check my credit report; however, I’m not sure when to do that. Since it has only been two days (I’m positive on that) is it too soon? When/how often do I need to check?

Best answer:

Answer by Huntsman
Credit card information theft and ID theft are two different things.
ID theft is where they open credit in your name.
^ this is not easy to do

You get your reports (all 3) for free once every 12 months
Never get conned into paying for reports and never get conned on ID theft protection
ID theft protection will NEVER protect you if someone uses your credit card
All it does is freeze your credit reports – and you can do this yourself for $ 10
Again, ID theft is very rare (where someone opens new credit in your name)

Get your reports at
Annual Credit Report.com
You can get 1 of the 3 every 4 months to keep an eye on them
Never get scammed by silly TV commericials into paying for them

Add your own answer in the comments!