These are the same three that Clark Howard, consumer expert in Atlanta said had to be notified. Some posting here say four. Guide to freeze credit is at the link.
http://clark.com/personal-finance-credit/credit-freeze-and-thaw-guide/
Does anyone know if credit cards need the same protection? There are different opinions on this.
I assume that the credit freeze would affect all LARGE amounts - house, car etc., but maybe that’s wrong...how about retail stores credit lines?
Have asked these same questions on another thread but it seems no one has any answers or they don’t think the questions are necessary. It’s sure not clear to me..
Everything you read refers to FREEZING YOUR CREDIT REPORT...It’s not the report I’m concerned with - it’s the CREDIT!
The answer to the question I had....
>>>I assume that the credit freeze would affect all LARGE amounts - house, car etc., but maybe that’s wrong...how about retail stores credit lines?”
>>>>”refers to FREEZING YOUR CREDIT REPORT...It’s not the report I’m concerned with - it’s the CREDIT!”
The way to look at is most, almost all lenders, retail stores included, will not give you credit without checking your credit report. So a freeze there will freeze your credit - you and anyone else that tries to use it.
Freezes can be a good move, especially if you’ve had evidence of ID theft. There are alternatives.
There’s two types of creditors/lenders: Those that require a credit file check first and those that don’t - those that don’t are on the hook if it’s not you doing the credit, no matter what - though you may have to take action to get their reporting off your file.
You can get credit protection service that notifies you of any inquiry for credit and any new credit accounts in your name/ID. If it’s not you, you notify the lender, it ain’t you and you’re not liable.
For creditors who don’t check credit, same thing, they’re on the hook for granting credit without checking.
Credit freeze, credit monitoring, either, both, none? Up to the person.
Something I do, that’s free: All my accounts, bank and card, have alerts and notification features. I turn these on full. I get bank balances emailed every day, “card not present” transactions for some cards and every credit transaction for other cards - immediately.
Other option: Don’t use credit.
I don't know about credit cards but am looking into lowering my credit limit on my cards. Don't know if it's a good move or not. I just don't want to pay for something I didn't buy.
flr