Netcredit

Washington Governor signs security freeze legislation! May 10, 2005, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire signed SB 5418. This new law gives Washington state residents the right to place a security freeze to lock up their credit files so that new creditors can't check the consumer's credit file unless the consumer chooses to unfreeze, or unlock the file. The right to freeze the credit file applies to identity theft victims and to consumer who have been notified that the security of their personal information has been breached published by the Consumers Union Consumers Union is urging consumers to support tougher state laws that would increase your protection. Considering that 9.9 million Americans are vicitmized by Identity theft each year--your chances of experiencing loss through identity theft increases daily. To support the freeze on credit information access without your permission in your state, visit: https://secure2.convio.net/cu/site/Advocacy?page=UserAction&

If you are applying for a mortgage, here are a few specific rules to help you make it to closing alive: NEVER respond to a bank online request for your passwords or identity information. These may be opportunists looking for access to your accounts and it could be a coincidence that you are applying for a loan (who isn't these days?). Legitimate Banks may mail disclosure documents about your loan prior to closing. If you are working with a mortgage broker it is possible that more than one bank is competing for your loan--so keep the documents but do not respond to them...that's your broker's job. This can be confusing as the documents the bank sends may not be up to date anyway...but is does alert you that someone has applied for a loan in your name. NEVER co-sign a note with anyone for anything ! (Unnless yo uare willing to accept their payment history on your credit) NEVER give out your Social Security Number to a bank or lender who doesn't ask you to sign a

If someone has taken out a credit card in your name (without your permssion or knowledge) this is a fraudulent act, often involving forgery or impersonation and is a felony. Fraud is serious and Identity Theft can affect your credit indefinately! F IRST RESPONSE: Call your local police or sherrif's department. Tell them what happened and provide any evidence you have, for example, a card statement or unauthorized payment withdrawals from your bank account. Get a police file number and copy of the report. You can choose to press criminal charges if this person has caused financial loss. Good luck finding them! Next: Go to your bank and stop any payments from going out of your account to a suspect card or account. They may reverse the charges unless they came from a debit card that is directly linked to your bank account. You can close the debit card immediately and get a new card with a new number to prevent further charges. Your bank will advise y