Identity Theft: Part 2, Order Credit Report

This is Part 2 in a short series on Identity Theft.

Part 2. Order Your Credit Report

That's right. Order your credit report. Why?

Now that you’ve placed an initial fraud alert (see Part 1), you’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting companies. The credit reporting company you call will explain your rights and how you can get a free copy of your credit report. Order the report and ask the company to show only the last four digits of your Social Security number on your report.

If you know which of your accounts have been tampered with, contact the related businesses. Talk to someone in the fraud department, and follow up in writing. Send your letters by certified mail; return receipt requested; doing so creates a record of when they received your communication.

When you review the credit reports, you may find unauthorized charges or accounts. You will need to learn how to review your credit report and dispute errors. Later I will post a short article on disputing errors, and post a link here to that page.

Order a Credit Report for FREE.


1. Contact each of the credit reporting agencies and order a credit report.
          Equifax 1-800-525-6285,
          Experian 1-888-397-3742
          TransUnion 1-800-680-7289


     When calling each of the above, explain you have already filed an “initial fraud alert”.

     Order a free copy of your credit report.

      Request the company only show the last 4 digits of your social security number on your report.

2. Record the dates you placed the calls and letters sent and received.
    Keep a copy of all letters sent and received.