can you recommend a credit monitoring service

**littleplum** · 11-24-2009, 06:55 PM

Since we aren't applying for any new debt, we have had both our credit reports "locked" by having freezes put on them. That way no one can "accidentally" use our credit histories "by mistake".

It cuts down on a lot of junk mail, too!

**wanderlusting** · 11-24-2009, 07:54 PM

We use the credit monitoring program through USAA- we pay $5 each/month. They're really good- they show updates very quickly.

DH's mom is irresponsible with money and does drugs. She also has DH's social security number. So we do credit monitoring for our own peace of mind.

OP: I noticed you talked about wanting a company that will help you sort out the identity theft once it happens. Are you thinking of a company like LifeLock? www.LifeLock.com

I haven't used this service, but have heard of other people using it.

**Greebo** · 11-25-2009, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by nodmicks

Greebo I looked at that. I can't see where I can monitor it there but they will protect you and sort it out if your identity is stolen. I email them too see if it would still apply since my identity has ALREADY been swiped.

They may be able to help with what has already happened - they will absolutely help with everything if it ever happens again.

So if you have that protection, then spending $200 a year to watch for blips on your report is unnecessary - you can just pull 1 of your 3 reports every 4 months and look for anything fishy and call Zander if you find something.

**Greebo** · 11-25-2009, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by ladykemma2

i have a very common name and other people's info gets on my report frequently.

I have an extremely UNCOMMON name - and yet every now and then, I get a phone call from some Debt Collector because someone else with my rather unique name charged up $9,000 at fingerhut and never paid.

How the heck do you run up a $9,000 FINGERHUT bill???

**nodmicks** · 11-25-2009, 07:25 AM

Originally Posted by Greebo

They may be able to help with what has already happened - they will absolutely help with everything if it ever happens again.

So if you have that protection, then spending $200 a year to watch for blips on your report is unnecessary - you can just pull 1 of your 3 reports every 4 months and look for anything fishy and call Zander if you find something.

Greebo I'm still waiting on an answer as to wether they will help with what has happened. Do you use the service. It really is reasonable for a family plan.

Our advisor recommended protectmyid.com I'm carefully looking at them all!

**nodmicks** · 11-25-2009, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by littleplum

Since we aren't applying for any new debt, we have had both our credit reports "locked" by having freezes put on them. That way no one can "accidentally" use our credit histories "by mistake".

It cuts down on a lot of junk mail, too!

If you lock it card employers and ins companies still look. Our ins co looks yearly which is ok with me because it gives us a huge rate increase.

How long does a lock stay on? Can you take it off if you decided to buy another property etc?

**nodmicks** · 11-25-2009, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by jennybethg

We use the credit monitoring program through USAA- we pay $5 each/month. They're really good- they show updates very quickly.

DH's mom is irresponsible with money and does drugs. She also has DH's social security number. So we do credit monitoring for our own peace of mind.

OP: I noticed you talked about wanting a company that will help you sort out the identity theft once it happens. Are you thinking of a company like LifeLock? www.LifeLock.com

I haven't used this service, but have heard of other people using it.

I've never heard of USAA. I'll google it. I'm sorry about dh's mom. hugs!

**littleplum** · 11-25-2009, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by nodmicks

If you lock it card employers and ins companies still look. Our ins co looks yearly which is ok with me because it gives us a huge rate increase.

How long does a lock stay on? Can you take it off if you decided to buy another property etc?

You can remove it. I believe it costs $10 to do so.

We have no reason to remove it, however. As I said, we are not planning on taking on any new debt.

**nodmicks** · 11-26-2009, 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by littleplum

You can remove it. I believe it costs $10 to do so.

We have no reason to remove it, however. As I said, we are not planning on taking on any new debt.

Thanks. If we did it we may want to remove it is what I meant as far as buying another home doing a refi etc. $10 is a very low price for peace of mind.

**littleplum** · 12-07-2009, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by nodmicks

Thanks. If we did it we may want to remove it is what I meant as far as buying another home doing a refi etc. $10 is a very low price for peace of mind.

It completely locks it, however, which means that you can't do any of those "instant credit" things at stores. Not a problem for us because if I rarely shop at the stores that offer instant credit.