Credit monitoring services can be costly and ineffective
I wrote about credit monitoring services and how they don't fully protect you against identity theft in today's Q&A. If you haven't read it, check it out since we discuss LifeLock, an identity theft protection company whose CEO has been flaunting his Social Security Number all over the place in an attempt to prove to potential customers how safe he feels using his company's services..
Too bad he's had dozens of attempts by various people to steal his identity with at least one person being successful.
In the column, I talk about credit freezes so I just wanted to remind everyone how we've told you before how to request a credit freeze here.
Also, Hugh Williams wanted to remind readers that:
I read with interest your column today regarding credit monitoring services. I noted that the consumer you spoke with mentioned that she checks her credit report every three months. I thought it would be worth mentioning that Maryland residents can get 6 free credit reports a year; 3 under the federal law, and 3 under MD state law (we were the first in the nation to pass a law allowing free access). A consumer can access their report undef the state law by contacting the credit bureaus individually.
Hugh is the administrator for the OAG's Identity Theft Program. Thanks for the reminder Hugh.
Categories: Consumer protection, Credit reports, Identity theft
