Recognizing identity theft

There are several signs you may be a victim of fraud or identity theft:

• Not receiving bills or other mail you should be getting
• Receiving credit cards you didn’t apply for
• Being denied credit for no reason
• Getting calls or letters about things you didn’t buy
• Being served court papers or arrest warrants for things you know don’t involve you

If one of the above has happened to you, it may simply be due to a clerical error. But never assume that it’s just a mistake – always look into it to find out for sure.

What to do if you’re a victim

1. Report the crime to the police immediately.
   • Be sure to get a copy of your police report or case number
2. Immediately contact your credit card issuers.
   • Get replacement cards with new account numbers
   • Ask that old accounts be processed as "account closed at consumer's request”
   • Follow up by writing a letter that summarizes your request to the credit card company
3. Place a fraud alert on your credit report
   • Alert all 3 credit reporting bureaus
   • Add a victim's statement to your report so that they must contact you to verify future credit applications
   • Credit bureau contact information
4. Correct any inaccurate information
   • Request that inquiries you didn’t initiate be removed from your report
   • Make sure your Social Security Number, address, name, employer, and other important information are all correct
   • Check to ensure all changes you requested have been made
5. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Response Center
   Federal Trade Commission
   600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20580
   Toll-free: 1.877.FTC.HELP
   TDD: 202.326.2502
   www.ftc.gov/ftc/complaint.htm

For more info and to order your credit report with FREE credit score please visit www.reliacredit.com

3 easy ways to raise your credit score

1. Ask the primary card holder to add you as a joint card holder: But be diligent about making payments (at least the minimum) and paying on time. Being a joint card holder - not just an authorized user - means that you share full responsibility for all debt on the account.

2. Get a major credit card in your name, especially if you are married and not a primary card holder.

3. Apply for a retail or gas card that may be OK'd quickly. Student credit cards, a secured credit card or sub-prime credit card also are in theis category but aren't the best options.

For more info and to order your credit report with FREE credit score please visit www.reliacredit.com

Does Checking My Credit Report affect My Score?

Checking your own credit report for personal use WILL NOT lower your credit rating. Times when credit inquiries do lower your credit reating include when a lender reviews your credit report when you apply for a loan or line of credit.

For more info and to order your credit report with FREE credit score please visit www.reliacredit.com

Debt consolidation loans can be offered at shorter terms than a regular mortgage.

Are you overwhelmed with credit card and high interest loan debt? Considering a debt consolidation loan might be an option to help decrease your monthly payments and decrease your overall debt. If you own you own your home (or have it mortgaged), you can use the equity in your home to possibly secure a lower interest loan that will enable you to consolidate all of your debts into one..

Debt consolidation loans can be offered at shorter terms than a regular mortgage. The lender typically will issue the checks to both you and the creditor(s) of your debts, thus ensuring the borrower will use the funds for the intended purpose. Most lenders will send the checks directly to you for endorsement first and then you will send them on to your creditors. When contacting a lender, take the time to inquire about their complete debt consolidation processes and learn what your requirements are.

How to Find Debt Consolidation Loan Lender

With the market as active as it is today, there are thousands of lenders offering competitive interest rates for debt consolidation, lines of credit and personal loans. At MortgageQuotes.com, you can compare lenders that will meet your needs based on your financial situation as well as find out which loan option is best for you. From our site, you can find lenders that will work with individual situations such as borrowers with excellent credit, bad credit, or no credit. Our network of lenders includes various companies for each state. Identify lenders with the lending processes you are most comfortable such as complete on-line and correspondence transactions or personal individual support. Obtaining debt consolidation loan quotes from MortgageQuotes.com gives you a snapshot view of lenders, low interest rates, loan terms, and links to get more information including how to contact individual lenders. Let us help you. Use our one stop resource to find companies to provide you with a debt consolidation loan, line of credit or personal loan. With the information provided on our site, you can begin your loan application process today.

For more info and to order your credit report with FREE credit score please visit www.reliacredit.com

Credit Grade Calculator and Tool

NEW - Credit Grade Estimator
Self evaluate your credit score - click here!

For more info and to order your credit report with FREE credit score please visit www.reliacredit.com

Other Credit Factors...

Mortgage companies look at other information besides your credit score and credit profile before deciding whether to approve your mortgage. They also consider:

• Income stability

• Employment history

• Monthly debts in relation to your income

• Savings amount and methods

• Mortgage type

• Property type and value

• Down payment amount

• Timeliness of rent and utilities payments

For more info and to order your credit report with FREE credit score please visit www.reliacredit.com