Protect Your Credit: Beware of Income Tax Scams

Now that the majority of taxpayers have filed their 2008 Income tax forms, the "phishermen" have a whole new angle to use when trying to gain access to your personal information.

Almost everyone has a fear of being audited. We've all heard too many stories about the Internal Revenue Service and how they can punish taxpayers for underpayment of taxes, suspected tax fraud, etc.

So when a letter comes from the IRS, most of us open it with a measure of stress. We know (well, most of us know) we haven't done anything deliberately to trigger their suspicions - but what if we've made a mistake? IRS forms are at best, confusing.

That fear plays right into the hands of the criminals seeking to steal identities and empty bank accounts. Some citizens, worried and anxious to avoid such troubles, respond quickly to any message from the IRS.

The trouble is, those scary messages aren't from the IRS. They're from crooks.

A talented hacker can easily duplicate the logos and fonts used in IRS websites - and use them to convince unwary taxpayers that the email they just received really did come from the IRS. Then they can just as easily create a web site that looks official.

Victims receive an email telling them that information is missing, or there's something they need to clarify. The message might be a "friendly offer" to get something corrected and thus avoid an audit. They might be asked to respond directly to the e-mail, or to click a link to go to the "IRS website." Once on the fake site, you'll be asked to verify your identity by entering in personal information - information that will give the crooks all they need to assume your identity.

From there it's a short step for them to run up your credit card accounts, open new accounts in your name, use your identity to get a job or rent a house, and even empty your bank accounts.

Don't ever respond to this kind of message - because it did not come from the IRS. In fact, the IRS does not use e-mail to contact taxpayers. If they want to communicate with you, they'll send a letter by postal mail.

Instead, if you receive such a message, forward it to phishing@irs.gov - so that they can work to track down the crooks and put them out of business. If you have a tax question, go directly to the IRS site at www.irs.gov.

If you have already responded to a message, thinking it was from the IRS, you should contact all 3 credit bureaus immediately and alert them to the fact that you've had your identity stolen. Next, contact all your credit card issuers and your banks and alert them.

Get a copy of your current credit report and see if the crooks have already started work. If they have, begin immediately to repair the damage.

Author:Marte Cliff

CreditScoreQuick.com your resource for free credit reports, credit cards, loans, and ground breaking credit news

Think it Can’t Happen to You? It Can.

What is “It?”

Identity theft. It happens every single day, and you could easily be its next victim. Now that almost all of our personal information is somewhere on line, talented hackers can learn almost anything they might want to know, about anyone.

Just a few months ago the Veteran’s Administration announced that thousands of names had been compromised due to carelessness on the part of one employee.

It seems crazy to want someone else’s identity, but these thieves have some pretty strong reasons for doing it – almost all of them having to do with money.

With your identity, the thieves can drain your bank account, use your credit cards, and even open new credit card accounts in your name – so the bills will be reported in your name, not theirs. Some of them steal multiple identities, so they can make a big haul and then disappear.

Think about it – Using your identity, they can check “their” credit, identify accounts you aren’t using, send a change of address to them, and request new credit cards. You wouldn’t even know a charge had been made, because the bill would be going to a bogus address. And since you weren’t using the account, you wouldn’t miss the bill.

These people are without conscience – they don’t care what kind of havoc they wreak in your life. They don’t care if they leave you destitute, destroy your credit, and leave you in legal entanglements for the next few years.

So what to do?

One precaution is to freeze your credit report, but that isn’t a practical solution for everyone. The next best thing is to keep a constant watch on your credit report, so you can know right away if someone is trying to obtain credit using your name.

You can do this by checking your credit report regularly, watching for new account activity, address changes, collection accounts, credit increases or inquiries, etc. It’s a tedious job, and one you must perform regularly, because early detection is the key to stopping a financial loss before it becomes devastating.

The more convenient alternative is to sign up for a monitoring service. But even then, be careful. Check to see that the service you choose monitors all 3 of the major credit reporting companies, and that they do it frequently enough to nip trouble in the bud. Some even provide identity theft insurance – to protect you in the event that they make a mistake and overlook the early warning signs of a thief.


As with all services, some are better than others, and some are downright scams. Ask questions, read the fine print, and then choose a company to set your mind at rest. Not only will you be able to get on with your own life, a good credit report monitoring service will get you in the right direction. This is one of those do-it-yourself projects that’s better left to the experts.

About the Author: Mike Clover is the owner of http://www.creditscorequick.com/. CreditScoreQuick.com is the one of the most unique on-line resources for free credit score report, fico score, free credit check, identity theft protection, secured credit cards, student credit cards , credit cards, mortgage loans, auto loans, insurance, debt consolidation ,and a BlOG with a wealth of personal credit information. The information within this website is written by professionals that know about credit, and what determines ones credit worthiness

Should You Freeze Your Credit Report?

Perhaps. It depends upon your immediate plans. If you’re getting ready to buy a house or a car, or if you need another credit card, then no, you definitely should not. But if you have no impending need to apply for credit, and you worry about identity theft, then it could be a good plan for you.

Many older consumers are good candidates for this. They’re at an age where they aren’t likely to want a new house or a new car – at least not any time soon. Generally they have several credit cards, many that they aren’t using, which gives them excellent credit. And, sad as it is, elders are often the target for identity fraud.

But first, what does “freezing your credit report” mean? Simply stated, it means that no one, not even you, can access your credit report.

This move helps prevent identity theft because thieves trying to use your credit will run up against a brick wall. When a would-be creditor tries to run a check, they’ll be denied. And when a creditor can’t find out if you’re a smart money manager or not, they’ll deny the credit.

The down side is that you’ll have to pay $10 to each of the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. If you have a spouse, you’ll also have to pay $10 each for your spouse. You’ll also have to fill out paperwork.

However, you can get a “free freeze” if you’ve already become a victim of identity theft. You’ll have to send a copy of the police report in lieu of money.

Because the credit bureaus fought for 4 years to prevent Congress from passing a bill allowing individuals to freeze their reports, they aren’t making it easy for you. You’ll have to mail certified letters, present utility bills to prove you are who you are and you live where you live, and give other personal information.

Later, when you want to purchase a house or a car on credit, you’ll have to go through a reverse process to “thaw” your reports. You’ll pay the $10 per person per credit bureau over again. That’s the second “down side” to freezing your credit report.

Only you can decide if this is the right move for you. But anyone who has gone through the hassle of putting their lives back together after a brush with identity theft would probably tell you that paying those “freeze and thaw” fees is well worth it.

Author: Marte Cliff
CreditScoreQuick.com is the one of the most unique on-line resources for free credit score report, fico score, free credit check, identity theft protection, secured credit cards, student credit cards , credit cards, mortgage loans, auto loans, insurance, debt consolidation ,and a BlOG with a wealth of personal credit information. The information within this website is written by professionals that know about credit, and what determines ones credit worthiness

Has identity theft made our life more complicated?

With all the hustle and bustle, what else could we possibly worry about now? Life is hectic enough without having to worry about someone accessing your credit information and stealing your identity. I remember during the 80’ you did not hear about all of this. The only worry we had was Russia sending over a nuclear bomb. With the evolution of how information travels, and a paradigm shift in theft, we have to stay on top of our credit reports. Thank goodness technology allows us to access our personal information fairly quickly.

Until recently if you wanted a copy of your credit report, it took an act of congress to get one. Plus the credit report you got was almost impossible to read. Luckily with the new Fair Credit Reporting Act (FRCA) you are entitled to a free credit report once a year. This opened the gates of other credit report offers which will provide you with your credit scores. The free credit report you get once a year gives you a 3-1 credit report with no credit scores.

With the internet presence and the ease to access personal information you cannot afford to check your credit report only once a year. Did you know that identity theft could be happening to you right now? If you waited a year to access your free credit score report 12 months from now your good name would be ruined. So yes with the internet technology two things have happened, it opened up avenues for identity thieves. The internet also opened the ability to access your personal information securely and fast over the web.

The internet is safe as long as the site you are visiting is secure. Believe it or not most identity theft does not take place over the web. It takes place in places like your trash and at companies that have your personal information on file.

So identity theft has added extra stress to our lives, but if you stay on top of your free credit score reports it’s definitely a piece of mind.

About the Author: Mike Clover is the owner of http://www.creditscorequick.com/. CreditScoreQuick.com is the one of the most unique on-line resources for free credit score report, fico score, free credit check, identity theft protection, secured credit cards, student credit cards , credit cards, mortgage loans, auto loans, insurance, debt consolidation ,and a BlOG with a wealth of personal credit information. The information within this website is written by professionals that know about credit, and what determines ones credit worthiness

Top Tips to avoid Identity Theft that cause Credit Report Problems.

Identity theft happens every 3 seconds to someone in the U.S. This ultimately affects your credit score report as well. Here are some top tips to avoid this problem

1. Check your credit report regularly, once a year is not good enough.
2. Have your mail go to a P.O. Box
3. Don’t put checks in the regular mail.
4. Pay your bills on-line with bank
5. Shred all mail that has your name on it, especially credit card offers
6. Double check your bank statements for unfamiliar activity.
7. Check credit card statement for unfamiliar activity
8. Don’t give out your social security number over the phone, without verifying who is asking.
9. Don’t keep your social security card in wallet or purse.
10. Don’t put social security and driver’s license number on your checks.
11. Use firewall protection for home computers
12. Sign up for https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t to stop credit card offers in the mail
13. Sign up for identity theft protection, such as LifeLock. Life lock is a good preventive measure.
14. Don’t leave purse or wallet in your car
15. Make sure you are receiving all your mail, and make sure its not being sent somewhere else.

If you are one those people that thinks identity theft will not happen to you, you might reconsider. It can happen to anyone at anytime. When it happens and you don’t have preventative measures in place, it could take you years to fix. With the new digital age you can set up email alerts when someone is accessing your credit. This is real neat feature, or through Life Lock you can set up fraud alert features where any creditor accessing your credit must call you first before approval.






Since identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America, you really cannot afford to not stay on top of your credit. Being informed and aware of you personal credit is the most important measure as well. So don’t waste anymore time get all these measures in place today to protect you and your family.


About the Author: Mike Clover is the owner of http://www.creditscorequick.com/. CreditScoreQuick.com is the one of the most unique on-line resources for free credit score report, fico score, free credit check, identity theft protection, secured credit cards, student credit cards , credit cards, mortgage loans, auto loans, insurance and a BlOG with a wealth of personal credit information. The information within this website is written by professionals that know about credit, and what determines ones credit worthiness

6 Tips to protect against ID Theft.

9 million people a year are victims of id theft, learn some tips on how to prevent this from happening to you.



About the Author: Mike Clover is the owner of http://www.creditscorequick.com/. CreditScoreQuick.com is the one of the most unique on-line resources for free credit score report, fico score, Internet identity theft software, secured credit cards, student credit cards , mortgage loans, auto loans, insurance and a BlOG with a wealth of personal credit information. The information within this website is written by professionals that know about credit, and what determines ones credit worthiness

Even Celebrities like Liz Mikel needs Identity Theft Protection

Did you think Identity Theft Protection is unnecessary? Well you might want to think again. Dallas based actress Liz Mikel just found out the hard way that someone had stolen her identity and been having a field day. She stars in the NBC show “Friday Night Lights”, found out that identity thieves had went on-line and opened accounts in her name.
Mikel said that she went to the mail and to her surprise there was a notice from Capital One that there was a problem with an account she did not have. After a phone call to the company she had learned that someone had been opening accounts in her name since early March.

What you need to know
Identity theft affects 9 million people every year, and is currently growing in epidemic proportions according to the FTC. Identity theft starts with the theft of your social security number, your credit cards, and financial information. For Identity thieves this information is like gold.

Here is a variety of methods identity thieves may get a hold of your personal information:
1. Pretexting- The use of false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other resources with your information.
2. Phising – They pretend to be financial institutions by send you e-mail or pop ups hoping you will reveal your personal information.
3. Old-Fashion Stealing- They steal wallets, credit cards, mail credit card offers, purses, financial statements, and new checks that come in the mail. They steal personal records and bribe employees who have access to your records.
4. Changing your address – They divert your mail by putting a change of address request in to the post office.
5. Skimming – They steal credit card and debit numbers by using a special storage device when swiping your cards.
6. Dumpster Diving – They go through dumpsters looking for mail that was not shredded with your personal information.

Examples of what identity thieves do once they have your information.

Bank / Finance Fraud

• They create counterfeit checks using your name and account number
• Open bank accounts in your name and write bad check
• They may clone your credit or ATM card and electronically drain all your accounts.

Credit Card Fraud
• They may open credit cards in your name. When they will charge these cards up, and not pay the bill. As a result it appears on your credit report.
• They may change the address on your credit cards so that you no longer receive the bill, and run up charges on your credit cards. It may be sometime before you realize there is a problem.

Government Document Fraud
• They may file fraudulent tax returns in you name
• They may use your name and social security number to get government benefits
• They may get a drivers license or id picture with your name but with their picture.

About the Author: Mike Clover is the owner of http://www.creditscorequick.com/. CreditScoreQuick.com is the one of the most unique on-line resources for free credit score report, fico score, Internet identity theft software, secure credit cards, student credit cards , and a BlOG with a wealth of personal credit information. The information within this website is written by professionals that know about credit, and what determines ones credit worthiness

Identity Theft Prevention Tips

Identity theft is something that can be compared to burglary. Can you stop burglary? Yes and NO. You can put in a security system, window bars, locks, and security cameras, but there is no guarantee. Identity theft is the same way these days. There are preventive measures and solutions that you can implement to help out. Here is what you can do.

VIDEO about Identity Theft from the FTC.


1. Don’t carry around unnecessary information in your wallet. Such as social security card, more than one credit card, birth certificate and passport. Make a copy of everything in your wallet incase someone steals your wallet. Do this so you will know what to report stolen.

2. Don’t click on any e-mails from financial institutions even though you feel 100% confident it’s from your bank. Go to your web browser instead and type in the bank web address. Example (www.wellsfargo.com). Some of e-mails being sent out currently are fake and are called “phishing” e-mails.

3. Install virus and spyware detections software and keep them updated.

4. Take credit card receipts with you; never throw them in a public trash can.

5. Install lockable mail box at your residence in order to prevent mail theft.

6. Make sure you computer is set to automatically setup to download the latest updates and patches. Any computer software will have security holes in it.

7. Limit the number of credit cards you have.

8. Don’t have the bank send your checks in the mail, let them know you will pick up at the bank.

9. Destroy all checks if you close a checking account. Destroy or keep in a secure place any courtesy checks they send you.

10. Reconcile your checking account and credit card statements in a timely manner, and challenge any charges that are not yours

11. Memorize your usernames and passwords, don’t write them down. Be aware of your surroundings make sure no one is watching you enter in your pin number at an ATM.

12. Safeguard all statements from creditors, once paid shred them .You can always access your statement if on line.

13. Don’t throw away any credit card offers, shred them all. Go here to stop all credit card offers permanently.

14. If you don’t receive your billing statements notify the company immediately.

15. Pull your credit report regularly to check for any fraudulent activity.

16. Set up credit monitoring with one of the Bureaus.

17. Don’t allow your financial institutions to print your social security number on your checks

About the Author: Mike Clover is the owner of http://www.creditscorequick.com/. CreditScoreQuick.com is the one of the most unique on-line resources for free credit score report, fico score, Internet identity theft software, secure credit cards, student credit cards , and a BlOG with a wealth of personal credit information. The information within this website is written by professionals that know about credit, and what determines ones credit worthiness