... only checking one bureau is not enough, you have to watch all three. ...
Here's a way to do it:
ProtectMyID ProtectMyID (PMID) is a subsidiary of Experian; however PMID provides activity alerts, based upon activity using one's SSN, address change, hard copy credit report requests. [A hard copy request is when a
credit report has been requested by a financial service company and indicates a financial services application has been initiated by an individual. This request is different from a "soft" credit review by a marketing service.] PMID charges about $100/year for their various, alert services; however, PMID tracks activity at all 3 Credit Report Services (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
PMID's web site provides account login for customer, activity check. Additionally, PMID sends immediate alert to activity or monthly emails advising no activity.
In early 2016, PMID alerted me, by email on a Monday morning about a hard copy, credit report request (confirmed by logging into my PMID account) by Capital One Credit Card Services to all 3 Credit Report Services. As I knew immediately I had not had any activity with CapOne (I don't have a CapOne card, nor had I applied for one.), I called CapOne about their request, was advised a CC application had been completed online, using my name & SSN, the preceding Sunday night, and upon advising I had not made such application, was put over to CapOne's Fraud Dept. ...PMID Support helped avert stolen identity and potential, credit fraud under my name. [I should add CapOne also did a good job in their support & follow-up as they closed the fraudulent card account before any activity could occur.] ...When the Equifax debacle came to light, I breathed easier, although I proactively checked at PMID as well as Equifax's online assistance tool (
Incident Check ).
