Posts Tagged Social Security Number
Credit Counseling – What Can I See in My Credit Report?
Mark Andrade asked:
Your credit report contains a snapshot of information about you and your credit history and can have a major impact on your life. Although each credit reporting agency formats and reports this information differently, all credit reports contain basically the same categories of information.
Personal Unique Identifying Information.
This includes your full name, any known aliases, current and previous addresses, date of birth, social security number, current and past employment information, plus similar information about your spouse when applicable. Usually it’s up to you to update this information and it does not apply in credit scoring calculations.
Account Information.
The accounts you have with banks, retailers, credit-card issuers, utility companies, and other lenders are listed by type of loan such as mortgage, student loan, revolving credit, or installment loan. Lenders report the date the account was opened, your credit limit, account balance, monthly payment, any co-signers, and payment history on each account you have established with them.
Account Inquiries.
Inquiries appear on your credit report when you apply for a loan and you authorize the lender to request your credit report. The list will include the names of everyone who accessed your credit report within the last year, or two years if the request was employment related. The report will differentiate between “voluntary” inquiries, triggered by your requests for credit, and “involuntary” inquires, such as when lenders order your report to determine your creditworthiness for a pre-approved credit offer.
Public Record Information
Credit reporting agencies are allowed to collect and report on public record information from state and county courts. This public record information includes bankruptcies, foreclosures, lawsuits, wage attachments, tax and other liens, judgments, and, in some states, overdue child support.
Collection Items.
Information on overdue debt from collection agencies is typically included on your credit report.
You are entitled to receive one free credit report every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This annual credit report can be requested through AnnualCreditReport.com or by contacting the companies directly by phone or by mail.
To process your request, you will need to provide specific personal information, such as your name, current and previous addresses, telephone number, social security number, and date of birth. Also, to verify your identity, other information such as a copy of your driver’s license, utility bill, or bank statement may be required. Keep in mind that the three large credit bureaus do not necessarily share information with each other. The content of your credit report can be different at each bureau, so it’s a good idea to request copies from each one.
Cody
Your credit report contains a snapshot of information about you and your credit history and can have a major impact on your life. Although each credit reporting agency formats and reports this information differently, all credit reports contain basically the same categories of information.
Personal Unique Identifying Information.
This includes your full name, any known aliases, current and previous addresses, date of birth, social security number, current and past employment information, plus similar information about your spouse when applicable. Usually it’s up to you to update this information and it does not apply in credit scoring calculations.
Account Information.
The accounts you have with banks, retailers, credit-card issuers, utility companies, and other lenders are listed by type of loan such as mortgage, student loan, revolving credit, or installment loan. Lenders report the date the account was opened, your credit limit, account balance, monthly payment, any co-signers, and payment history on each account you have established with them.
Account Inquiries.
Inquiries appear on your credit report when you apply for a loan and you authorize the lender to request your credit report. The list will include the names of everyone who accessed your credit report within the last year, or two years if the request was employment related. The report will differentiate between “voluntary” inquiries, triggered by your requests for credit, and “involuntary” inquires, such as when lenders order your report to determine your creditworthiness for a pre-approved credit offer.
Public Record Information
Credit reporting agencies are allowed to collect and report on public record information from state and county courts. This public record information includes bankruptcies, foreclosures, lawsuits, wage attachments, tax and other liens, judgments, and, in some states, overdue child support.
Collection Items.
Information on overdue debt from collection agencies is typically included on your credit report.
You are entitled to receive one free credit report every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This annual credit report can be requested through AnnualCreditReport.com or by contacting the companies directly by phone or by mail.
To process your request, you will need to provide specific personal information, such as your name, current and previous addresses, telephone number, social security number, and date of birth. Also, to verify your identity, other information such as a copy of your driver’s license, utility bill, or bank statement may be required. Keep in mind that the three large credit bureaus do not necessarily share information with each other. The content of your credit report can be different at each bureau, so it’s a good idea to request copies from each one.
Cody
Experian Credit Reporting Agency has my Social Security Number connected to another woman with a similar name?
Nikki L asked:
I recently checked my credit score due to a denial on a credit card. I am divorced and was worried my ex didn’t pay a credit card bill that was in both our name. When I entered all of my personal and secure information into the “free credit report.com” 2 out of 3 reporting agencies had my correct credit history. However, the third, Experian, did not. The person it was reporting had TERRIBLE credit, and although mine isn’t an 800 it’s most definitely not a 540. I was recently informed by the company I work for that we will no longer have company cars and in place will acquire a car allowance, unfortunately I do not have my own vehicle and will have to purchase one by September 1st, 2009. Has this happened to anyone ever/recently? I’ve tried contacting Experian with no success, and every time I go to the “dispute” tab it automatically adds the girls information they have me confused with, since she’s $14,000 (+) in debt and (fortunately) I have none I don’t want to affiliate myself with this woman in any way. I need the help of anyone that’s been through this or contact information to correct this…not to sound pathetic but I’m BEGGING!!!
Thanks in advanced for your help and sorry this is so long, I’m freaking out…and I talk a lot!!!
Virginia
I recently checked my credit score due to a denial on a credit card. I am divorced and was worried my ex didn’t pay a credit card bill that was in both our name. When I entered all of my personal and secure information into the “free credit report.com” 2 out of 3 reporting agencies had my correct credit history. However, the third, Experian, did not. The person it was reporting had TERRIBLE credit, and although mine isn’t an 800 it’s most definitely not a 540. I was recently informed by the company I work for that we will no longer have company cars and in place will acquire a car allowance, unfortunately I do not have my own vehicle and will have to purchase one by September 1st, 2009. Has this happened to anyone ever/recently? I’ve tried contacting Experian with no success, and every time I go to the “dispute” tab it automatically adds the girls information they have me confused with, since she’s $14,000 (+) in debt and (fortunately) I have none I don’t want to affiliate myself with this woman in any way. I need the help of anyone that’s been through this or contact information to correct this…not to sound pathetic but I’m BEGGING!!!
Thanks in advanced for your help and sorry this is so long, I’m freaking out…and I talk a lot!!!Virginia
Using an Individual Taxpayer Number (ITIN) To Build Credit
Andrea Stiles Pullas asked:
What is an ITIN?
An ITIN is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) but have earned taxable income. You can apply for an ITIN when filing taxes or when opening a savings account in the United States. ITINs are nine digit numbers, similar to the SSN, that begin with the number 9 and are generated to be used as identification for tax purposes.
Aside from tax payments, an ITIN can also be used to access financial services. Some banks may take the ITIN as part of your identification when you apply for a bank loan or credit card. However, there are limitations to the use of an ITIN from a legal standpoint. The ITIN cannot replace a Social Security Number (SSN), especially when it comes to working rights. The placement of on ITIN on work documents constitutes fraud.
Using an ITIN to Build Credit
Many financial institutions will accept an ITIN as a form of identification to apply for loans and credit cards. By using your ITIN number to apply for loans or credit cards you can begin to establish a credit history in the United States.To make sure that your records get reported correctly with credit reporting agencies, it is important to understand how the agencies operate. The three largest credit bureaus, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, compile a person’s credit history by obtaining information from their creditors such as credit card companies and financial institutions.
They use personal information, such as an SSN, birth date, address, and full name to compile a credit report for each individual. An SSN is a unique number and helps the agencies recognize and verify identity when receiving personal credit report information from
creditors.
When the bureaus receive credit information about an individual with an ITIN number it is possible that they will utilize a combination of their name and address to verify their identity. Therefore, if you are building a credit history with an ITIN number, be sure to always use the same spelling and your full name each time you apply for credit. For example, if Carlos Diaz opens a credit card with Chase and then opens a credit card with Citibank as Carlos Ramon Dias, there may be confusion. The credit agencies might create two different
credit reports – one for Carlos Diaz and one for Carlos Ramon Dias. In addition, each time you change your address it is best to update it with each creditor to ensure that information from your creditors is reported correctly.
Tip: Tax season is a great time to apply for your ITIN. Many free tax preparation sites for lower income individuals will help you apply for free.
Sources:
www.irs.gov
www.nedap.org
Gina
What is an ITIN?
An ITIN is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) but have earned taxable income. You can apply for an ITIN when filing taxes or when opening a savings account in the United States. ITINs are nine digit numbers, similar to the SSN, that begin with the number 9 and are generated to be used as identification for tax purposes.
Aside from tax payments, an ITIN can also be used to access financial services. Some banks may take the ITIN as part of your identification when you apply for a bank loan or credit card. However, there are limitations to the use of an ITIN from a legal standpoint. The ITIN cannot replace a Social Security Number (SSN), especially when it comes to working rights. The placement of on ITIN on work documents constitutes fraud.
Using an ITIN to Build Credit
Many financial institutions will accept an ITIN as a form of identification to apply for loans and credit cards. By using your ITIN number to apply for loans or credit cards you can begin to establish a credit history in the United States.To make sure that your records get reported correctly with credit reporting agencies, it is important to understand how the agencies operate. The three largest credit bureaus, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, compile a person’s credit history by obtaining information from their creditors such as credit card companies and financial institutions.
They use personal information, such as an SSN, birth date, address, and full name to compile a credit report for each individual. An SSN is a unique number and helps the agencies recognize and verify identity when receiving personal credit report information from
creditors.
When the bureaus receive credit information about an individual with an ITIN number it is possible that they will utilize a combination of their name and address to verify their identity. Therefore, if you are building a credit history with an ITIN number, be sure to always use the same spelling and your full name each time you apply for credit. For example, if Carlos Diaz opens a credit card with Chase and then opens a credit card with Citibank as Carlos Ramon Dias, there may be confusion. The credit agencies might create two different
credit reports – one for Carlos Diaz and one for Carlos Ramon Dias. In addition, each time you change your address it is best to update it with each creditor to ensure that information from your creditors is reported correctly.
Tip: Tax season is a great time to apply for your ITIN. Many free tax preparation sites for lower income individuals will help you apply for free.
Sources:
www.irs.gov
www.nedap.org
Gina
What should I do? Breach of personal information?
Posted by admin in Law & Ethics on May 21, 2010
smoke20rules asked:
The home office of my employer’s broker dealer lost my fingerprint card that also contained my date and place of birth, social security number, home address, height, weight, etc. They have offered little explanation as to the situation. I was fingerprinted in 2004 so who knows how long it has been lost and whether it ever made it to their office. Should I be concerned they lost such personal information? Should I pursue any further actions like making them pay for a credit report or monitoring?
Dora
The home office of my employer’s broker dealer lost my fingerprint card that also contained my date and place of birth, social security number, home address, height, weight, etc. They have offered little explanation as to the situation. I was fingerprinted in 2004 so who knows how long it has been lost and whether it ever made it to their office. Should I be concerned they lost such personal information? Should I pursue any further actions like making them pay for a credit report or monitoring?
Dora
A Guide To Reading And Understanding Your Credit Report
Ann Richter asked:
In these days of identity theft, checking out your credit report is a good idea in order to make sure that everything on it is correct. However, once you have your copy in hand, you may be a bit puzzled as to how to decipher all those strange-looking abbreviations and numbers listed on the paper. Take heart – very few people understand how to read a credit report, especially if they are examining one for the very first time. All you need is a simple explanation of the wordage contained to intelligently zip through this information.
What’s In My Credit Report?
You first need to be aware of how a credit report is laid out. These reports normally are divided into four segments of information. These are:
Personal Information that identifies you, like your name and Social Security number, the date you were born, present and past addresses, phone number(s), who you work for, and the same information about your spouse. Public Information lists the data that has to do with your financial history which is available via public record. If you have filed for bankruptcy, had a tax lien, or any sort of monetary judgment against you, it will be listed in this section. Credit History Information is a listing of all the different accounts you have, such as with utility companies, retailers, banks, credit card companies, and other lenders. The Inquiries section is a list of anyone who may have asked to view your credit report. Inquiries are usually divided into two separate sections, hard and soft.
Most of this information is simple to understand. It’s when you start to read the Credit History information that you may wind up with a headache! You’ll see the following entries for each account that you may have:
The date that you opened the account What type of credit (department store, car loan, student loan) Whose name the account is in Loan amount or credit limit The total amount you owe on the account The minimum monthly payment or fixed payment amount Whether the account is open, closed, inactive, or paid Your payment history – late, always on time, etc
Now comes the part that makes most people feel like screaming – all those codes! But, you’ll never have to wonder what they mean again.
J – Joint
I – Individual
U – Undesignated
A – Authorized User
T – Terminated
M – Maker
C – Co-signor
B – On behalf of someone else
S – Shared
O – Open – the entire balance is due monthly
R – Revolving – Each month’s payment amount can be different
I – Installment – The same amount is due each month
0- Approved account, but not yet used
1 – Paid as per agreement
2 – 30 days or more past due
3 – 60 days or more past due
4 – 90 days or more past due
5 – 120 days past due or sent for collection
7 – Making payments as per a special arrangement
8 – Repossession
9 – Charged off
Once you know how to read a credit report, it is simple to check it for mistakes in order to keep your credit standing in good shape.
Kristin
In these days of identity theft, checking out your credit report is a good idea in order to make sure that everything on it is correct. However, once you have your copy in hand, you may be a bit puzzled as to how to decipher all those strange-looking abbreviations and numbers listed on the paper. Take heart – very few people understand how to read a credit report, especially if they are examining one for the very first time. All you need is a simple explanation of the wordage contained to intelligently zip through this information.
What’s In My Credit Report?
You first need to be aware of how a credit report is laid out. These reports normally are divided into four segments of information. These are:
Personal Information that identifies you, like your name and Social Security number, the date you were born, present and past addresses, phone number(s), who you work for, and the same information about your spouse. Public Information lists the data that has to do with your financial history which is available via public record. If you have filed for bankruptcy, had a tax lien, or any sort of monetary judgment against you, it will be listed in this section. Credit History Information is a listing of all the different accounts you have, such as with utility companies, retailers, banks, credit card companies, and other lenders. The Inquiries section is a list of anyone who may have asked to view your credit report. Inquiries are usually divided into two separate sections, hard and soft.
Most of this information is simple to understand. It’s when you start to read the Credit History information that you may wind up with a headache! You’ll see the following entries for each account that you may have:
The date that you opened the account What type of credit (department store, car loan, student loan) Whose name the account is in Loan amount or credit limit The total amount you owe on the account The minimum monthly payment or fixed payment amount Whether the account is open, closed, inactive, or paid Your payment history – late, always on time, etc
Now comes the part that makes most people feel like screaming – all those codes! But, you’ll never have to wonder what they mean again.
J – Joint
I – Individual
U – Undesignated
A – Authorized User
T – Terminated
M – Maker
C – Co-signor
B – On behalf of someone else
S – Shared
O – Open – the entire balance is due monthly
R – Revolving – Each month’s payment amount can be different
I – Installment – The same amount is due each month
0- Approved account, but not yet used
1 – Paid as per agreement
2 – 30 days or more past due
3 – 60 days or more past due
4 – 90 days or more past due
5 – 120 days past due or sent for collection
7 – Making payments as per a special arrangement
8 – Repossession
9 – Charged off
Once you know how to read a credit report, it is simple to check it for mistakes in order to keep your credit standing in good shape.
Kristin
Do online background check companies have my credit information?
Wilson M asked:
Hello,
Hello,
I see that there is a sea of online companies that offer a full and extensive range of background check services, however I was wondering do they also have access to my credit information (i.e. they can provide my credit report or FICO score or social security number)? With identity theft on the rise, I would hate to think that any of these online companies may have any access to my personal credit information.
Yet I do know that some employers do a credit report check on potential employees, yet I would guess that they would have to pull my credit report separately and not rely on a background check company to provide this information?
Wilson
Thank you Amazon and Jethro, I greatly appreciate your answers to my question.
REUBEN