How to Stop Checks to Your Credit Rating Without Your Permission

You have found some disquieting entries on your credit reports, and when you followed up with the credit reporting agencies, you learned that different companies had pulled your credit without your knowledge or permission. Each inquiry lowers your credit score. Aside from this effect, if your private credit information is widely spread, it makes it easier for someone to steal your identity. You do have legal recourse to prevent unwanted credit checks.

Instructions

1

Educate yourself regarding applicable credit laws in your state. You should be able to find this information on the state attorney general's website for your state.

2

Order current copies of your credit report from all three credit reporting agencies---TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. You are eligible for one free credit report annually from each agency.

3

Contact all three credit reporting agencies, either by toll-free number or by letter, and request that a freeze be put on your credit report. Once this freeze is in effect, only certain people or agencies may access your credit report without your permission. These include companies with which you already have credit, persons who already have permission from you, government agencies, potential employers and anyone who is monitoring your credit with your permission.

4

Let the credit reporting agencies know if you've been the victim of identity theft. If so, they will place the freeze on your credit report at no charge to you. If you have not been the victim of identity theft, these agencies are permitted to charge a fee for placing the freeze on your history.