How to Prevent Identity Theft on Credit Applications

Individuals seeking to steal another person's identity use various methods to acquire their victim's personal information. Using credit applications and applying for accounts is one tactic of identity theft. But fortunately, you can protect yourself and stop identity theft on credit applications. Knowing how to protect yourself and you information wards off a host of problems such as a lowered credit score.

Instructions

1

Opt out of pre-screened credit card offers. Credit card companies will pre-screen and send out pre-approved credit card applications to qualified applicants. Stop these unsolicited mailings and reduce the risk of credit applications ending up in the wrong hands. Call 888-5-OPTOUT or opt out online at optoutprescreen.com.

2

Check your credit report for fraud. Start a routine of checking your credit profile for signs of fraud. Annual Credit Report recommends yearly check-ups, and its website offers a free credit report each year from each credit bureau, in accordance with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act.

3

Get automatic alerts. Use a credit report monitoring service to catch identity theft early. Automatic e-mail alerts arrive if someone submits a credit application in your name.

4

Switch to a post office box. Street mailboxes increase the risk of identity theft on credit applications because it's easy for someone to take a pre-approved credit card application. If you choose not to stop these offers, remove mail from outside boxes as soon as it arrives, or have mail delivered to a post office box.