Advice on getting my 1st credit report

[poochie909 0]

I wonder if anyone can help me out with this?

I tried to get a credit report but all of the 3 credit bureaus say they are having problems verifying my identity.

I originally went to annualcreditreport.com and put in my SS#, current address and previous address, name, DOB etc...I was surprised to see some questions asking me to confirm details of a mortgage opened in July 2008 and repayment rates. I clicked 'none of the above' and was told I couldn't get my report because of the answers I had given.

After going to all the credit bureaus separately I got the same message. I did a little research and got worried about identity theft. The advice on most sites say to register a 'fraud alert' with one of the bureaus and contact police/and FTC once you find out if/where you have been victim of id theft.

Since then I have been trying to get my credit report to get details whether my SS# has been compromised to go on to the next step but am getting nowhere.

Ive left messages on automated phone services requesting a report..no response.

Ive faxed Transunion my bank statement with current address/2 gov issued ID cards..called them everyday to get a "call back in 48 hours"

The only response Ive got is an email from Equifax confirming a fraud alert and advising me to alert the other 2 bureaus

I'm confused because I guess the problem is I have moved from the address that I applied for my SS card with. Ive tried making requests using only my original address, only my current, both..same result 'can not verify ID'

Each agency has different requirements for verification by mail, including W2 or pay stubs (which I don't have because I'm still looking for work), and all 3 ask for for me to mail copies all of my most important id docs (which I have recently learned is a big package of pain if it falls into the wrong hands) and say it will be 15 days before I even KNOW if I've be defrauded.

Basically If anyone has had this problem or knows the best way to verify my id and get a credit report ASAP so I can find out if I'm worrying over nothing I would really really REEEALLY appreciate it.

Sorry this is so long. thanks in advance.

Edited March 11, 2010 by poochie9990

[Obama 2012 1,714]

How long ago did you last move?

I've had a problem with getting my report online because of that before.

Their system takes a few months to update after you move and it might be difficult to get verified.

The system will try and 'trick' you into saying you have certain types of loans open, how much they are for, etc... but I wouldn't worry too much about something actually being on your report.

If you call Experian, Equifax, and Transunion, they can talk to you and mail you a physical copy of your report if you can't do it online. They might ask you to mail something in as you were saying, but if they can't verify online, then this probably is your only option.

You might be able to order it online by paying for it through each agency, because a credit card is one way they can verify your identity as well...... that's if they have enough based on the information given anyway.

Edited March 11, 2010 by Paul and Vanessa

[poochie909 0]

Thanks alot for the reply. We moved to NJ from NY in July and I updated my address with USCIS then. I'm now wondering if i should have updated my address with SS as well..just never occurred to me.

Since trying online I realized that these may be trick questions because they were asking about stuff well before I even moved here...but thanks for confirming that.

Thanks for the advice I'll try the pay option with my credit card because its registered to my current address.

The most frustrating part of all this has been trying to actually talk to a human about what to do and get advice.

How long ago did you last move?

I've had a problem with getting my report online because of that before.

Their system takes a few months to update after you move and it might be difficult to get verified.

The system will try and 'trick' you into saying you have certain types of loans open, how much they are for, etc... but I wouldn't worry too much about something actually being on your report.

If you call Experian, Equifax, and Transunion, they can talk to you and mail you a physical copy of your report if you can't do it online. They might ask you to mail something in as you were saying, but if they can't verify online, then this probably is your only option.

You might be able to order it online by paying for it through each agency, because a credit card is one way they can verify your identity as well...... that's if they have enough based on the information given anyway.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Thanks alot for the reply. We moved to NJ from NY in July and I updated my address with USCIS then. I'm now wondering if i should have updated my address with SS as well..just never occurred to me.

Since trying online I realized that these may be trick questions because they were asking about stuff well before I even moved here...but thanks for confirming that.

Thanks for the advice I'll try the pay option with my credit card because its registered to my current address.

The most frustrating part of all this has been trying to actually talk to a human about what to do and get advice.

Usually the only people you ever need to update your address with are: utility companies, credit cards, and then of course your drivers liscense. The credit cards themselves will actually report your address to the credit bureaus in most cases. Now, not all credit cards report/take info from each bureau though.

Updating with the SS office itself isn't really necessary as they won't have any other dealings with you personally in most cases. They have no connection with your 'credit' at all actually.

It is a good idea though, once you are able to get 'in' to the credit bureaus, to make sure all of your personal information is updated. If it's not, then it will make it harder for those who you might try and obtain credit from (or a bank account from in some cases) to verify your identity. Most use the same methods the credit bureaus use verify your identity. Which is what's on the report itself.

Everything from your current address, previous address, phone numbers, etc. is on your report as well as employment history. So it's a good idea to keep this updated.

[poochie909 0]

Still having no luck. Did some research online about the services these bureaus force you into when you pay for a report/score.

Experien tried to sell me some service from consumerinfo.com which has hundreds of complaints. Transunion tried to sell me Truecredit.com with the same deal. Freecreditreport.com has had so much bad press it's a joke.

Went for myFico.com because it looks like the credit scores from the others can be inaccurate and got the same message about unable to verify ID. Hopefully I'll be able to talk to a human on their customer support line in the morning.

Usually the only people you ever need to update your address with are: utility companies, credit cards, and then of course your drivers liscense. The credit cards themselves will actually report your address to the credit bureaus in most cases. Now, not all credit cards report/take info from each bureau though.

Updating with the SS office itself isn't really necessary as they won't have any other dealings with you personally in most cases. They have no connection with your 'credit' at all actually.

It is a good idea though, once you are able to get 'in' to the credit bureaus, to make sure all of your personal information is updated. If it's not, then it will make it harder for those who you might try and obtain credit from (or a bank account from in some cases) to verify your identity. Most use the same methods the credit bureaus use verify your identity. Which is what's on the report itself.

Everything from your current address, previous address, phone numbers, etc. is on your report as well as employment history. So it's a good idea to keep this updated.

[Ladylethal 12]

So far in the first 3 years here in PR I haven't been able to get mine either. About to try again.

[Ladylethal 12]

Just to came to add that this time I was finally able to view my report through Experian, since now I've been living here for over 3 years and have 2 accounts and a credit card.

[poochie909 0]

myfico.com were great. It cost me $11 but was worth it for piece of mind. Customer service were really helpful and just needed some info from my wife's credit card bill (she put my name on as evidence for our USCIS interview).

Since she had pretty good credit I get the same score, so not so much pressure to build my own up from scratch.

Next stop secured credit card from a credit union.

Thanks for your help. This site really is great...I Don't know how we would've got through this whole immigration process with out the support on here.