my sister has a problem with her credit report?

Question

there is a few accounts on her report that were not made by her. The problem is they were made by someone she knows and doesnt want to get them in trouble. Is there a way she can lock her social security number without a report against this person. Thanks

Answer 1

Either she reports the fraud, or she lives with it - it's up to her.

Answer 2

I am a certified credit counselor and would like to answer your question. Your sister can help her situation without getting the other person in trouble. Another answer cover a fraud alert which is a great thing to do. You will also want to go to the websites of the credit bureaus that are reporting and fill out a dispute. You want to inform the the credit reporting agencies that this was not your account and that it needs to be removed.

Experian, Transunion, and Equifax will then contact the creditors to find out if it is a valid debt. Your sister may want to let them know that it was due to fraud, and that the legal aspects of the matter are being handled. They may need documentation, if that is the case the debt will have to be paid.

The dispute process can take 30-45 days, if at the end of that time the accounts are still on the report she can request them to get removed at that point the accounts should come off.

Keep in mind they call the creditors to verify the account, if the creditor states it is a valid debt your sister will have to pay for the bills that where incured. At that point perhaps she can make payment arrangements with the friend to correct the situation.

Make sure you encourage your sister not to ignore the account, this will cause alot of problems.

If there is anything else I can help with feel free to email me at [e-mail]

Answer 3

I think everyone here has pretty much covered the fact that someone using your personal info to get credit is a thief. It's certainly your sister's choice if she wants to report it or not.

Starting on Nov.1, all states will allow you to put a freeze on your credit. That completely shuts it down, even to you. You'll have to have the PIN number the credit reporting agency gave you to unlock it.

Depending on what state you live in, it can cost up to $10 at each agency - Equifax, Experian, TransUnion. If you're a victim of identity theft and have reported it, you can freeze it for no charge.

Below is a link telling the difference between a credit freeze and a fraud alert and how to go about doing it.

Answer 4

You can't not lock the social security, but you may contact three credit bureaus and file a fraud alert for 1-10 years on her report. She also allow to file alert on her credit report by contact her before any new account ope on her credit report.. Family members and friends are always the one hurting. Soon or later that person comitted the crime will be caught. Maybe not by your sister, but other people. He or she must learn the mistake. Your sister need to contact three major credit bureaus to fix any errors, other wise will remain in report 7 - 10 years. If she don't do it.. she may have trouble in the futher for any major purchase...good luck!

Answer 5

She has to report the person if she would like her credit report updated. She will need to let the card companies know that it was done by someone she knows. What does she mean she doesn't want to get them in trouble? They knew they were wrong when they committed i.d theft. Bad credit is nothing she will want to live with. This will affect her future and she needs to act now or just deal with not getting approved for any loans or credit offers.

Answer 6

Without filing charges against this person for fraud, the accounts are all yours. Even worse, if you chose to not do anything about them, not only will they ruin your credit (and prevent you from getting an auto/mortgage loan) but, they could also affect you insurance rates and even your ability to get a JOB in the future! It gets worse. Those creditors could come after you to pay those debts. Some even go as far as pursuing judgments in civil courts! That could lead to your wages being garnished at work or liens against property you own.

And all because you don't want to get someone in trouble? In my opinion you should nail that person to the wall for even thinking about doing that to you, let alone doing it!

Answer 7

Your sister can put a fraud alert on her credit reports. This will cause new creditors to verify her identity before new credit is opened up. By default they will give you a 90 day fraud alert. She can get an extended fraud alert for 7 years however for that they require a police report.

Now as to this "other person". This person committed fraud. Unless your sister turns them in, SHE will be responsible for all the charges. If she fails to pay the charges the companies can go after HER in court.

Answer 8

is it a family member i know ppl who do this to their kids or siblings for example---like parents putting utilities in their childrens name.. heck my sister order something from catalog under my name i was 14 she was 13 and i ended up having to pay it when i turned 19 because i had no idea that was on there. there was interest and charges and everything. i understand when you say you dont want to report that person. but sometimes you may have to or get a new ssn. if thats possible since that person prob. knows her info. maybe call the credit bureaus and report fraud if she really never opened those accounts...k.. good luck

Answer 9

I think she would have to report the person, the most important thing is to clear her name.

Besides, the last thing she needs to be concerned about is protecting someone that comitted credit card/bank account/social security fraud against her.

Answer 10

If she considers this person a friend, she isn't thinking straight - the person sure has no consideration for her, to put her in this situation. If it's a relative, even worse.....

At a minimum she should talk to the person and really read them the riot act and insist that they pay off whatever is hanging. Being nice about it all will just guarantee that they'll do it again.

Answer 11

If she does not report the crime when she discovers it, she becomes responsible for any debts incurred by this person on those accounts she didn't open. She NEEDS to report it, before they dig her into a financial hole she won't be able to get out of.