Sample Letter to Credit Reporting Bureau or Agency to Help Prevent Identity Theft

The name 623 dispute method refers to section 623 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The method allows you to dispute a debt directly with the creditor in question as long as you have already filed your complaint with the credit bureau and completed their process.

The cost of identity theft protection is a personal expense and is not tax deductible.

Here's the truth about a 609 letter: they absolutely do work in many cases. But, just like with credit report disputes, there's no guarantee it will actually work.

Check all your financial accounts for errors or suspicious activity. Enroll in a credit monitoring service. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. Consider freezing your credit. Alert the authorities. Always use strong passwords and be aware of information you give out.

You have limited liability for fraudulent debts caused by identity theft. Under most state laws, you're not responsible for any debt incurred on fraudulent new accounts opened in your name without your permission. Under federal law, the amount you have to pay for unauthorized use of your credit card is limited to $50.

Equifax. Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services. 800-685-1111. Experian. Experian.com/help. 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742) Transunion. TransUnion.com/credit-help. 888-909-8872.

To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes, review your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you'll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.

Password-Protect Your Devices. Use a Password Manager. Watch Out for Phishing Attempts. Never Give Out Personal Information Over the Phone. Regularly Check Your Credit Reports. Protect Your Personal Documents. Limit Your Exposure.

You may want to enclose a copy of your credit report with the items in question circled. Send your letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document that the credit bureau received your correspondence. Keep copies of your dispute letter and enclosures.