Online Personal Credit Reports & Credit Scores

Fighting identity theft in the military

Dear Audrey,

I am a young sailor in need of help. I think I might be a victim of identity theft. I just got married before I was sent on deployment and my wife brought to my attention that she noticed some strange accounts. I am saving up to buy a house and with ruined credit I fear I might not be eligible. Will I have to pay back the debts related to these fraudulent accounts?

I am currently serving aboard an aircraft carrier assigned on duty protecting the west. I am only 22 and have heard about identity theft but never thought it would affect me. I would be really upset if someone was using my identity because it is hard out here and this makes it worse.

Ricardo M.

Dear Ricardo,

Identity theft in the military is becoming both increasingly common and increasingly difficult for soldiers affected. Military personnel encounter unique identity theft cases ranging from credit card fraud to major identity theft cases. These identity theft problems can be especially difficult for military members to correct while stationed away from home.

In your situation, I suggest ordering your 3-in-1 Credit Report online as soon as possible. Check your report for suspicious accounts, changes in your mailing address and late payments. If you find something suspicious on your credit report, your first step should be to contact the creditor directly to have the account closed and removed from your report. You will not be held responsible for any of the fraudulent charges in most situations. It may be difficult for you to contact the creditors because their toll-free numbers do not work from outside the US, but try emailing or have a family member with legal power of attorney make the calls.

While you are working on contacting the creditors directly, ask one of the three credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on your credit record. This alert will advise potential creditors and lenders to fully check your identity before allowing new accounts to be opened in your name. You only need to call one agency to have the fraud alert placed on all three reports. You may want to file disputes online to have inaccurate information removed from your credit report. Your legal assistance office may also be able to assist you with your case.

If you have trouble ordering through our online system or need assistance send an email to military@truecredit.com to receive special information and advice for military personnel.

With a little work, you should be able to remove the fraudulent accounts from your credit report and place a fraud alert to protect your identity while you are away. When you return to the US, take a close look at your credit and personal finance records to see if there have been any other instances of fraud.

Best wishes,

Audrey O'Dell