Dear Editor,

A few years back while looking for employment I had my identity stolen, and then was almost sued by a NYC business because of it. The fraudster than tried to do it again from Canada.

People’s identities are being used to apply for various loans, to open up accounts, etc. Most personal information is public record. However, access to credit bureau scores isn’t, and this is what businesses and financial institutions look at when making decisions. I see it every day in my government work. Everyone, especially the elderly, even deceased persons’ information, are targets.

A Freeze on your credit score prevents access by fraudsters because whoever you applied with has to contact you at a certain number you’ve provided, and ask self-identifying questions in order to temporarily remove the Freeze. Go online to Experian, the major credit reporting bureau (experian.com) or call Experian (888-397-3742). It takes 5 minutes or less. And, share this information with everyone you know. From my personal and business experience, most people do not know about this.

Sincerely,

Atashnaa Medicineshield Werner
Nederland