Consumer Car Buying Advice Blog

Even if you are just beginning your efforts at credit repair you should still be concerned about preventing identity theft

Credit repair

Rebuilding your credit can be tough. We know because our business here at Auto Credit Express is to match up credit-challenged applicants with auto dealers that can help them secure bad credit car loans.

Our web site also provides potential applicants with as much real world information as possible so that they are able to make decisions on how to approach the auto credit repair process, since a poor decision could result in some negative consequences including trapping them in a loan they can’t afford.

This usually results in repossession and, if this happens, the only remaining choice for buyers is a tote the note car dealer. It also means that the credit rebuilding process has to be put on hold for at least a year, since even subprime lenders will only consider an applicant if the repossession listed on a credit reports is over a year old.

This also underscores the need for customers with poor credit to exercise caution when it comes to sharing their personal information online at this critical time.

But a press release from the Texas Society of CPAs reminds us that we need to watch our offline habits, as well.

Identity theft

The press release reminds us that there is more to identity theft than just information tampering online. Here are three tips from TSCPA to help you guard against offline identity theft:

Tip #1: Do away with pre-screened credit card offers.

You see junk mail, thieves see an opportunity to raid your finances. You can opt out of receiving pre-screened credit card offers by calling 1-888-5OPTOUT.

Tip #2: Check your credit report regularly.

Order a free credit report at least once a year from each of the three credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Just go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 877-322-8228. You can space it out to get one copy of your credit report every four months and review them carefully for any unauthorized address changes and new accounts that you didn’t open.

Tip #3: Treat mail with care.

Don’t put bill payments in your home mailbox for pick-up by the mail carrier. Instead, drop them off at the post office. Or, consider installing a locked mailbox at your residence or using a post office box. If you’re going out of town, be sure to contact the U.S. Postal Service and request a vacation hold on your mail.

TSCPA also has more prevention tips, as well as a compilation of online resources, at its web site: www.ValueYourMoney.org

Helping you reestablish your credit

You should also know that at Auto Credit Express we help people experiencing car credit difficulties find a dealer that will treat them with understanding and respect and give them their best chance for an auto loan approval.

So if you really want to get your auto credit on track, you can begin now by filling out our online auto loans application.

Tags: Bad Credit, bad credit car loans, identity theft

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