With that said, since they don't really monitor everything that's added to the account...it's best to keep checking the report via paper then. It's a shame they can easily add things to files that are not correct, but it's difficult for the individual to remove. By the time you prove it shouldn't be there, it's over 60 days. What a headache!

Oh well, it's best to keep on top our files. Is there such a thing as checking your own file too often I wonder?....

I don't believe in paying for identity theft stuff. Making sure the person who is applying for credit is me is the lender's responsibility.

Also identity theft products will not accomplish what you need. Your fear is that a collection will be added to your report. Most identify theft products only monitor for new credit applications and hard inquiries.

I'm sure they will express you enough to sign up after the thirty day trial. I bet they will show you a bunch of charts that your need a forensic scientist to figure it out lol.

That's true that they've found a way to make money. Everyone is so freaked out over Identity Theft, etc. At least they let you try it for 30 days no charge first. Will evaluate further and then decide.

These systems are not bulletproof and I would save your money. I believe they have these security features in place already for free and now they found a way to make money off it.

It is expensive; but I just found out that Capital One offers a system similar to Equifax called Capital One Alert. They actually check BOTH agencies in Canada for the same fee. So there seems to be hope here. I'm on the telephone with them now trying to find out more details.

The monitoring service is a little expensive for what it is.

The fraud service is of no use for your purpose.

I don't like the idea of giving Equifax money but there is really no other way to get the information in your credit report on a regular basis. You get one free by mail credit report a year but that is not enough in my opinion. I buy a score power every few months. They are about $24 and I think a better option than the monitoring as you get to choose how often (You can get the report without the score for less). Paying every month seems like overkill.

It's too bad really. People are using the system to protect themselves. If it's as automated as they say, then if the consumer's email and telephone number is on file...it takes nothing to notify them by automation.

To sign up for their "fraud" service ...to put a note on the file for a creditor to call the owner of the file is somewhere in the area of $5.95. Not sure what you get with that service. It's just depressing really. People trying to help themselves, only to get caught up in Bureau policies.

I wouldn't pay equifax $12.95 for this service. Equifax should have this service built into there software and if a consumer is getting too many hits, it should notify the consumer right away at no cost to the consumer. All the consumer should have to do is have an updated telephone number on file.

The fee of $12.95 is their monitoring fee for their "Credit Watch" Program. You can't sign up online with notes on your credit file. It flags the system as an alert.

The statement is a personal statement regarding incorrect information on the file.

In order to qualify and sign up for the "Credit Watch" program, the statement has to be removed, then put back on the file along with any other notes.