Guarding Your Credit During Your Move

Guarding Your Credit During Your Move

 

Most people think that moving from one home to another, even in the same city, does not pose any risks to their identity or credit. The truth is that moving actually increases the risk of identity theft and credit damage. With a few efforts to prepare properly, you can safeguard your credit.

 

Important Documents

Keep all of your important documentation with you at all times. An accordion folder can help you keep things organized and within reach. Do not pack these documents. Property deeds, lease agreements, and loan documents should be put in this folder. The folder should also contain any identifying documents such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, and the titles and insurance information for your vehicles. This will help prevent them from getting lost or stolen during the move.

 

Notify the Post Office

You can fill out forms for a change of address and turn them in at your local post office. The official website of the United States Postal Service also allows you to submit your change of address online for a dollar per person. Be wary, however, of websites that claim to do the same thing but charge a lot more money or a monthly fee. It is important to submit this information as soon as possible because it will take the post office a few days to process the information and begin sending your mail to the new address.

 

Social Security

One of the many organizations people forget about is the Social Security Administration. You should call them and provide your new address as well. SSA sends out statements regarding your Social Security information. To prevent someone from getting access to your Social Security number, the organization should always have a current address.

 

Employment

Inform your boss or another appropriate person of your change of address. Although most people have their pay direct deposited, your pay stubs should still have the correct address. The address your employer has on file will also be where your tax documents will be mailed. These documents contain information that can easily be used by identity thieves.

 

Notify Businesses

Call your credit card and loan companies and provide them with the information change. Visit any banks or other financial institutions as well. Again, you must consider the billing cycle and time for processing. If the bill or statement is in printing, it will not be able to be changed until the next printing.

 

Insurances and Doctors

Health, Renter, and Auto insurance companies will need to be provided with your change of address too. Even if your premiums are automatically drafted from your bank account, you will still get invoices and other correspondence mailed to you. It is the same with doctors. Do not wait until your next visit. Call and report the change or go to the office and do it in person.

Identity thieves do not have any problems stealing mail or other important documents. Taking extra precautions with all your personal information can help you prevent costly damage to your credit and possibly years of fighting with companies. As a simple rule of thumb, if you receive mail from the business you should provide your new address as soon as you know it.

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Guarding Your Credit During Your Move

Guarding Your Credit During Your Move

 

Most people think that moving from one home to another, even in the same city, does not pose any risks to their identity or credit. The truth is that moving actually increases the risk of identity theft and credit damage. With a few efforts to prepare properly, you can safeguard your credit.

 

Important Documents

Keep all of your important documentation with you at all times. An accordion folder can help you keep things organized and within reach. Do not pack these documents. Property deeds, lease agreements, and loan documents should be put in this folder. The folder should also contain any identifying documents such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, and the titles and insurance information for your vehicles. This will help prevent them from getting lost or stolen during the move.

 

Notify the Post Office

You can fill out forms for a change of address and turn them in at your local post office. The official website of the United States Postal Service also allows you to submit your change of address online for a dollar per person. Be wary, however, of websites that claim to do the same thing but charge a lot more money or a monthly fee. It is important to submit this information as soon as possible because it will take the post office a few days to process the information and begin sending your mail to the new address.

 

Social Security

One of the many organizations people forget about is the Social Security Administration. You should call them and provide your new address as well. SSA sends out statements regarding your Social Security information. To prevent someone from getting access to your Social Security number, the organization should always have a current address.

 

Employment

Inform your boss or another appropriate person of your change of address. Although most people have their pay direct deposited, your pay stubs should still have the correct address. The address your employer has on file will also be where your tax documents will be mailed. These documents contain information that can easily be used by identity thieves.

 

Notify Businesses

Call your credit card and loan companies and provide them with the information change. Visit any banks or other financial institutions as well. Again, you must consider the billing cycle and time for processing. If the bill or statement is in printing, it will not be able to be changed until the next printing.

 

Insurances and Doctors

Health, Renter, and Auto insurance companies will need to be provided with your change of address too. Even if your premiums are automatically drafted from your bank account, you will still get invoices and other correspondence mailed to you. It is the same with doctors. Do not wait until your next visit. Call and report the change or go to the office and do it in person.

Identity thieves do not have any problems stealing mail or other important documents. Taking extra precautions with all your personal information can help you prevent costly damage to your credit and possibly years of fighting with companies. As a simple rule of thumb, if you receive mail from the business you should provide your new address as soon as you know it.

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"I would like to report that Dror did an excellent job in his first project as foreman in my move today." - Mike, NY