For years we have eschewed having more than two credit
cards, due to the knowledge that limiting the number of places where
sensitive personal information dwells, is a level of protection against
abuse, including identity theft. A recent experience where we did apply
for a credit account only later to find out that there was an unwanted 'group
credit insurance policy' attached to the account. Receipt of 'insurance
documents' was followed by a phone call from the insurer's 'credit office',
asking a plethora of very personal questions. We refused to answer
some, believing they were an unnecessary invasion of privacy, and not
necessary to the matter at hand. The phone conversation ended with our
firm request that the credit account and insurances be canceled. We are
left with returning all documents to the business.
The situation caused us to consider the implications of
information already 'out there' and available to various businesses, and if
the information is accurate. So my question is: how does a
private citizen find out what credit information is 'on file' with credit
agencies for use by businesses having access? And if he should find
such a file to be inaccurate, how to go about getting it corrected?
WXXX XXXXXXXXX
North Vancouver, B.C.
David Ingram replies:
You can get a copy of your Canadaian credit report
online from EQUIFAX at:
This is / should be the same report that a creditor would
obtain if you were applying for credit.
The fee is $14.95 Canadian.
If you find errors, you would then deal with Equifax to get
them corrected.
----------------------
Because you are an Ameican citizen living in Canada with
business assets in the US, I should also add that Equifax has a 30 day free
trial and then a $70.00 a year service to monitor your credit and notify you
of any changes to your file or new credit issued.
You can check this out at:
It is a sad state of affairs that suuch a service would be
necessary but I would highly recommned it to anyone who travels or who uses
multiple cards. It is so easy to misplace one or leave one behind and
it does not matter how closely you monitor your card, it is easy to have a
third person distract you while a clerk does a double swipe.
david
David Ingram -
www.centa.com
the CEN-TA Group
US / Canada / Mexico Income Tax and Working Visa Matters
108-100 Park Royal South
West Vancouver, BC, CANADA
V7T 1A2
(604) 913-9133 Fax (604) 913-9123
Cell (604) 657-8451 10 AM to 10 PM 7 days a week
