Be A Credit Detective

When Marisa Gal?n checked her credit report, she noticed accounts that were not hers, but thought nothing of it. What she didn't know, however, was that these accounts were culprits that were negatively affecting her credit-and her ability to get a loan at her local bank.

Your credit score is a reflection of every piece of information on your credit report-whether it's yours or not! Be sure to review your reports from all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union) for accuracy once a year and several months before applying for a loan. Over 70% of individuals are victims of at least one credit error often because a report is incomplete, contains information about someone else, or is out-of date. For example, if someone else has the same name as you do, their credit information may mistakenly be included on your credit report. Don't be a victim! If you notice an error on your credit report, you have the right to have it investigated and corrected.

Credit experts at ACCION suggest that you send the credit agency a dispute letter to initiate an investigation (visit http://yourmoney.accion.org to download a sample dispute letter). Include copies (not originals) of documents that support your position and prove your identity. Send your dispute letter and all relevant documentation via certified mail. Don't remain silent: clearly identify each item in your report that you dispute, state the facts, and explain why you dispute the information, and request deletion or correction.

Credit reporting agencies must investigate the claim within 30 days, and if the information proves to be inaccurate, all three credit reporting agencies must correct the information. If an error isn't found immediately, don't give up hope- you may also contact the creditor directly to resolve the problem. As a last resort, you have the right to tell your side of the story in a 100 word explanation attached to your credit report.

So go ahead and start investigating-it's your credit, after all!

Your Money & You Staff have written a series of tax related articles. For additional information on related topics, visit yourmoney.accion.org

The Private Detective

Jack had always wanted to be a private detective. When he was young, he was always snooping into business that did not concern him. His parents used to tease him that one day he would grow up to be either a cop or a criminal.

Jack was living his dream. His reputation as a private detective proceeded him, and his services were highly sought after by both the private community and law enforcement.

Jack was working on a difficult case. His target was always one step ahead of him, and he could not seem to make any headway. All he needed was one little break and he could get the jump on Sloan.

Sloan was a rich kid who figured he could do anything he wanted, that he was above the law. This type of person incensed Jack, making him more determined to bring him to justice.

Sloan liked to hang out in bars, and that is where Jack spent most of his time. Sitting in the shadows of dimly lit bars, waiting to seize any opportunity that came along.

One afternoon, after months of following Sloan, Jack got his wish. Sloan, having a little too much to drink, got up leave the bar. When he attempted to put his cell phone, which was on the bar, into, it?s holder, he dropped it on the floor. The cell phone battery slid across the floor and stopped within inches of Jack. He knew instantly that this was the moment he had been waiting for.

Jack knew that if he could get the identification number of the cell phone, he would be able to build a case against Sloan.

Jack quickly scooped up the battery and snapped a picture of it with his cell phone camera. His only hope was that there was enough light in the bar for the camera to take a clear picture.

He walked over to Sloan, who was stumbling around looking for the battery pack and swearing under his breath. ?Here ya go buddy,? he said passing the battery pack to Sloan as he walked toward the door.

Sloan slurred a quick ?thanks? to Jack, but he was already out the door.

Jack quickly made his way back to his office, anxiously waiting to see if the camera took a clear enough picture.

When he realized that he could just make out the serial number of Sloan?s cell phone, he was elated.

Jack quickly went to work and installed recording software on Sloan?s phone. Now every call that Sloan made or received would be recorded. Jack would finally be able to make sure that Sloan was prosecuted.

After several weeks of listening to Sloan?s phone calls, Jack got the break he was waiting for. Sloan and his associates were caught in the act of buying large amounts of drugs to sell on the streets.

Jack was proud of himself for thinking of the telephone spyware software, and because he was not part of any law enforcement agencies, the transcripts were allowed at the trial.

Jack solved his case, and Sloan went to prison.
Jack was satisfied that Sloan was no longer above the law.

Mary Potter is an Agony Aunt for a small regional womens magazine. For information about this software or other like it please try one of these links http://www.thespyshop.ws or http://www.globalspystore.com