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:

 

http://www.equifax.com/EFX_Canada/consumer_information_centre/ownreport_e.html

 

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.

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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:

https://www.econsumer.equifax.com/webapp/ConsumerProducts/pgConsumerProducts?^start=&orderSource=EHW&PP=P3

 

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.

 

This was a major problem in Capilano Mall (where you shop) when Castor was working there before his conviction for murdering Mirhadi at the Esplanade Theater (see http://www.nsnews.com/issue/w031097/03079702.html). 

 

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
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