Credit Monitoring Services for Military Families
Everyone can be vulnerable to a data breach. It happens to the government, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), big companies, and maybe even to you. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has found that service members are three times more likely than civilians to have their identity stolen.
Don’t let these breaches leave your military family scrambling.
Instead of waiting for the next breach or your identity to be stolen, military families can sign up for free credit monitoring services now.
Free Credit Monitoring for the Service Members
Starting in October 2019, service members on active duty orders and in the National Guard were given access to free, electronic credit monitoring from the big three credit reporting agencies (CRAs). That means that the service member in your family can get free credit monitoring with proof of service through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These three CRAs proactively work to detect signs of identity fraud, alerts you to changes in your credit score and report, and gives you access to a credit report every thirty days.
Don’t wait to take action. While some companies may offer free credit monitoring for a limited time after they’ve sustained a breach in data that affects you, signing up for free credit monitoring now with these CRAs proactively protects your military family.
Solutions for Military Family Members
While free credit monitoring is only for the service member, there are ways other family members can ensure their credit is protected. Under normal circumstances, each family member has access to one free annual credit report from each of the big three CRAs.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these protections have been expanded and you can now receive a credit report for free each week through April 2021.
What if I find errors on my report or my identity is stolen?
If you find incorrect information on your credit report, contact the CRA in writing so they can investigate the discrepancy. If your identity has been stolen, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website to file a report and get on the road to recovery.
By: Jen Davis, Government Relations Deputy Director
