Scam Alert: The Credit Bureau Scheme
Last week, I received a call from someone claiming to be from a credit bureau. They warned that a person in another state had applied for a credit card in my name and said they were calling to help me “secure my accounts.” I knew immediately it was a scam, but I stayed on the line long enough to see where it was headed. Eventually, they asked for my credit card number and expiration date. I declined and hung up. They’ve since called back twice with the same script.
A few red flags made the scam obvious. These are the ones to watch for:
Credit bureaus don’t call consumers: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion provide credit reports, monitoring, and fraud alerts, but they do not call people about suspicious activity.
Caller ID can be spoofed: A scammer can make the call appear as though it’s coming from a legitimate number. I asked for the caller’s name and extension and said I would call back using the phone number listed on the credit bureau’s official website. Never call back the number they give you.
Unsolicited requests for sensitive information are a red flag: A legitimate company will not ask for your credit card number or expiration date out of the blue.
They may know some of your information: This caller had my address, which is publicly available. Even so, I placed a freeze on my credit as a precaution. A freeze prevents anyone—including you—from opening new credit without temporarily lifting it.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Taking a few simple steps can dramatically reduce your risk and give you more control over your financial identity.
Freeze your credit: A credit freeze is one of the most effective tools for preventing new accounts from being opened in your name. If you’re not planning to apply for credit soon, consider placing a freeze with all three bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). Search each site for “security freeze.” It’s free, takes only a few minutes, and can be lifted temporarily whenever you need it.
Check the BBB Scam Tracker: The Better Business Bureau maintains a public database of scams reported across the country. It’s a helpful way to see what’s happening in your area and spot emerging patterns. You can explore it here BBB Scam Tracker.
Report scams to the FTC: If you’ve been targeted or victimized, reporting it helps federal agencies track trends and shut down operations. You can file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at: FTC Scams.
Staying skeptical is one of your best defenses. Scammers rely on urgency, fear, and pressure to push people into quick decisions. If something feels off, pause. Take a breath. Talk it through with someone you trust. And remember, you can always hang up. No legitimate organization will punish you for being cautious.