According to USA Today ^[2], up to 94 MILLION Visa and Mastercard numbers were stolen by hackers by tapping into the computer databases of several major retailers. Included in the list were TJ Maxx, Barnes & Noble, Sports Authority, OfficeMax, Boston Market, BJ’s Wholesale, Forever 21, and Dave & Buster’s. I’ve shopped at many of these places in the last few months, but I don’t worry because my credit is monitored!

How is my credit monitored?

I use Equifax Credit Watch Gold 3-in-1 ^[3] and have since 2004. I am thoroughly pleased with how it works. Not only does Equifax ^[4] monitor my credit report, but they send me an email ANYTIME there is a change to it. That change can be an inquiry, a new account, or a balance change. I don’t have to worry about identity theft surprising me.

Since I have my parameters set to email me based on a percentage change in an account’s balance, I don’t worry about identity theft or security breeches such as the one that affected those 94 million credit card ^[5] holders. It is well worth the small monthly fee to have this peace of mind, particularly after the nightmare I went through with having my identity stolen ^[6] prior to getting Equifax Credit Watch Gold 3-in-1 ^[3].

And here’s an added bonus to using Equifax ^[4] — I can pull my credit report as many times a month if I want. When there’s no news for a calendar month on my credit report, I get a “No news is good news” email from them. Of course everything is customizable to your preferences. By the way, I just got my email …. and nothing is wrong!

^[7]

My identity is safe and it’s a good feeling.

Other benefits:

• Comprehensive credit file monitoring and automated alerts of key changes to your Equifax ^[4], Experian, and TransUnion credit reports
• Wireless alerts and customizable alerts available
• Free 3-in-1 Credit Report and unlimited access to your Equifax ^[4] Credit Report™
• Up to $20,000 Identity Theft Insurance with no deductible (certain limitations and exclusions apply) at no additional charge to you
• Knowledgeable Customer Care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

photo ^[8] credit: Mikey G Ottawa ^[2]

About the author

Ron has written 1082 articles on The Wisdom Journal.

The founder and editor of The Wisdom Journal ^[9] in 2007, Ron has worked in banking, distribution, retail, and upper management for companies ranging in size from small startups to multi-billion dollar corporations. He graduated Suma Cum Laude from a top MBA program and currently is a partner in a national building materials company.

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