Equifax Letter - legit?

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I know this has been recieved here before, but I didn't see a good resolution.  I just recieved in the mail yesterday, a letter dated March 5, 2012 from "Equifax" statying that "This letter is to notify you that within the last twelve months we have received at least one report that added negative information to your credit file"  And it gives a number to call or I can send in a slip of paper (no return envelope) to them with my SSN, DOB, and signature.

I have ID Theft active from PenFed that just emailed me last week (the 9th) with "no new adverse events" so I don't know if this above info is even accurate.  I haven't DONE anything in the last twelve months, plus when I pulled my reports last in November, they were accurate.

Any thoughts?  Who should I contact to verify this?  Should I pull my free report from annual credit report and check that?

Thanks y'all!

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Hi all,

I know this has been recieved here before, but I didn't see a good resolution.  I just recieved in the mail yesterday, a letter dated March 5, 2012 from "Equifax" statying that "This letter is to notify you that within the last twelve months we have received at least one report that added negative information to your credit file"  And it gives a number to call or I can send in a slip of paper (no return envelope) to them with my SSN, DOB, and signature.

I have ID Theft active from PenFed that just emailed me last week (the 9th) with "no new adverse events" so I don't know if this above info is even accurate.  I haven't DONE anything in the last twelve months, plus when I pulled my reports last in November, they were accurate.

Any thoughts?  Who should I contact to verify this?  Should I pull my free report from annual credit report and check that?

Thanks y'all!

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+1 It sounds like a scam to steal your ID.

TBC

[Anonymous]

Definitely sounds like a scam to me.  You could also try Googling the phone number.  I'd be curious to look into it if you would post it.

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Should I pull my free report from annual credit report and check that?

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Pull this first, and then work with what comes next once you have an answer.

[Anonymous]

I'd be very careful, this has scam written all over it. These guys are getting pretty crafty unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

I'd bet on scam as well.

Much like a lot of people fell for a scam a while back that looked like a Google company when it was really a company called Goog1e.

[crunching_numbers]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Hi all,

I know this has been recieved here before, but I didn't see a good resolution.  I just recieved in the mail yesterday, a letter dated March 5, 2012 from "Equifax" statying that "This letter is to notify you that within the last twelve months we have received at least one report that added negative information to your credit file"  And it gives a number to call or I can send in a slip of paper (no return envelope) to them with my SSN, DOB, and signature.

I have ID Theft active from PenFed that just emailed me last week (the 9th) with "no new adverse events" so I don't know if this above info is even accurate.  I haven't DONE anything in the last twelve months, plus when I pulled my reports last in November, they were accurate.

Any thoughts?  Who should I contact to verify this?  Should I pull my free report from annual credit report and check that?

Thanks y'all!

---

I would call Equifax. Not the number they gave you, but a known Equifax number. Tell them about the letter and what it says. You are not the only person to get this letter whether it is legit or not, and they need to know about it if it is a scam going on in their name. If it IS legit (and I HIGHLY doubt that), then they should be able to help you with whatever the letter is about.

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

Thanks.  I already pulled my report in June, 2011 for Equifax so I can't repull but I will try and call.   Here's the letter in total in case it helps anyone.  I have looked up the number referenced and it has some connection to the company but not sure as they seem to have lots of numbers.  If anyone has one they trust, please pass it along to me.  

The date, as mentioned, is March 5, 2012 and the return address is Equifax PO Box 105891 Atlanta, GA 30348.

"Dear Peach8321:

  Colorado law requires that a consumer reporting agency, such as Equifax, provide each consumer with a disclosure copy of his or her credit file at no charge when one of the following events occurs within a twelve-month period.

1. The consumer reporting agency has received eight credit inquiries pertaining to the consumer (a credit inquiry means, for example, that a bank, finance company or store with which you applied for credit has requested your credit file), or

2. The consumer reporting agency has received a report that adds negative information to a consumer's file (negative information refers to items like payments not made as agreed, an account in collection, a bankruptcy, judgment, lien, or other adverse information).

This letter is to notify you that within the last twelve months we have received at least one report that added negative information to your credit file.

If you would like to receive a free disclosure copy of your credit file, please call toll free 1-800-216-1035.  This is the fastest way to obtain your Equifax credit file.

You may, instead of calling, complete and detach the form below.  Return it to the address listed.  Use of any other address may delay the processing of your request.

Equifax Information Services LLC

As required by Colorado law, please send a free copy of my credit file.

  My Address

 Social Security Number ______________________

 Date of Birth: ____

 Signed ______________Date _______"

The bottom part, starting with "As required" is detachable...there's also a reference number, "08000..." on both parts of the letter.  It came in a plain unmarked envelope with "first-class mail" on it...and in the stamp section, it says "First-Class Mail Presorted U.S. Postaged Paid FIS Output Solutions".

Thanks y'all!

(Edited to add: Can't pull report as I already did so within the last 12 months). 

[Anonymous]

I can't find much info on Google good or bad about that number.  Some other people seemed suspicious, but nothing bad confirmed.  The thing that stands out to me though that there is no such law that they report these things to you like the letter says.  The CRAs have no requirement to notify you of anything that happens on your credit report.  That is why I think it sounds like a scam.

[llecs]

OP, I'd just buy a new report. I wouldn't risk it.