In a nutshell, I got a credit alert last year for “Potentially negative information” tied to my bank. When I read the alert information, the details showed that I was 30 days past due on a credit card that was closed a few months ago. This struck me as odd since I had never been late on any credit card payments in my life – let alone one that was already closed. To add salt to the wound, my credit score dropped substantially a few days later – over 65 points! Naturally, I freaked out and called my bank to find out what was going on.

After speaking to the bank representative, I found out that there was a nominal balance on that credit card related to fraudulent activity that occurred a few months prior. The balance did not appear at the time I paid off the card before closing the account.

After explaining the situation, the credit card company immediately cleared the balance since it did not originate from me. I contacted all three credit bureaus to get that incorrect, potentially negative information removed and my credit score shot up soon after.

Long story short, without my trusty monitoring product, I would have never have known about the potentially negative information that the bank inadvertently posted on my credit report. Not only that, but I would not have known about the dramatic point drop in my credit score, which could have impacted my interest rate if I was applying for a home loan or a new credit card.

Situations like this make me really appreciate what credit monitoring can do for me. If I had not been alerted, I would not have been able to quickly resolve the issue and keep my high credit score.

 

 

Christine K. was an actual employee at freecreditscore.com. This story is hers… really hers. Every story differs.

This article is provided for general guidance and information. It is not intended as, nor should it be construed to be, legal, financial or other professional advice. Please consult with your attorney or financial advisor to discuss any legal or financial issues involved with credit decisions.

Published by permission from ConsumerInfo.com, Inc.  © 2013 ConsumerInfo.com, Inc.  All rights reserved.