Pennsylvania Private Eye

Private Detective Radio!

2009-01-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

Jeffrey Peter Hauck will be on the air hosting the program "Private Detective Live!"

Set your Internet browser to and listen in at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/private-eye.

Air date of February 27th, 2009 at 3:00 PM EST.

Segment Title: The Pro Se Litigant: Representing Oneself in the Legal Realm.

Description: Many people need legal services and when they cannot afford to pay for a qualified attorney they choose to represent themselves. They are known as pro se litigants and represent a growing trend.

Special Guest: Lorelei Broskey, MLS

Guests Callers Please Dial: (646)-915-9249.

Know Your Rights With Regard to Free Credit Reports.

2008-11-08T10:21:00.000-08:00

The Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck,

Licensed Private Detective

Post Office Box 142
Macungie, PA 18062

Website: www.private-eye.homestead.com

Telephone:484-274-3909

E-Mail: pa.detective@gmail.com

Office Hours:

Available for contact at ALL times. Please call.

Report (infra) reprinted from the Federal Trade Commission website.

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How To Access Your Free Credit Reports

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The FCRA promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation’s consumer reporting companies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the FCRA with respect to consumer reporting companies.

A credit report includes information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you’ve been sued or arrested, or have filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home.

Here are the details about your rights under the FCRA and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act, which established the free annual credit report program.

Q: How do I order my free report?

A: The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up a central website, a toll-free telephone number, and a mailing address through which you can order your free annual report.

To order, visit annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. The form is on the back of this brochure; or you can print it from ftc.gov/credit. Do not contact the three nationwide consumer reporting companies individually. They are providing free annual credit reports only through annualcreditreport.com, 1-877-322-8228, and Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

You may order your reports from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies at the same time, or you can order your report from each of the companies one at a time. The law allows you to order one free copy of your report from each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies every 12 months.

A Warning About “Imposter” Websites

Only one website is authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit report you are entitled to under law — annualcreditreport.com. Other websites that claim to offer “free credit reports,” “free credit scores,” or “free credit monitoring” are not part of the legally mandated free annual credit report program. In some cases, the “free” product comes with strings attached. For example, some sites sign you up for a supposedly “free” service that converts to one you have to pay for after a trial period. If you don’t cancel during the trial period, you may be unwittingly agreeing to let the company start charging fees to your credit card.

Some “imposter” sites use terms like “free report” in their names; others have URLs that purposely misspell annualcreditreport.com in the hope that you will mistype the name of the official site. Some of these “imposter” sites direct you to other sites that try to sell you something or collect your personal information.

Annualcreditreport.com and the nationwide consumer reporting companies will not send you an email asking for your personal information. If you get an email, see a pop-up ad, or get a phone call from someone claiming to be from annualcreditreport.com or any of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies, do not reply or click on any link in the message. It’s probably a scam. Forward any such email to the FTC at spam@uce.gov.

Q: What information do I need to provide to get my free report?

A: You need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you have moved in the last two years, you may have to provide your previous address. To maintain the security of your file, each nationwide consumer reporting company may ask you for some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment. Each company may ask you for different information because the information each has in your file may come from different sources.

Q: Why do I want a copy of my credit report?

A: Your credit report has information that affects whether you can get a loan — and how much you will have to pay to borrow money. You want a copy of your credit report to:

make sure the information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date before you apply for a loan for a major purchase like a house or car, buy insurance, or apply for a job.
help guard against identity theft. That’s when someone uses your personal information — like your name, your Social Security number, or your credit card number — to commit fraud. Identity thieves may use your information to open a new credit card account in your name. Then, when they don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report. Inaccurate information like that could affect your ability to get credit, insurance, or even a job.

Q: How long does it take to get my report after I order it?

A: If you request your report online at annualcreditreport.com, you should be able to access it immediately. If you order your report by calling toll-free 1-877-322-8228, your report will be processed and mailed to you within 15 days. If you order your report by mail using the Annual Credit Report Request Form, your request will be processed and mailed to you within 15 days of receipt.

Whether you order your report online, by phone, or by mail, it may take longer to receive your report if the nationwide consumer reporting company needs more information to verify your identity.

There also may be times when the nationwide consumer reporting companies receive a high volume of requests for credit reports. If that happens, you may be asked to re-submit your request. Or, you may be told that your report will be mailed to you sometime after 15 days from your request. If either of these events occurs, the nationwide consumer reporting companies will let you know.

Q: Are there any other situations where I might be eligible for a free report?

A: Under federal law, you’re entitled to a free report if a company takes adverse action against you, such as denying your application for credit, insurance, or employment, and you ask for your report within 60 days of receiving notice of the action. The notice will give you the name, address, and phone number of the consumer reporting company. You’re also entitled to one free report a year if you’re unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days; if you’re on welfare; or if your report is inaccurate because of fraud, including identity theft. Otherwise, a consumer reporting company may charge you up to $10.50 for another copy of your report within a
12-month period.

To buy a copy of your report, contact:

Equifax:1-800-685-1111; equifax.com
Experian: 1-888-397-3742; experian.com
TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800; transunion.com

Under state law, consumers in Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont already have free access to their credit reports.

Q: Should I order a report from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies?

A: It’s up to you. Because nationwide consumer reporting companies get their information from different sources, the information in your report from one company may not reflect all, or the same, information in your reports from the other two companies. That’s not to say that the information in any of your reports is necessarily inaccurate; it just may be different.

Q: Should I order my reports from all three of the nationwide consumer reporting companies at the same time?

A: You may order one, two, or all three reports at the same time, or you may stagger your requests. It’s your choice. Some financial advisors say staggering your requests during a 12-month period may be a good way to keep an eye on the accuracy and completeness of the information in your reports.

Q: What if I find errors — either inaccuracies or incomplete information — in my credit report?

A: Under the FCRA, both the consumer reporting company and the information provider (that is, the person, company, or organization that provides information about you to a consumer reporting company) are responsible for correcting inaccurate or incomplete information in your report. To take full advantage of your rights under this law, contact the consumer reporting company and the information provider.

Tell the consumer reporting company, in writing, what information you think is inaccurate.

Consumer reporting companies must investigate the items in question — usually within 30 days — unless they consider your dispute frivolous. They also must forward all the relevant data you provide about the inaccuracy to the organization that provided the information. After the information provider receives notice of a dispute from the consumer reporting company, it must investigate, review the relevant information, and report the results back to the consumer reporting company. If the information provider finds the disputed information is inaccurate, it must notify all three nationwide consumer reporting companies so they can correct the information in your file.

When the investigation is complete, the consumer reporting company must give you the written results and a free copy of your report if the dispute results in a change. (This free report does not count as your annual free report under the FACT Act.) If an item is changed or deleted, the consumer reporting company cannot put the disputed information back in your file unless the information provider verifies that it is accurate and complete. The consumer reporting company also must send you written notice that includes the name, address, and phone number of the information provider.

Tell the creditor or other information provider in writing that you dispute an item. Many providers specify an address for disputes. If the provider reports the item to a consumer reporting company, it must include a notice of your dispute. And if you are correct — that is, if the information is found to be inaccurate — the information provider may not report it again.

Q: What can I do if the consumer reporting company or information provider won’t correct the information I dispute?

A: If an investigation doesn’t resolve your dispute with the consumer reporting company, you can ask that a statement of the dispute be included in your file and in future reports. You also can ask the consumer reporting company to provide your statement to anyone who received a copy of your report in the recent past. You can expect to pay a fee for this service.

If you tell the information provider that you dispute an item, a notice of your dispute must be included any time the information provider reports the item to a consumer reporting company.

Q: How long can a consumer reporting company report negative information?

A: A consumer reporting company can report most accurate negative information for seven years and bankruptcy information for 10 years. There is no time limit on reporting information about criminal convictions; information reported in response to your application for a job that pays more than $75,000 a year; and information reported because you’ve applied for more than $150,000 worth of credit or life insurance. Information about a lawsuit or an unpaid judgment against you can be reported for seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out, whichever is longer.

Q: Can anyone else can get a copy of my credit report?

A: The FCRA specifies who can access your credit report. Creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use the information in your report to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home are among those that have a legal right to access your report.

Q: Can my employer get my credit report?

A: Your employer can get a copy of your credit report only if you agree. A consumer reporting company may not provide information about you to your employer, or to a prospective employer, without your written consent.

For More Information

To file a complaint or to get free information on other consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

If You Are A Victim of Identity Theft...

2008-10-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

If you are a victim of identity theft or anytime that you suspect fraud you should place a fraud alert with all three credit reporting agencies. They will place a 90-day alert on your account, which can be extended. They will also send you a copy of your report to be sure there aren't any other problems. These are the contact numbers to report fraud:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285.

Experian: 1-888-397-3742.

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289.

You can never err by being too cautious. It is better to report a possible fraud attempt and be wrong, than not to report one and allow the problem to grow and fester causing greater future problems.

Scared? Threatened? Police or Attorney Can't or Won't Help? Call Us Today!

2008-09-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

The Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck, Licensed Private Detective, with an office in Macungie, serves the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

We are sensitive and responsive to the particular needs of our individual clients, whether they are individual, legal, or corporate.

We are experienced and here to help you. Contact our office for a free consultation at Tel: 484-274-3909.

Website: www.private-eye.homestead.com
E-mail: pa.detective@gmail.com

PRIVATE DETECTIVE SURVEILLANCE & WORKERS' COMPENSATION SERVING THE LEHIGH VALLEY AND ALL OF PENNSYLVANIA !

2008-08-31T06:25:00.000-07:00

The Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck proudly serves The Lehigh Valley community and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at large, as well as select international customers offering the finest in private detective, risk assessment and management and investigation services. Our unparalleled service, competitive prices, and overall value are why our customers keep returning. We look forward to your patronage.

The Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck is a Pennsylvania licensed private detective agency. The agency is bonded and insured, and serves individuals, government, business, and the legal profession statewide and internationally.

Our office is located in the eastern portion of the Commonwealth in Macungie. It is a full service agency that provides investigations, pre-employment background profiles, forensic data retrieval, physical security surveys, employee termination assistance, electronic countermeasures, and more.

Our office has assisted private citizens, law offices, & businesses with investigations, witness statements & interviews, persons locate services, photographic evidence, fire origin and cause determination, death investigations, police report reviews, trademark infringements issues, and the service of process.

We believe that your satisfaction should be guaranteed. Call us for a free consultation at Tel: 484-274-3909

Our motto is "Cerca Trova," Latin for "seek and you shall find!"

The Office of Jeffrey-Peter Hauck, JD

Private Detective

Post Office Box 142
Macungie, PA 18062

Telephone: 484-274-3909

E-Mail: E-mailto: pa.detective@gmail.com
Website: www.private-eye.homestead.com

Available for contact at ALL times. Please call.

The Roles of the Private Detective are Expanding.

2008-07-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

Cyberstalking Arrest

By Holly Wagner, WINK News

Story Created: Jan 8, 2008 at 5:42 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jan 9, 2008 at 6:24 AM EDT

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Teens using the Internet are being policed by more than just police. A private investigating firm working across the country helped the Lee County Sheriff's Office make an arrest here in Southwest Florida.

The private investigators are out of California and Detective Chris Shoap says they were on MySpace working on another case.

Detective Shoap says they found the page of a Southwest Florida teen who deputies say made some very serious threats. A page put together by a teen that goes by the user name, Bloody Bon3. A teen who is now charged with cyberstalking for using MySpace to threaten other people.

"I'm so glad the private investigators found it and let us know about it," says Detective Shoap.

Shoap says the messages are gang related. Because of the tip, The sheriff's office was able to interrupt a brawl scheduled to go down at a public library in Lehigh Acres.

"His intentions were definitely to make good on his threats, no doubt in my mind" said Shoap. Detective Shoap won't elaborate on the threats made other than to say the teen wanted to fight.

We went and tracked the teen down, we're not identifying the teen because he's underage but he says he was simply retaliating.

"I don't stalk people." the teen said. "They told me they were going to kill my mom, I told them to come see me."

The teen claims he asked the people in so many words (some derogatory words) to come and see him at the library.

"He didn't show, I got arrested." says the teen. Now he's facing cyberstalking charges.

Detective Shoap says this investigation isn't over. He says they're working on more leads in the case. Detective Shoap says all of the teens involved have been in trouble with the law before.

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Clearly the roles of the Private Detective are expanding. In society where law enforcement budgets are held static the Private Detective is being employed to produce results. Call today to see why you should consult with a Licensed Private Detective in the Philadelphia, Metro, Mainline, and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania areas.

The Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck
Licensed Private Detective

Post Office Box 142
Macungie, PA 18062

Tel: 484-274-3909
E-mail: pa.detective@gmail.com
Website: www.private-eye.homestead.com

NEW WEBSITE: www.private-eye.homestead.com

2008-07-09T17:57:00.000-07:00

The Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck, Licensed Private Detective has just launched an updated website after a professional consultation. Our agency was looking for a website design that was simple to navigate and which provided the necessary information in a clear and understandable manner to potential clients. We think the new format is aesthetically pleasing and should serve our needs well.

Please visit our website at: www.private-eye.homestead.com for more information.

Remember, when you need the proper information to make an informed decision, contact the Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck, Licensed Private Detective. Sometimes you need an advocate who works for you and represents your interests alone! Call for a free consultation.

The Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck
Licensed Private Detective
Post Office Box 142
Macungie, PA 18062

Tel: 484-274-3909
E-mail: pa.detective@gmail.com

Serving Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley and all of Pennsylvania. International clients are welcomed.

STEPS TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT

2008-07-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States of America. You must take steps to protect yourself. The Office of Jeffrey-Peter Hauck, Licensed Private Detective wants you to be safe. Please review these guidelines from The Federal Trade Commission to protect you and your loved ones:
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What are the steps I should take if I'm a victim of identity theft?

If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following four steps as soon as possible, and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all correspondence.

1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, and review your credit reports.

Fraud alerts can help prevent an identity thief from opening any more accounts in your name. Contact the toll-free fraud number of any of the three consumer reporting companies below to place a fraud alert on your credit report. You only need to contact one of the three companies to place an alert. The company you call is required to contact the other two, which will place an alert on their versions of your report, too. If you do not receive a confirmation from a company, you should contact that company directly to place a fraud alert.

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-525-6285 end_of_the_skype_highlighting; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

Once you place the fraud alert in your file, you're entitled to order one free copy of your credit report from each of the three consumer reporting companies, and, if you ask, only the last four digits of your Social Security number will appear on your credit reports. Once you get your credit reports, review them carefully. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain. Check that information, like your Social Security number, address(es), name or initials, and employers are correct. If you find fraudulent or inaccurate information, get it removed. See Correcting Fraudulent Information in Credit Reports to learn how. When you correct your credit report, use an Identity Theft Report with a cover letter explaining your request, to get the fastest and most complete results.

Continue to check your credit reports periodically, especially for the first year after you discover the identity theft, to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.

2. Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

Call and speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each company. Follow up in writing, and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents. It's important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company received and when. Keep a file of your correspondence and enclosures.

When you open new accounts, use new Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers.

If the identity thief has made charges or debits on your accounts, or has fraudulently opened accounts, ask the company for the forms to dispute those transactions:

For charges and debits on existing accounts, ask the representative to send you the company's fraud dispute forms. If the company doesn't have special forms, use the sample letter to dispute the fraudulent charges or debits. In either case, write to the company at the address given for "billing inquiries," NOT the address for sending your payments.
For new unauthorized accounts, you can either file a dispute directly with the company or file a report with the police and provide a copy, called an “Identity Theft Report,” to the company.

If you want to file a dispute directly with the company, and do not want to file a report with the police, ask if the company accepts the FTC’s ID Theft Affidavit (PDF, 56 KB). If it does not, ask the representative to send you the company's fraud dispute forms.
However, filing a report with the police and then providing the company with an Identity Theft Report will give you greater protection. For example, if the company has already reported these unauthorized accounts or debts on your credit report, an Identity Theft Report will require them to stop reporting that fraudulent information. Use the cover letter to explain to the company the rights you have by using the Identity Theft Report. More information about getting and using an Identity Theft Report can be found here.

Once you have resolved your identity theft dispute with the company, ask for a letter stating that the company has closed the disputed accounts and has discharged the fraudulent debts. This letter is your best proof if errors relating to this account reappear on your credit report or you are contacted again about the fraudulent debt.

3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

You can file a complaint with the FTC using the online complaint form; or call the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline, toll-free: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261; or write Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580. Be sure to call the Hotline to update your complaint if you have any additional information or problems.

By sharing your identity theft complaint with the FTC, you will provide important information that can help law enforcement officials across the nation track down identity thieves and stop them. The FTC can refer victims' complaints to other government agencies and companies for further action, as well as investigate companies for violations of laws the agency enforces.

Additionally, you can provide a printed copy of your online Complaint form to the police to incorporate into their police report. The printed FTC ID Theft Complaint, in conjunction with the police report, can constitute an Identity Theft Report and entitle you to certain protections. This Identity Theft Report can be used to (1) permanently block fraudulent information from appearing on your credit report; (2) ensure that debts do not reappear on your credit report; (3) prevent a company from continuing to collect debts that result from identity theft; and (4) place an extended fraud alert on your credit report.

4. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.

Call your local police department and tell them that you want to file a report about your identity theft. Ask them if you can file the report in person. If you cannot, ask if you can file a report over the Internet or telephone. See below for information about Automated Reports.
If the police are reluctant to take your report, ask to file a "Miscellaneous Incident" report, or try another jurisdiction, like your state police. You also can check with your state Attorney General's office to find out if state law requires the police to take reports for identity theft. Check the Blue Pages of your telephone directory for the phone number or check www.naag.org for a list of state Attorneys General.

When you go to your local police department to file your report, bring a printed copy of your FTC ID Theft Complaint form, your cover letter, and your supporting documentation. The cover letter explains why a police report and an ID Theft Complaint are so important to victims.

Ask the officer to attach or incorporate the ID Theft Complaint into their police report. Tell them that you need a copy of the Identity Theft Report (the police report with your ID Theft Complaint attached or incorporated)to dispute the fraudulent accounts and debts created by the identity thief. (In some jurisdictions the officer will not be able to give you a copy of the official police report, but should be able to sign your Complaint and write the police report number in the “Law Enforcement Report” section.)

What is a fraud alert?
There are two types of fraud alerts: an initial alert, and an extended alert.

An initial fraud alert stays on your credit report for at least 90 days. You may ask that an initial fraud alert be placed on your credit report if you suspect you have been, or are about to be, a victim of identity theft. An initial alert is appropriate if your wallet has been stolen or if you've been taken in by a "phishing" scam. With an initial fraud alert, potential creditors must use what the law refers to as “reasonable policies and procedures” to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name. However, the steps potential creditors take to verify your identity may not always alert them that the applicant is not you. When you place an initial fraud alert on your credit report, you're entitled to order one free credit report from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies, and, if you ask, only the last four digits of your Social Security number will appear on your credit reports.
An extended fraud alert stays on your credit report for seven years. You can have an extended alert placed on your credit report if you've been a victim of identity theft and you provide the consumer reporting company with an Identity Theft Report. An automated Identity Theft Report, such as the printed ID Theft Complaint available from this Web site, should be sufficient to obtain an extended fraud alert. With an extended fraud alert, potential creditors must actually contact you, or meet with you in person, before they issue you credit. When you place an extended alert on your credit report, you're entitled to two free credit reports within twelve months from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies. In addition, the consumer reporting companies will remove your name from marketing lists for pre-screened credit offers for five years unless you ask them to put your name back on the list before then.

To place either of these alerts on your credit report, or to have them removed, you will be required to provide appropriate proof of your identity: that may include your Social Security number, name, address and other personal information requested by the consumer reporting company.

As mentioned, depending on the type of fraud alert you place, potential creditors must either contact you or take reasonable steps to verify your identity. This may cause some delays if you're trying to obtain credit. To compensate for possible delays, you may wish to include a cell phone number, where you can be reached easily, in your alert. Remember to keep all contact information in your alert current.

What does a fraud alert not do?

While a fraud alert can help keep an identity thief from opening new accounts in your name, it’s not a solution to all types of identity theft. It will not protect you from an identity thief using your existing credit cards or other accounts. It also will not protect you from an identity thief opening new accounts in your name that do not require a credit check – such as a telephone, wireless, or bank account. And, if there’s identity theft already going on when you place the fraud alert, the fraud alert alone won’t stop it. A fraud alert, however, can be extremely useful in stopping identity theft that involves opening a new line of credit.

What is a credit freeze?

Many states have laws that let consumers “freeze” their credit – in other words, letting a consumer restrict access to his or her credit report. If you place a credit freeze, potential creditors and other third parties will not be able to get access to your credit report unless you temporarily lift the freeze. This means that it’s unlikely that an identity thief would be able to open a new account in your name. Placing a credit freeze does not affect your credit score – nor does it keep you from getting your free annual credit report, or from buying your credit report or score.

Credit freeze laws vary from state to state. In some states, anyone can freeze their credit file, while in other states, only identity theft victims can. The cost of placing, temporarily lifting, and removing a credit freeze also varies. Many states make credit freezes free for identity theft victims, while other consumers pay a fee – typically $10. It’s also important to know that these costs are for each of the credit reporting agencies. If you want to freeze your credit, it would mean placing the freeze with each of three credit reporting agencies, and paying the fee to each one.

You can find more information about credit freeze laws specific to your state by clicking here, including information on how to place one.

Who can access my credit report if I place a credit freeze?

If you place a credit freeze, you will continue to have access to your free annual credit report. You’ll also be able to buy your credit report and credit score even after placing a credit freeze. Companies that you do business with will still have access to your credit report – for example, your mortgage, credit card, or cell phone company – as would collection agencies that are working for one of those companies. Companies will also still be able to offer you prescreened credit. Those are the credit offers you receive in the mail that you have not applied for. Additionally, in some states, potential employers, insurance companies, landlords, and other non-creditors can still get access to your credit report with a credit freeze in place.

Can I temporarily lift my credit freeze if I need to let someone check my credit report?

If you want to apply for a loan or credit card, or otherwise need to give someone access to your credit report and that person is not covered by an exception to the credit freeze law, you would need to temporarily lift the credit freeze. You would do that by using a PIN that each credit reporting agency would send once you placed the credit freeze. In most states, you’d have to pay a fee to lift the credit freeze. Most states currently give the credit reporting agencies three days to lift the credit freeze. This might keep you from getting “instant” credit, which may be something to weigh when considering a credit freeze.

What does a credit freeze not do?

While a credit freeze can help keep an identity thief from opening most new accounts in your name, it’s not a solution to all types of identity theft. It will not protect you, for example, from an identity thief who uses your existing credit cards or other accounts. There are also new accounts, such as telephone, wireless, and bank accounts, which an ID thief could open without a credit check. In addition, some creditors might open an account without first getting your credit report. And, if there’s identity theft already going on when you place the credit freeze, the freeze itself won’t be able to stop it. While a credit freeze may not protect you in these kinds of cases, it can protect you from the vast majority of identity theft that involves opening a new line of credit.

What’s the difference between a credit freeze and a fraud alert?

A fraud alert is another tool for people who’ve had their ID stolen – or who suspect it may have been stolen. With a fraud alert in place, businesses may still check your credit report. Depending on whether you place an initial 90-day fraud alert or an extended fraud alert, potential creditors must either contact you or use what the law refers to as “reasonable policies and procedures” to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name. However, the steps potential creditors take to verify your identity may not always alert them that the applicant is not you.

A credit freeze, on the other hand, will prevent potential creditors and other third parties from accessing your credit report at all, unless you lift the freeze or already have a relationship with the company. Some consumers use credit freezes because they feel they give more protection. As with credit freezes, fraud alerts are mainly effective against new credit accounts being opened in your name, but will likely not stop thieves from using your existing accounts, or opening new accounts such as new telephone or wireless accounts, where credit is often not checked. Also, only people who’ve had their ID stolen – or who suspect it may have been stolen, may place fraud alerts. In some states, anyone can place a credit freeze.

What is an Identity Theft Report?

An Identity Theft Report is a police report with more than the usual amount of detail. The Identity Theft Report includes enough detail about the crime for the credit reporting companies and the businesses involved to verify that you are a victim—and to know which accounts and inaccurate information came from identity theft. Normal police reports often don’t have many details about the accounts that were opened or misused by identity thieves.

The printed copy of your ID Theft Complaint Form can provide additional details for the police report. The police are not legally required to use the FTC’s ID Theft Complaint Form as part of their report. Your police department may have another way to incorporate the details of your crime. In these cases, the police report by itself may serve as an Identity Theft Report.
When you file your Identity Theft Report, the credit reporting companies will permanently block fraudulent information from appearing on your credit report. Filing an Identity Theft Report with the credit reporting companies or with the companies where the thief used your information should ensure that these debts do not reappear on your credit report. An Identity Theft Report can prevent a company from continuing to try to collect debts that result from identity theft, or sell those debts to others for collection. It also allows you to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report. The credit reporting companies may decline your Identity Theft Report if it does not contain enough detail for them to verify that you are a victim of identity theft. In that case, the credit reporting companies have certain timeframes for responding to your Identity Theft Report with requests for additional information.

Creating and using an Identity Theft Report may require two steps:

Step One begins with filing your report with a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency. These agencies may include your local police department, your State Attorney General, the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, the FTC, or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Some state laws require local police departments to take reports, but there is no law requiring federal agencies to take a report.

In your report, you should give as much information as you can about the crime, including anything you know about the dates of the identity theft, the fraudulent accounts opened and the alleged identity thief. It may help you give the necessary level of detail if you file an online complaint with the FTC, and then ask your local police department to incorporate a copy of the printed ID Theft Complaint into its police report.

Step Two begins when you send the businesses involved and the credit reporting companies a copy of your Identity Theft Report, which you should do by certified mail, return receipt requested. The companies may ask you to give them more information or documentation to help them verify your identity theft. They have to make their request within 15 days of receiving your Identity Theft Report. The credit reporting company or business then has 15 more days to work with you to make sure your Identity Theft Report contains everything they need. They are also entitled to five days to review any information you give them. For example, if you give them information 11 days after they request it, they have until day 16 to make a final decision.

How do I get an Identity Theft Report?
The officer taking your police report can attach or incorporate your ID Theft Complaint into their police report to add more detail. Ask the officer to give you a copy of the official police report that incorporates or attaches your ID Theft Complaint. In some places the officer will not be able to give you a copy of the official police report, but should be able to sign a copy of your ID Theft Complaint and write the police report number in the “Law Enforcement Report” section. Be sure to keep a copy of the police report number
The police are not legally required to use the FTC’s ID Theft Complaint Form as part of their report. Your police department may have another way to include all the details of your identity theft information in their police report. In these cases, the police report by itself may serve as an Identity Theft Report.

Because the detailed Identity Theft Report is required for you to get many important protections, you may wish to use the Law Enforcement Cover Letter to explain to the police department how important it is for you to get a police report – as well as the legal protections that a detailed Identity Theft Report gives you.

How do I submit my Identity Theft Report to the credit reporting companies, or to businesses where the thief used my information?

When you send a copy of your Identity Theft Report to the fraud departments of the three major credit reporting companies, include a copy of the credit reporting company cover letter, along with copies of your supporting documentation. Send your information by certified mail with return receipt requested. The mailing addresses for sending Identity Theft Reports to the three major credit reporting companies are on the cover letter.
When writing to the fraud departments of each of the companies where the identity thief has committed fraud using your personal information, include copies of the Identity Theft Report, your supporting documentation, and the appropriate cover letter: for fraud on your existing accounts, or for fraud on new accounts. Always send this information by certified mail, with a return receipt requested.

The credit reporting companies have certain timeframes for responding to your Identity Theft Report with requests for additional information.

What do I do if the police only take reports about identity theft over the Internet or telephone?

The FTC ID Theft Complaint has a special section for police reports that are not filed face-to-face, to help you use it to supplement an automated police report. If you file a police report online or over the phone, complete the “Automated Report Information” block of the ID Theft Complaint. Attach a copy of any filing confirmation received from the police.
If you have a choice, however, you should file your police report in person and not use an automated report. It is more difficult for the consumer reporting company and information provider to verify the information in an automated report, and they will likely require additional information and/or documentation.

What do I do if the local police won't take a report?

There are efforts at the federal, state and local level to ensure that local law enforcement agencies understand identity theft, its impact on victims, and the importance of taking a police report. However, we still hear that some departments are not taking reports. The following tips may help you to get a report if you're having difficulties:

Provide the officer with a copy of the Law Enforcement Cover Letter that explains why the police report and the Identity Theft Report are so important to both victims and industry.
Furnish as much documentation as you can to prove your case. Debt collection letters, credit reports, a copy of your printed ID Theft Complaint, and other evidence of fraudulent activity can help demonstrate the legitimacy of your case. Provide the police a copy of "Remedying the Effects of Identity Theft," which shows that police reports are necessary to secure your rights.
Be persistent if local authorities tell you that they can't take a report. Stress the importance of a police report; many creditors require one to resolve your dispute. Remind them that consumer reporting companies will automatically block the fraudulent accounts and bad debts from appearing on your credit report, but only if you can give them a copy of the police report. In addition, a police report may be needed to obtain the fraudulent application and other records the company has.
If you're told that identity theft is not a crime under your state law, ask to file a Miscellaneous Incident Report instead.
If you can't get the local police to take a report, try your county police. If that doesn't work, try your state police.

Some states require the police to take reports for identity theft. Check with the office of your State Attorney General, which can be found at www.naag.org, to find out if your state has this law.

How do I prove that I'm an identity theft victim?

Applications or other transaction records related to the theft of your identity may help you prove that you are a victim. For example, you may be able to show that the signature on an application is not yours. These documents also may contain information about the identity thief that is valuable to law enforcement. By law, companies must give you a copy of the application or other business transaction records relating to your identity theft if you submit your request in writing, accompanied by a police report.

Should I apply for a new Social Security number?

Under certain circumstances, the Social Security Administration may issue you a new Social Security number - at your request - if, after trying to resolve the problems brought on by identity theft, you continue to experience problems. Consider this option carefully. A new Social Security number may not resolve your identity theft problems, and may actually create new problems. For example, a new Social Security number does not necessarily ensure a new credit record because credit bureaus may combine the credit records from your old Social Security number with those from your new Social Security number. Even when the old credit information is not associated with your new Social Security number, the absence of any credit history under your new Social Security number may make it more difficult for you to get credit. And finally, there's no guarantee that a new Social Security number wouldn't also be misused by an identity thief.

____________________________________________________________________
For more information go to:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/defend.html

The Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck
Licensed Private Detective
Post Office Box 142
Macungie, PA 18062

Tel: 484-274-3909
E-mail: pa.detective@gmail.com
Website: www.private-eye.homestead.com

PENNSYLVANIA PRIVATE - EYE

2008-07-05T03:18:00.000-07:00

The Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck is a Pennsylvania licensed private detective agency. The Agency is bonded and insured, and serves individuals, government, business, and the legal profession.

Our office in Macungie is located in the Eastern part of the state. It is a full service agency that provides investigations, pre-employment background profiles, forensic data retrieval, physical security site surveys, employee termination assistance, electronic countermeasures, and more. Our office has assisted private citizens, law offices & businesses with investigations, witness statements & interviews, persons locate services, photographic evidence, fire origin and cause determination, death investigations, police report reviews, service of process, and more.

We believe that your satisfaction should be guaranteed. Call us for a free consultation at Tel: 484-274-3909. Alea Lacta Est!

The Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck
Licensed Private Detective
Post Office Box 142
Macungie, PA 18062

Website: www.private-eye.homestead.com
E-mail: pa.detective@gmail.com

Licensed Private Detective Serving the Lehigh Valley and Beyond!

2008-06-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

Although the media has made the term "Private Investigator (PI)" a household one, in Pennsylvania only a Licensed Private Detective can conduct or authorize a private investigation. The terms are synonymous and mean the same thing. Looking in the Yellow Pages under both headings will reveal qualified personnel to help you.

Please contact the Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck to assist you with your investigative needs.

The Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck
Licensed Private Detective
Post Office Box 142
Macungie, PA 18062

Tel: 484-274-3909
E-mail: pa.detective@gmail.com
Website: www.private-eye.homestead.com

WHEN YOU NEED TO KNOW!

2008-06-08T06:27:00.001-07:00

Contact a professional licensed private detective for all of your professional and personal needs today. Jeffrey Peter Hauck is a professional private detective licensed and bonded in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Available at any time to assist citizens, businesses, and professionals alike, when you need someone on your side to investigate for your needs for any reason contact Jeffrey-Peter Hauck today. Free case consultation. E-mail: pa.detective.com or Telephone: 484-274-3909. The Office of Jeffrey-Peter Hauck
Private Detective
Post Office Box 142
Macungie, PA 18062

Website: Www.private-eye.homestead.com.

Free Evaluation of Your Case & Needs.

2008-06-05T17:39:00.001-07:00

Send the details of your particular situation and private detective needs by e-mail to: privatei4u@msn.com. The details will be compiled into a profile and action plan and sent back to you at no charge. Reasonable rates will be included and you can make an informed decision.

Your initial telephone consultation is free so there is no obligation on your part!

Payment in the forms of cash, check, and all credit cards are accepted. Get the peace of mind you need and deserve today!

The Office of Jeffrey-Peter Hauck
Private Detective
Post Office Box 142
Macungie, PA 18062

Tel: 484-274-3909

E-mail: pa.detective@gmail.com
Website: http://priavte-eye.homestead.com

The Office Of Jeffrey-Peter Hauck

2008-03-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

The office of

Jeffrey-Peter Hauck

Licensed Private Detective

Post Office Box 142

Macungie, PA 18062

Please call for an appointment

Direct: 484-274-3909

Jeffrey-Peter Hauck, Principal,

Simone Fabre, Confidential Assistant

Website: http://private-eye.homestead.com.

Private Detective Services In the Greater Lehigh Valley.

2008-01-21T16:12:00.000-08:00

"ALEA LACTA EST"

The die is cast. Let fate take it's course. The game is afoot. All maxims
fashioned so as to infuse a sense of preparation or lack thereof. That is where the
services of a Licensed Private Detective become involved.

Let a professional hear your needs and offer a strategy and course of action to bring you the results and information necessary to achieve your goal.

Get someone in your corner who will focus on your needs alone.

Contact Tel: 484-274-3909 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 484-274-3909 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

E-mail: pa.detective@gmail.com

The Office of Jeffrey-Peter Hauck
Licensed Private Detective
Post Office Box 142

Macungie, PA 18062

PRIVATE DETECTIVE SERVICES --- When You Need Someone On Your Side!

2008-01-08T17:28:00.001-08:00

PENNSYLVANIA SERVICES:

Do you require information and need to know? Do you have a civil situation that you cannot take to the police? Do you need someone to listen to your problems and focus only on you? Then perhaps you need to speak to a private detective.

Services offered:

1. Investigations:

Litigation Support
Interview / Statement Taking
Person Location
Pre-Employment
Surveillance
Trademark Infringement
Elder Visitations
Mystery Shopping

2. Process of Service.

3. Record Searches.

4. Security:

Personal
Business
Risk Assessments
Employee Termination Assistance
Internal Thefts
Executive Protection

5. Law office assistance:

Legal research.
Paralegal services.

Call Tel: 484-274-3909 and leave your name, telephone number, and reason for calling with the service. Your telephone call will be returned promptly.

All consultations and investigations are completely confidential.

Fully licensed and bonded.

As part of our mission statement it is our goal not deny any professional services to any client for any reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, sexual preference or national origin. To maintain the standards established in the Pennsylvania Private Detective Act and to act with integrity and professionalism while being responsive to you, the client.

E-mail: pa.detective@gmail.com
Website: www.private-eye.homestead.com

The Office of Jeffrey-Peter Hauck
Licensed Private Detective

Post Office Box 142
Macungie, PA 18062

/s/ Jeffrey Peter Hauck, JD, CPO, CII

A REFERRAL SITE FOR YOUR INVESTIGATIVE NEEDS IN PENNSYLVANIA, THE "STATE OF INDEPENDENCE."

2008-01-08T16:42:00.001-08:00

pa.detective@gmail.com

Do you need someone to listen to your problems and focus only on you? Do you require information and need to know? Do you have a civil situation that you cannot take to the police? Then perhaps you need to speak to a private detective. Throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania I can assist you with all aspects of:

Law office assistance.
Legal research.
Service of process.
Investiations.

Services offered:

1. Investigations:

Litigation Support
Interview / Statement Taking
Person Location
Pre-Employment
Surveillance
Trademark Infringement
Elder Visitations
Mystery Shopping

2. Process of Service

3. Record Searches

4. Security

Personal
Business
Risk Assessments
Employee Termination Assistance
Internal Thefts
Executive Protection

Please telephone 484-274-3909 today!

All consultations and investigations are completely confidential.

Fully licensed and bonded.

As part of our mission statement it is our goal not deny any professional services to any client for any reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, sexual preference or national origin. To maintain the standards established in the Pennsylvania Private Detective Act and to act with integrity and professionalism while being responsive to you, the client.

E-mail: pa.detective@gmail.com
Website: www.private-eye.homestead.com

Jeffrey Peter Hauck

Contact Information For Investigation Requests in the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania:

2008-01-04T11:56:00.000-08:00

To request an investigation or for a free consultation please telephone 484-274-3909 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 484-274-3909 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Please e-mail queries to: pa.detective@gmail.com

Please mail information by USPS or queries to:

The Office of JeffreyPeter Hauck,
Licensed Private Detective
Post Office Box 142
Macungie, PA 18062

Website: http://private-eye.homestead.com.

What are the basic elements of the investigative process?

2008-01-03T13:18:00.000-08:00

For the Private Detective the basic elements of the investigative process include recognition, collection, preservation, and evaluation of information. Broken down into component/examples they are:

Recognition: Information relating to a crime must be recognized as such by the investigator. Examples include drops of blood at an assault scene, a neighbor who viewed a burglary, and the bank records of a drug dealer.

Collection: Relevant information must also be collected by the investigator. Examples include scraping the dry blood, interviewing the neighbor, and reviewing the dealer's bank records.

Preservation: The information must be preserved to ensure its physical and legal integrity. Examples include sealing the blood scrapings in an evidence bag, obtaining a sworn statement from the neighbor, and obtaining copies of the dealer's bank records.

Evaluation: The information must be evaluated by the investigator to determine its worth. Examples include recognition that blood of a common type is of little value, the ability of the neighbor to pick the offender from a lineup, and bank records that clearly indicate deposits of money far in excess of the suspect's salary.

These excerpts were taken from the text: "Practical Handbook for Private Investigators" by author Rory J. McMahon , pp 129-30 (2001).

The Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck
Licensed Private Detective

Post Office Box 142
Macungie, PA 18062

Tel: 484-274-3909 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 484-274-3909 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
E-mail: pa.detective@gmail.com
Website: www.private-eye.homestead.com

Private Detective Serving Eastern Pennsylvania.

2008-01-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

Greetings! I would like to introduce you to the Office of Jeffrey Peter Hauck, Private Detective. Our Office is a fully licensed and bonded agency based out of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.

My services are available throughout Pennsylvania and I will travel to any area.

Do you need someone to listen to your problem and focus attention only on you as the client? Perhaps you need a private detective.

Services offered:

1. Investigations:

(including)
Litigation Support
Interview / Statement Taking
Person Location
Pre-Employment
Surveillance
Trademark Infringement
Elder Visitations
Mystery Shopping

2. Process of Service

3. Record Searches

4. Security

(including)
Personal
Business
Risk Assessments
Employee Termination Assistance
Internal Thefts
Executive Protection

Please telephone 484-274-3909 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 484-274-3909 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

All consultations and investigations are completely confidential.

Fully licensed and bonded.

As part of our mission statement it is our goal not to deny any professional services to any client for any reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, sexual preference or national origin. To maintain the standards established in the Pennsylvania Private Detective Act and to act with integrity and professionalism while being responsive to you, the client.

Thank you for inquiring. I look forward to serving your needs with professionalism and confidence.

/s/ Jeffrey Peter Hauck, JD, CPO, CII

E-mail: pa.detective@gmail.com

Send queries or considerations by mail to:

The Office of Jeffrey-Peter Hauck
Licensed Private Detective
Post Office Box 142
Macungie, PA 18062
www.private-eye.homestead.com
E-mail: pa.detective@gmail.com