Aunnika**says**THANK YOU** asked:


First of all – in the past few months or so there has been a surge in fake pop ups stating that the person’s Antivirus program is out of date and people are clicking on this and adding MORE viruses etc,….

Second – here is the latest Security Internet Alert from Homeland Security-

Fake Antivirus Software Circulating
added September 16, 2008 at 12:30 pm

US-CERT is aware of public reports indicating an increase in the instances of fake antivirus software circulating. These software applications are malicious code, not legitimate antivirus applications. These instances of malicious code are noted as being distributed through spam email messages containing malicious links, instant messages containing malicious links, private messages on social networking sites, infection from other malware, and from visiting compromised websites.

Quite often, this malware attempts to convince users that there is something wrong with their systems. This leads to an attempt persuade the users into purchasing an illegitimate antivirus application. If the user purchases the bogus software, the attacker may be able to obtain personal and credit card information for use in additional scams and fraudulent activity.

US-CERT encourages users to perform the following preventative measures to help mitigate the risks:

* Install legitimate antivirus software from a trusted vendor, and keep its virus signature files up-to-date.
* Do not follow unsolicited web links found in email messages or instant messages.
* Use caution when visiting untrusted websites.
* Do not install untrusted software.

I would like to know why there is so much advice to download free software in this section when there is clearly an issue in this area….a big issue.
It is recommended to ensure legitimacy. So what’s up?

Brad

Scott Paul asked:




It seems these days there are hundreds and hundreds of sites that claim to be able to get you your free credit report with no strings attached. However this is not the case. Most site will actually have you enter your credit card information and have you commit to purchasing some kind of product from them before having you get you credit report. Granted some sites can be very helpful and paying a little extra may not be a bad thing if you can afford it, but it sure can be annoying if you are just looking to get your normal free credit report and having to jump through lots and lots of hoops to get it.

Here are a few tips on where to go to find a free credit report without a credit card. First thing to note is that no matter where you go you are going to be asked for information to prove your identity, however this doesn’t mean you need to give out your credit card information. The main thing to remember is that you are guaranteed a free credit report every year from one of each of the three credit bureaus.

You will need to give your name, birth date, social security number, previous addresses if you have moved, employment history, and some security questions. If you go online and make sure you go directly to a legit credit bureau site to make sure you don’t have to jump through hoops. Otherwise you can always go through a toll free number, or mail in directly to one of the credit bureaus.

Florence

David Millers asked:




Customers who want their credit report often need to know how to get their free credit report with no credit card needed. Many companies on the Internet may say that their report is free to you, but you eventually must enter in a credit card for service. A free credit report can be obtained, however, you just need to know where to go to find it and what to do.

Most companies want your credit card number in the hopes that you will end up buying something from them. They are trying to make the process an easy one by having you put your credit card number in, so that it’s already there. Some sites, even the one Congress designed specifically for the public to get a free credit report each year, will attempt to sell you a credit monitoring services or various trial periods when you visit for a free report.

A free trial is not a gimmick. Many sites offer you a free credit report as long as you sign up for a free trial. However, you must put your credit card information in first. At the end of the trail period, usually about 2 weeks or so, you will end up being charged if you don’t cancel. These companies hope that you will allow your credit card to be charged, or that you will forget that the information is in, and simply accept the service they offer. Entering your credit card is not bad as long as you remind yourself immediately after you see your report to call that company and decline their trial offer. It is as simple as that.

There is another way you can actually get a free credit report, and this is by using the old fashioned way- through the post office. Yes, it may take longer, but it is totally free, and you have no worries about your credit card being used or charged for something you don’t want. Apply through the mail by going to annualcreditreport.com/cra/order?mail. You will need to download the form from the link given, print it out, fill it in, and mail it. The address is Annual Credit Report Request Service, at P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, Georgia, 30348. You will then receive your free credit report within 2-3 weeks. Be patient, as they usually process your request within the first 15 days of receiving your information.

A free credit report may also be gotten by calling 1-877-322-8228.

You will get your free credit report through the mail, and you can rest assured it is current and correct.

Annualcreditreport.com is managed by the 3 biggest credit bureau companies. These are Equifax, Experian and Transunion. Your information will also be kept safe and secure, and your address or personal information will not be given out to any other company or website.

Eileen

Grace Therrien asked:




Are you trying to get a copy of your free credit report without a credit card? I know it is difficult to do anything these days without that little piece of plastic and getting a copy of your report is no different. But there is a way to get your hands on your free report without having to give out credit card information.

The absolute best place to get your free report without a credit card is on the government sponsored website AnnualCreditReport.com. This website was developed to allow all U.S. citizens access their report at no cost without requiring financial information.

On this website, you are able to receive one free copy of your report from each of the three major credit bureaus – Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.

]]> http://free-credit-report-instantly.org/finance/need-a-free-credit-report-without-a-credit-card-heres-how-to-get-one/feed/ 0 http://free-credit-report-instantly.org/finance/obtain-your-absolutely-free-credit-report-no-trial/ http://free-credit-report-instantly.org/finance/obtain-your-absolutely-free-credit-report-no-trial/#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:33:41 +0000 admin http://free-credit-report-instantly.org/finance/obtain-your-absolutely-free-credit-report-no-trial/

Ann Born asked:




You have an abundance of alternatives when looking for an absolutely free credit report, no trial. Within the United States, Americans have the ability to receive one absolutely free credit report, no trial from each of the three major reporting companies, yearly. Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian all provide you one free credit report on a yearly basis. The only requirement from you is that you contact any one of them and request your absolutely free credit report, no trial.

You will be required to provide them with proof of identification and current address. This is a necessary step to prove that you are the person shown on the credit report. After you have requested the absolutely free credit report, no trial, you will find your credit report sitting in your mailbox in as little as two weeks. If you are not willing to write these companies to request your free credit report, you can contact them by telephone as well. Depending upon the company you are going with, you may be able to find your credit rating right over the phone. However, you will still need to provide them with some identifying information.

Receiving an absolutely free credit report, no trial, is suitable for most people. There is really no reason you need to have constant review of your credit report. It does not generally change overnight, unless you have many different credit issues to deal with. The internet provides you with a multitude of methods in obtaining a free credit report; however, this will not be an absolutely free credit report, no trial. You will be required to provide credit card information and have to go through a 30-day free trial. There is no reason to risk your money or information online, when you can get a yearly, absolutely free credit report, no trial.

Allen