Experian just sent me a notice that they blocked all my info.
I thought my free trial had expired (which is stupid because basically you can't get anything free for the free trial - now I can check my experian report daily if I like - and check my fako score (is not a true FICO score). But the past score was in line with my true FICO score so overall I think it is reasonable. I've seen some weird fakos in the past (like that go up to 900??? Not in line with fICO of course).
So I checked and indeed my free trial was up. I thought they would have e-mailed me - what a bunch of annoying bastards (sorry). For one it is not free because they won't let you check your score again until after the free period. Then they don't even e-mail you to tell you your free period is up. I Was starting to get aggravated since I figured it was up today or tomorrow and had checked the website yesterday with no luck.
But today, yes, "free" credit report and fako score. I should be able to check tomorrow too if I like.
My FAKO score a few days after the ID theft was around 725 (hit anyway with my balance transfer) but today is a pretty 780. So woohoo.
The true test will be what TransUnion reports my FICO score to be through WAMU. Signing up for that card was SO worth it for the monthly FICO updates. Heck, I would recommend opening an account at WAMU just for that. (The 0% balance transfer doesn't hurt either).
But balance transfer and all my score seems to be back to normal. I am sure it will get back to 800 when we pay off these balance transfers.
Oh but this was the beautiful part of my fako score:
" Listed below are the top factors that lowered your score. They are listed in order of importance.
Credit scores are calculated based on various factors in your credit report. Currently, your credit report does not show any significant negative or derogatory information. You can be proud of the fact that you are building a good credit history, so continue with your positive credit behavior!"
Eat that.
Oh it's nice to get things cleared up and back to "normal."
I really believe having an excellent score to start means that this whole thing was barely a blip on the radar. (& not having lots of debt either as I could have been slammed by universal default and stuff like that).
I am just not sure if this is over yet. My info is still out there. We'll see...
& when you have a good score, close your oldest accounts, take balance transfers, blahdeblah, who cares. So my score was in the 750 range for a few weeks. It is back to normal and I still have most of the entire balance transfer outstanding. It's just dropped down enough with the $200 or so paid off that it is no longer affecting FICO negatively. With the regular payments it will only help my score. I really do think people with good scores try to overthink FICO. Pay your bills on time, don't take on more debt than you can handle, and the little stuff will not kill your score. Believe me I have done EVERYTHING wrong when it comes to FICO this last year - but I don't really care. Even the ID theft didn't slay me. IT was 685 which made me nervous, but wasn't bad all the same.
Well, I hope FICO agrees - I'll found out in a few weeks with my next WAMU statement.
Fako score - 780
August 29th, 2007 at 04:14 pm
August 30th, 2007 at 03:11 am 1188443465
The most important thing that kept your score up was fast, sustained action. As soon as you saw a charge you didn't make - blammo, you were on it.