March 5, 2009
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Wilderness to Free Credit Report, Pt.4
Eurika!Finally reaching the quest for my credit card report:
16) "Call Tech Support": So, here we go – still locked out after all these months, I still can't get my credit card report. The message went on to explain: "We apologize for the inconvenience, but based on the information provided, we have been unable to confirm your identity. Because the protection of your security and privacy are of the utmost importance to us, we cannot yet display your Personal Credit Report online."
After all these months trying to avoid the: "Free credit reports requested by phone or mail will be processed within 15 days of receiving your request" approach, it looked like I was destined. So, I called the Customer Service team at (866) 744-8221 to "verbally confirm [my] identity." I did not wish to receive a paper copy of my credit card report because I wanted, not only, the ‘copy&past' ability on my computer but, I also didn't want to wait the 15 to 20 days it might take to get it.
17) "Hi. My name is Mike. How can I help you today?" Courteous and knowledgeable, Mike allayed much of my stress. A human, even a courteous and knowledgeable one (how refreshing).
18) Forward Motion, at Last: Mike was good. He lead me through a one-level grueling test to ascertain I was me. This was more humane however in that, he didn't cut me off after three tries. One of the first questions was to identify one of my credit card PANs. So, I gave him my most recent and favorites – no joy. Then I went for my oldest active (12 years old) and, ‘click', that worked.
The last question was: "What educational institution have you worked for, in the past?" Trick question – I had worked for four. On-line, I would have only been allowed three ‘guesses' before being banished again. But with Mike, I went down the list and, sure enough, it turned out to be the fourth one he was looking for. It was like winning an award. He explained that in ten minutes I'd be able to log back in on-line and download my credit card report. Only problem now was, in seven minutes I had to be out the door for an appointment. More on that later.