In This Issue:  Tip of the Month  Monthly Poll  Interactive Tool  Featured Products  Did You Know?

There are times when it’s important to make sure someone is who he says he is. Whether it’s online auctions, renting an apartment, buying a used car or even meeting someone through an online dating site, wouldn’t it be great to have an easy way to verify someone’s identity — or quickly prove your own? Equifax has made it simple. Introducing Equifax Identity Report.

An Equifax Identity Report can be useful in many different types of situations, especially if you are considering doing business with someone you don't know. When you purchase your Identity Report, you're making a statement that you're willing to share a verification of your identity and, if you choose, your credit standing. When you review someone's Identity Report, you are able to see high-level indicators that may help you feel more comfortable that the other person is who she says she is.

Just think: if you are a landlord, buying or selling a car, listing an item for sale in the Classifieds section — even looking for a nanny or contractor — requesting to review someone's Identity Report can be a good first step towards a successful transaction. When you decide to share your own Identity Report, your recipient will get access to a snapshot of your identity information and, if you choose, a summary of your credit standing.

Plus, you are completely in control of who you share your report with. You will even have the chance to view your report before you decide whether to share it with someone. What’s more, sharing your report is secure — your recipient must also verify his or her identity with Equifax before he or she is able to view your report.

When you purchase your Equifax Identity Report, you can share your report with as many people as you would like over the course of 30 days. You can even customize some of the information a reviewer can see! Similarly, you can request that others send you their reports — or even purchase one for them as a gift certificate.

Add credibility to any transaction — online or off — with an Equifax Identity Report. It can help you "stand out from the crowd" whether you're applying to rent an apartment, looking to buy merchandise online, or in a number of other situations. Plus, you get a copy of your Equifax Credit Report™ with your Identity Report, so you can stay in the know about your credit history.

Tip of the Month: Sharing and Requesting Equifax Identity Reports

Whether you’re requesting a report from someone else or viewing and sharing your own, Equifax Identity Report comes with a convenient Identity Report Mailbox so you can keep track of what reports you have viewed and who has viewed yours.

Viewing and Sharing your Report
Once you’ve ordered your Identity Report, you may view it by logging into the Member Center and clicking the “Identity Report” tab. You’ll be able to view your detailed Identity Report, as well as the summary version that you will be able to share with others if you choose to. You will also have access to your Identity Report Mailbox, which offers a “Share This Report” module. Simply enter the e-mail address of the person with whom you would like to share your report. In your mailbox, you may also view all of the reports you have shared and see if they have been viewed. You can even disable further access to your report by a recipient if you choose. The helpful mailbox structure lets you keep track of whom you have shared information with at a quick glance!

Requesting a Report
If you would like to request someone else’s Identity Report, you can do that, too! Simply enter the e-mail address of the person whose report you would like to receive. Even if you haven’t ordered a report for yourself and don’t have access to the Identity Report Mailbox, you can still request a report from someone else.

Steps

1. Simply log into the Member Center and select the “Identity Report” tab.
2. Next, click on “Equifax Identity Report™” below the product tabs.
3. On the following page, you can find a short Report Request form towards the bottom of the screen.
4. Enter the name and e-mail address of the person you’d like to verify. Once you click “Submit” a Report Request will be sent.
5. Your recipient will receive instructions on how to order and share their Identity Report with you, should they decide to do so.

If you receive an e-mail that an Equifax Identity Report has been shared with you, simply log into the Member Center to view that report. Recipients who do not have an Equifax account will be prompted to register and verify their identity in order to view your report. When you log into the Equifax Member Center, your Identity Report Mailbox will allow you to view reports that have been shared with you on the “Inbox” tab.

This Month’s Poll Question: A Buyer’s or a Seller’s Identity

With the growing number of transactions occurring via the Internet as well as traditional classified ads and more, it’s not uncommon these days to buy or sell something to someone you’ve never met. This month, we want to know if you have ever shied away from a purchase because you were unsure of the buyer or seller’s identity or reputation. Check back next month to see how other readers respond!

Interactive Tool: Equifax Credit Rankings™

Featured Product: Equifax Identity Report™ — only $9.95!

With Equifax Identity Report, you can share a snapshot of your identity information and a summary of your credit standing with anyone you choose — while you stay in control of who sees your Identity Report. You can also purchase a gift certificate so someone else can get an Identity Report, and request someone else’s report or review a report that has been shared with you to save you hassle and give you peace of mind. Your Identity Report comes with:

• Detailed identity verification report
• Equifax Credit Score Card™ (includes high-level credit summary and credit score range)
• A copy of your Equifax Credit Report™ that you will be able to view online for 30 days
• A summary version of your identity verification report and Credit Score Card that you can share with others if you choose to
• Unlimited sharing of your Identity Report snapshot for FREE, for 30 days

Leverage your good name for only $9.95!

Did You Know?: How to Stay on Course When Buying a Vehicle Online**

Your local dealership used to be your only choice when you were shopping for and buying a car. With the rise of the Internet, however, those days are over. You can now look at pictures of automobiles online, shop for financing online, and even purchase a vehicle online. Using the Internet to purchase a vehicle certainly has its advantages — and its disadvantages.

Advantages

1. You can take your time. When you use the Internet, you can take as much time as you need, not feeling rushed like you sometimes might at a dealership.
2. No haggling. Buying a car online lets you avoid the face-to-face negotiating and haggling that comes with a purchase at the dealership.
3. Save money. The prices of vehicles vary a good amount from region to region, all over the United States. With the Internet, you can compare prices, incentives, and rates all over the country, so you do not have to settle for the price that a car has in your region.

Disadvantages

1. Limited Contact. When you purchase a vehicle online, you only get to see pictures; there’s no touching, smelling or driving your potential new car.
2. Possible discrepancies. There are sometimes complaints from online auto shoppers that a dealer’s price quoted on the Internet is different from the quote that is offered in person.
3. Unexpected results with a used vehicle. Often, an online auto buyer knows what the outside of the car will look like, but they forget to make sure they are aware of what is awaiting them on the inside. Scratches, fades, rips, and shredded floor mats are all common interior problems that online buyers run into.

Tips for Buying a Car Online

Here are some tips for you if you are considering making your next auto purchase over the Internet:

1. Comparison Shop Visit as many Web sites as you can to compare vehicle prices and financing rates.
2. Report any discrepancies. If you find that a quote online and a quote from the dealer do not match up, do not be afraid to ask about it. If they do not give you a satisfactory answer, you can report the problem to the National Automobile Dealers Association of America (NADA) or the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
3. Do not be surprised. If buying a used vehicle, find out everything about the appearance and condition of the car, so you are not unpleasantly surprised when it arrives. Also, be sure to verify the seller’s identity for extra peace of mind. Find out the facts quickly and easily by requesting that he purchase an Equifax Identity Report.

** © Copyright 2009, Informa Research Services, Inc. ("Informa"). While all attempts have been made to provide effective, verifiable information in this article, neither the author nor Informa assumes any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, or omissions. You should always seek the guidance of a licensed professional before making any major financial decisions.