For online assistance with your credit report, including placing or removing a security freeze, adding a fraud alert, disputing an item, or obtaining a copy of your report, please visit my equifax dot com. Or for automated assistance, press or say one."
This Equifax number exists to provide customer service to individuals who have subscriptions to the company’s credit monitoring services as well as to individuals who want to access a copy of their Equifax credit report. When I dialed the number, I was greeted by an automated message that clearly laid out the menu options for the call.
The automated menu includes brief, straightforward instructions for accessing a credit report online at the my.equifax.com website. It also includes options for getting assistance with your Equifax account, initiating or canceling credit monitoring services, or placing a security freeze or fraud alert on your credit account.
I found the automated menu system to be efficient and effective. The different menu options are presented quickly and clearly, and with each option, I had the choice to verbalize my response or enter it through my keypad. Navigating the system was straightforward, and there was always an option to go back to the previous menu in case of a mistake.
I also appreciated the fact that you can place a security freeze or fraud alert on your credit account through the automated system, without having to speak to a customer service representative. Dealing with credit issues can be stressful, so it’s nice to feel like you have some level of control over your own credit account.
However, in order to access this portion of the automated system, I did have to go through a thorough identification verification process. I was prompted to enter my phone number, address, zip code, and Social Security number in order to gain access. On one hand, it’s comforting that it requires so much information to access something as important as a credit report. On the other hand, entering your Social Security number into an automated phone system could feel risky to some.
I wanted to speak with a customer service representative to get a current copy of my credit report. When I chose that option on the menu, I was almost immediately connected to a friendly representative. He clearly outlined my options — I could either access my report online or he could mail a copy of the report to my address. He also patiently answered my questions about both options, explaining that both were free and that both versions of the report would contain the exact same information. He also offered to walk me through the creation of an online account with Equifax so I could have immediate access to my report.
Once I finished the queries about my credit report, the representative did attempt a soft sell of Equifax’s credit monitoring services, which are available for a monthly fee. However, he didn’t push particularly hard, which I appreciated.
Since this customer service line offers assistance to both paying and non-paying Equifax customers, I was impressed that, as a non-paying customer, I received thorough answers to my questions. I would certainly feel comfortable calling back if I was having issues with my credit report.