Beware of the ARS/ICS Anti-Freeze Inquiry

[HoustonLynne]

So you’ve read about the “security-related” CRA(s) that lurk in the data-collection bushes, one of which can thwart our efforts with select lenders and undermine our hard work on the B* Battlefield. If you’re not familiar with ARS, it has been mentioned in a couple of threads recently, but both of those recent threads offer links to older ones with more details to chew:

 

From 2009 -- http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=405187

 

From 2007 -- http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=239752

 

I received my ARS report in today’s mail. While it isn’t a total disaster, I did notice something interesting…it lists the apps I submitted in December that never even resulted in a HP, because I had 2 of 3 CRAs on ice.

 

Yep. It’s the Un-B*-Anti-Freeze CRA. It’s like Superman’s x-ray vision for your underwriter.

 

In case that detail hadn't been mentioned before, I wanted to add to the available info on this near-stealth operation.

 

[hyp0luxa]

is there any negative to freezing these 2?

[shifter]

they don't offer a way to freeze.

 

however, when I received my ARS file, I received a state-mandated notice about credit freezes.

 

so even though they don't offer it per se, I believe that I can send a letter with a $10 fee and demand that they freeze my file.

 

and they have to comply due to state laws.

 

I'm going to try it anyway.

[mendelssohn]

Here's a thread that was started to track denials based on these shadow CRAs:

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=494618&page=1

[hyp0luxa]

I was reading something a few days ago about freezing them before applying for Club Carlson. It gave instructions.

[HoustonLynne]

I received the Texas-mandated freeze notice, too. I would imagine that the only risk is applying with a lender who requires this to be accessible and being denied for the block. But what's unclear is that there are a few different categories of entries, and all of the ones that flew under the freeze I had on the "big guys" are in the same subcategory. Not sure if that specific category would somehow find itself worming through an ARS freeze loophole.

[Guest]

they don't offer a way to freeze.however, when I received my ARS file, I received a state-mandated notice about credit freezes.so even though they don't offer it per se, I believe that I can send a letter with a $10 fee and demand that they freeze my file.and they have to comply due to state laws.I'm going to try it anyway.

 

I think it is kind of funny when CRAs like Lexis/Nexis, etc try to say that they are not CRAs.

 

Remember, there are probably HUNDREDS of CRAs.. I will have to dig up a thread that attempted to list all known and semi-popular and obscure ones.

Edited April 1, 2014 by rslifkin

[HoustonLynne]

Here's a thread that was started to track denials based on these shadow CRAs:

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=494618&page=1

Thank you...I was looking for that!

[GobBluth]

I was reading something a few days ago about freezing them before applying for Club Carlson. It gave instructions.

I froze ARS/IDA about 6 months ago, it wasn't too difficult and they did it for free.

 

http://hackmytrip.com/2013/06/freeze-ida-ars-us-bank-club-carlson/

[backtobusiness]

Applied for a Visa card with FNBO, they declined: "Due to excessive Credit Reporting Agency Inquiries". Before applying, I went to CB'S credit pulls to see which

bureau they normally pull and noticed that it was Experian. However, they stated in the denial letter that I have the right to acquire a free copy of my report from

Consumer Inquiries Advanced Resolutions Services, 5005 Rockside Road, Suite 600, Independence OH 44131.

The letter also states that they obtained my credit score from Experian: "Your credit score is 0 (Scores may range from a low of 250 to a high of 900; certain exclusion

scores may exist)". Of Course, I have Experian on ice! Too bad I do not know how to upload the letter for everyone to see!!

[shifter]

I had the same issue with FNBO.

 

decline for too many inquiries on ARS.

 

I'm going to follow those instructions to freeze and then reapply FNBO and see.

[haydeno]

i have frozen ars and ida for everyone in my household, no us bank declines since, just got confirmation of a freeze today I mailled off last week

Edited April 1, 2014 by haydeno

[HoustonLynne]

i have frozen ars and ida for everyone in my household, no us bank declines since, just got confirmation of a freeze today I mailled off last week

Excellent...keep us posted on any changes, if you don't mind. I'm considering doing the same thing. My IDA is fine, and ARS really isn't too bad. But I may put the latter on ice.

[almostanonymous]

Got declined FNBO for INQs as well with a provided score of 817. Just ordered my report yesterday, curious to see what's on it.

[mindcrime]

Can we confirm these two addresses are still valid:

 

IDA, Inc Customer Assistance Center
PO BOX 503793
San Diego, CA 92150-2833

 

Advanced Resolution Service, INC
5005 Rockside Road, Suite 600
Independence, OH 44131

[mindcrime]

Did a little digging...

 

Advanced Resolution Services, Inc.

6111 Oak Tree Boulevard

Suite 400

Independence, OH 44131

 

Fax No.: 216.615.7642

 

Since we are allowed to either mail or fax, there does not appear to be a charge to freeze your report. A PIN and confirmation letter will be sent your home after it's processed.

[nbipbm]

I froze both since they both had incorrect information on them. I've not had any issue with not being able to pull it and if I do, I'll just give the reason why it's frozen. When I received the report, I also saw inquiries from Chase and FIA. So, even though I've not read of denials for these agencies for those two, it does appear that they check them when applying for credit(new or an increase).

[HoustonLynne]

Can we confirm these two addresses are still valid:

 

IDA, Inc Customer Assistance Center

PO BOX 503793

San Diego, CA 92150-2833

 

Advanced Resolution Service, INC

5005 Rockside Road, Suite 600

Independence, OH 44131

This one is the correct info for ARS...I called to confirm the new address last month before mailing my request.

 

I requested my IDA report via fax last August, but I snail-mailed my request for ARS in the last month.

[mindcrime]

 

Can we confirm these two addresses are still valid:

 

IDA, Inc Customer Assistance Center

PO BOX 503793

San Diego, CA 92150-2833

 

Advanced Resolution Service, INC

5005 Rockside Road, Suite 600

Independence, OH 44131

This one is the correct info for ARS...I called to confirm the new address last month before mailing my request.

 

I requested my IDA report via fax last August, but I snail-mailed my request for ARS in the last month.

 

 

Is there a cost associated with requesting your report through ARS? If not, could the request just piggyback the secuirt freeze LTR?

[HoustonLynne]

I froze both since they both had incorrect information on them. I've not had any issue with not being able to pull it and if I do, I'll just give the reason why it's frozen. When I received the report, I also saw inquiries from Chase and FIA. So, even though I've not read of denials for these agencies for those two, it does appear that they check them when applying for credit(new or an increase).

I'm really unclear on the Chase and FIA part, but in looking at my report, it would appear that these two REPORT apps received to ARS but don't necessarily "subscribe" or pull from them for apps. Does that make any sense...? Chase sent data on two apps I did in December that failed b/c the CRA they wanted to use was frozen. There's no HP on any CRA, but ARS still shows I submitted an app to them. However, Chase didn't request info from ARS.

[mindcrime]

 

 

Can we confirm these two addresses are still valid:

 

IDA, Inc Customer Assistance Center

PO BOX 503793

San Diego, CA 92150-2833

 

Advanced Resolution Service, INC

5005 Rockside Road, Suite 600

Independence, OH 44131

This one is the correct info for ARS...I called to confirm the new address last month before mailing my request.

 

I requested my IDA report via fax last August, but I snail-mailed my request for ARS in the last month.

 

 

Is there a cost associated with requesting your report through ARS? If not, could the request just piggyback the secuirt freeze LTR?

 

 

Also, thank you for correcting me on the address...found that other address here: http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=108558215

 

....but guess it's old news.

[HoustonLynne]

 

 

Can we confirm these two addresses are still valid:

 

IDA, Inc Customer Assistance Center

PO BOX 503793

San Diego, CA 92150-2833

 

Advanced Resolution Service, INC

5005 Rockside Road, Suite 600

Independence, OH 44131

This one is the correct info for ARS...I called to confirm the new address last month before mailing my request.

 

I requested my IDA report via fax last August, but I snail-mailed my request for ARS in the last month.

 

 

Is there a cost associated with requesting your report through ARS? If not, could the request just piggyback the secuirt freeze LTR?

 

No cost...not sure if there's never a cost or if we're entitled to one annual copy at no charge. My request was worded such that, if the latter applies, I covered my bases.

[BDK]

 

 

Can we confirm these two addresses are still valid:

 

IDA, Inc Customer Assistance Center

PO BOX 503793

San Diego, CA 92150-2833

 

Advanced Resolution Service, INC

5005 Rockside Road, Suite 600

Independence, OH 44131

This one is the correct info for ARS...I called to confirm the new address last month before mailing my request.

 

I requested my IDA report via fax last August, but I snail-mailed my request for ARS in the last month.

 

 

Is there a cost associated with requesting your report through ARS? If not, could the request just piggyback the secuirt freeze LTR?

 

I did. Something to the effect of "I would also like to request a copy of my free annual report under FACTA".

[shifter]

also IDA fax number

 

(858) 312-6275

 

I just faxed out requests to both for both my wife and me.

[nbipbm]

 

I froze both since they both had incorrect information on them. I've not had any issue with not being able to pull it and if I do, I'll just give the reason why it's frozen. When I received the report, I also saw inquiries from Chase and FIA. So, even though I've not read of denials for these agencies for those two, it does appear that they check them when applying for credit(new or an increase).

I'm really unclear on the Chase and FIA part, but in looking at my report, it would appear that these two REPORT apps received to ARS but don't necessarily "subscribe" or pull from them for apps. Does that make any sense...? Chase sent data on two apps I did in December that failed b/c the CRA they wanted to use was frozen. There's no HP on any CRA, but ARS still shows I submitted an app to them. However, Chase didn't request info from ARS.

 

I don't remember if it was ARS or IDA, but on one it listed inquiries as being companies that pulled the report, and Chase and FIA were there. I don't remember where it is, but it's different from the section that lists applications.