Newsflash: Victim of Purse Snatching Orders Credit Report and Sleeps Like a Baby! (cont.)
Contributed by Alix Mcmurray
Some utility companies (gas, electric, telephone) will also allow you to attach a security password or security question (e.g. mother's maiden name)to your credit file with them. Any inquiries made about your credit history are noted in your file, and you have the option of periodically requesting an updated report so that you can dispute and delete any inaccuracies.
Your Credit Report Can Keep You out of the Victim Trap
The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act protects you by giving you authority to obtain a copy of your credit report for a reasonable charge, or free if you have been the victim of fraud, have been denied credit, or are indigent. You also have the option of disputing what you consider inaccurate or defamatory information in your file. What's more, any negative information in your credit history can and must be stricken from that record after a certain time period.
For instance, a listing of bankruptcy is deleted after ten years, and any negative credit-related data is deleted after seven years. You also have the right to know who has seen your credit report within the last six months for credit-granting purposes, and within the last two years for employment purposes. So, rest easy -- it turns out your credit report may make some very soothing bedside reading!
