Protect Your Identity with Your Credit Report (cont.)
Contributed by Sassy
What should I look for on my credit report if I want to prevent identity theft?
The most important information to check on your credit report when monitoring against identity theft is looking for accounts that you didn't open and transactions that you didn't make. If you notice any discrepancies or evidence of fraud, contact the credit bureau immediately and ask that a fraud alert be placed on your credit file. It is very important that you report the fraud to the police.
How do I obtain my credit report?
You can obtain a copy of your credit report from one of three national credit bureaus: TransUnion (www.transunion.com), Experian (www.experian.com), or Equifax (www.myequifax.com). Alternatively, you can obtain a 3-in-1 credit report that includes information held by all three bureaus (www.credit.com). The credit bureaus charge a fee for allowing you to access your credit file
For an extra fee the credit bureaus offer a 'Credit Watch' service. If any key changes are made on your credit report such as a significant balance change, the addition or deletion of an account or if a search is made on your account, you will be automatically alerted with 24 hours of the change.
Your credit history can impact on many areas of your life. Not only can a bad credit history stop you from getting that mortgage loan you wanted, it could also stop you from getting that prestigious job you applied for - yes, even some employers look at prospective employees' credit records before they hire them, as it can be an indicator of how responsible a person is!
