| Frequent monitoring of our personal credit report is vital | | | | In some instances, locating this information is simple. |
| to ensureprotection from identity theft. Sadly, many | | | | Some fraudulentpersons steal pre-approval credit card |
| people feel invincible. Thus,they do not take the | | | | applications from mailboxes,whereas others rummage |
| necessary steps to protect their credit rating. | | | | through garbage cans looking for personal |
| However, preventing identity theft can be as simple as | | | | accountinformation. Unless you obtain a copy of your |
| checking yourcredit report twice annually. This way, if | | | | credit report and checkfor inaccuracies, fraudulent |
| unfamiliar accounts are present,you can contact the | | | | credit accounts will go undetected. |
| credit bureaus and begin an investigation. | | | | How to Get a Copy of Your Credit Report |
| Purpose of Credit Reports and Scores | | | | Getting a copy of your personal credit report is simple. |
| If you have established a credit history, then you likely | | | | All consumersare entitled to one free credit report |
| recognize thevalue of credit reports and scoring. | | | | annually. However, you may checkyour credit as often |
| Without these two instruments,lenders would be unable | | | | as you like. If you have internet access, it ispossible to |
| to judge a loan applicant's credit worthiness. | | | | obtain a 3-in-1 report online. Reports are viewable |
| Credit reports and scoring alert lenders to individuals | | | | online. |
| who use creditirresponsibly, and those who make | | | | Therefore you do not have to wait for a mailed copy. |
| smart credit decisions. Thus, beforeissuing a credit card | | | | Those without internet access may attain copies of all |
| or approving a loan application, all creditors willattain an | | | | three creditreports from local credit bureaus. On |
| updated copy of your credit report. | | | | average, credit reports cost about |
| Reasons to Monitor Your Credit Report | | | | $15 each. When checking reports for errors and |
| Credit report monitoring should not be ignored. When it | | | | inaccuracies, it isimportant to review reports from each |
| comes toidentity theft, anyone can become a victim. In | | | | of the three bureaus. Why? Somecreditors do not |
| order for someone to open acredit account is your | | | | report to all three bureaus. Hence, a credit mistake |
| name, the only information they need is your | | | | mayonly be included on one report. |
| name,address, and social security number. | | | | |