Protect yourself from identity theft
Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information — like your name,
your social security number, or your credit card number — to commit fraud. Identity
thieves may use your information to open a new credit card account. They purchase
what they want and then when they don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is
reported on your credit report. Inaccurate information like that could affect your
ability to get credit, insurance, or even a job.
Review your credit report regularly.. One way to cut back on this kind of
fraud is by checking your credit report regularly. In fact, financial advisors and
consumer advocates suggest you review your credit report at least once a year.
You’ll want to make sure the information on your credit report is accurate, complete,
and up-to-date before you apply for a loan for a major purchase like a house.
Where do you get your credit report?There are three major nationwide
consumer-reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. All three
agencies are required to provide consumers with a free copy of their credit
report once per year at the consumer's request. The three companies have set
up a central web site to fulfill these requests -
www.AnnualCreditReport.com
Back to Buyer's Guide
| 
