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Knowing what your credit reports say is key to protecting your identity.Make sure that your accounts have not been compromised by getting a copy of your credit report at least once a year.
A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months, from www.annualcreditreport.com.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, has prepared a brochure, Your Access to Free Credit Reports, explaining your rights and how to order a free annual credit report. www.ftc.gov.
A credit report contains information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home.
TIP: If you spread out your requests, you could check your credit report once every four months. These reports will disclose your credit history, not your credit score, although you may be able to purchase that information.
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