Check Your Credit

You hear the commercials about checking your credit score with one of the popular websites. This  isn’t just an advertising strategy, it actually is good advice. Using a verified and legitimate credit monitoring service is a great way to keep an eye on your credit profile and reduce the risk of fraudulent activity. Here is how to check your credit in the right way:

Check Your Credit

Sign up for a reputable account

Your credit report is serious business, so make sure to use only a government backed website for your monitoring needs. The Federal Trade Commission suggests consumers use annualcreditreport.com for credit score and report services.  You can receive one free report annually through this website. You should also sign up for an account through at least one of the three main credit bureaus to keep a routine eye on your report. There is a small fee for creating an account with one of the three bureaus, but it allows you unlimited access to your credit report and other services like alerts for any major changes to your account.

Check for mistakes

It isn’t uncommon for there to be inaccuracies on your credit report. Whether it is incorrect personal identification information like your date of birth or address, or a mistaken account detail,  it is important to ensure all of your information is up to date and correct. If you find a mistake on your credit report, file a dispute with all three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax), as well as a written dispute to any creditor that has reported inaccurate information.

Monitor your report often

Even if you have verified your information is accurate and up to date, don’t let your credit report sit on the back burner. Using your account through one of the three bureaus check your report every few months to ensure that there aren’t any negative marks or opened accounts you were not aware of. Identify fraud can happen to anyone, but you can reduce your chances of becoming one if you check your credit report often.