Each year, we’re reminded, to check the batteries on our smoke detectors.
Did you know that you can check your credit history every four months, for free? It’s a simple thing to do, by ordering a free credit report, online. Simply go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com . Please note that the word “free” isn’t in the web address. But this is actually the free website that’s been authorized by federal law.
When you go online, you’ll need to provide certain information about yourself, so your identity can be verified and your credit information can be located. It’s simple stuff, like name, address and social security number.
This site allows you to pull up your Equifax, Experian or TransUnion credit reports for free each year.
So, here’s what you do; pull one report every four months; that way you can look at your credit report for free, three times per year.
Once you’ve printed out a report, look for accounts you’ve forgotten about. Perhaps you should simply close them. Is all of your information correct? If not, contact the company extending credit to make corrections. What if you find a credit card that you don’t remember applying for? This might be the possible start of credit fraud. Then it’s time to make a phone call to question the account.
Remember, where there’s smoke, there could be a fire. So, check your smoke alarms and then check the smoke alarms in your annual credit reports.
