Your credit report is your ticket to procuring many types of loans. When you find wrong information on your report it could be a simple mistake or warning signs that you are victim of credit fraud. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your credit score closely. You are entitled to a free credit report from the credit reporting bureaus once a year, so make sure to request a report.
When Numbers Don't Match
Fraud takes on many forms where some cases are difficult to trace. Â When someone steals your credit card data it is easy to determine from your statements. However, if someone steals your social security number they could start opening lines of credit in your name and you won't have any idea unless you check your history with a credit reporting agency frequently. If your spending is under control and you have no reason to doubt your score it is wise to check your credit every four months, each time with one of the credit report bureaus, so that you can avail of your annual free credit report. On the other hand, if you are working towards improving your credit, you can ask for the three reports at a time. One of them may have errors that would need to be fixed immediately.
Wrong Personal Information
If you spot any errors in your personal information such as a name you've never used or a social security number that is not yours, it could be the first signs of fraud. Someone could be pretending to be you to get credit. It could also indicate that your credit information is mixed up with another person. Whether it is an error or you are a victim of identity theft would be hard to tell in the first instant. The key is to check your credit report thoroughly for anything suspicious and inform the credit reporting agency immediately.
Credit Checks From Unknown Parties
It is mandatory for the credit reporting bureaus to disclose the names of those who have pulled up your credit information over the last two years. If there are hard inquiries from companies you haven't dealt with and you don't recognize it is time to investigate and report it to the credit reporting agency. Another reason to fear is when you find accounts listed in your credit report that you have never opened. This often means that your credit has been compromised and you are victim of fraud. Your credit information could have been combined with someone else's for their benefit.
Remember, even the slightest suspicious activity on your credit report must be taken seriously. This can help detect fraud early on and save you time and plenty of money. Depending on the state you live in, if you are unemployed, looking for work or believe you are a victim of identity theft, you may be entitled to additional free copies of your credit report.
When Numbers Don't Match
Fraud takes on many forms where some cases are difficult to trace. Â When someone steals your credit card data it is easy to determine from your statements. However, if someone steals your social security number they could start opening lines of credit in your name and you won't have any idea unless you check your history with a credit reporting agency frequently. If your spending is under control and you have no reason to doubt your score it is wise to check your credit every four months, each time with one of the credit report bureaus, so that you can avail of your annual free credit report. On the other hand, if you are working towards improving your credit, you can ask for the three reports at a time. One of them may have errors that would need to be fixed immediately.
Wrong Personal Information
If you spot any errors in your personal information such as a name you've never used or a social security number that is not yours, it could be the first signs of fraud. Someone could be pretending to be you to get credit. It could also indicate that your credit information is mixed up with another person. Whether it is an error or you are a victim of identity theft would be hard to tell in the first instant. The key is to check your credit report thoroughly for anything suspicious and inform the credit reporting agency immediately.
Credit Checks From Unknown Parties
It is mandatory for the credit reporting bureaus to disclose the names of those who have pulled up your credit information over the last two years. If there are hard inquiries from companies you haven't dealt with and you don't recognize it is time to investigate and report it to the credit reporting agency. Another reason to fear is when you find accounts listed in your credit report that you have never opened. This often means that your credit has been compromised and you are victim of fraud. Your credit information could have been combined with someone else's for their benefit.
Remember, even the slightest suspicious activity on your credit report must be taken seriously. This can help detect fraud early on and save you time and plenty of money. Depending on the state you live in, if you are unemployed, looking for work or believe you are a victim of identity theft, you may be entitled to additional free copies of your credit report.