Checking your credit report regularly helps to ensure that someone else isn’t using your name to open credit cards, apply for loans, or start new utility services and leaving you to foot the bill. Fraud that impacts your credit report can decimate your credit and good standing, making future financial decisions even more complicated and costly.

It isn’t just banks that look at credit reports. Jobs which require a background check can be lot due to erroneous reporting on a credit report due to identity theft.

Check credit reports at least three times a year

• This helps keep an eye on anything new or erroneous

Look for red flags

• Any inaccurate information can be a sign of identity theft

Consider placing fraud alerts

• This requires lenders to inform you if they access your credit report

Tools & Resources:

• • • Request Free Annual Credit Reports, from each of the 3 reporting agencies at www.annualcreditreport.com
    • Credit Monitoring Services
    • Nerdwallet’s Guide to Reading Your Credit Report

Stay tuned for Part 3: Account Statements coming in February