Because your credit score is so important in getting loans, credit, and housing, it’s important to check your credit reports regularly to make sure they are correct and complete. Checking your credit reports will also alert you to identity fraud because you’ll see if someone has opened accounts in your name or if late payments have been reported for purchases you didn’t know about.
You can monitor your credit for free by getting free copies of your credit report. You can get one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from either Equifax, Experian, and/or TransUnion. All three credit reporting companies collect credit information, but different things may show up on the different credit reports.
- You can get one credit report from one company, then wait four months and get a report from another company, then wait four months and get a report from the third company. Then, start over again. This way, you can find out more quickly if something is wrong; or
- You can get credit reports from all three companies at the same time, once a year. You can then check the reports against each other to make sure nothing is wrong.
In addition, you can get a free copy of your credit report:
- If a company denies your application for credit, insurance, or employment and you request the report within 60 days;
- Once a year, if you are unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days;
- Once a year, if you are on public assistance; or
- Once a year, if your credit report is incorrect because you’ve been a victim of identity theft or other fraud.
For more information on checking your credit report or if you have concerns about potential fraud or disputes, please contact 360 Consumer Law for a free consultation.
Share with your Friends:
[/et_pb_text]
