Free credit report

Free Credit Report One way to obtain and monitor your credit worthiness is through organizations that work with the major reporting agencies. ConsumerInfo.com is one such agency that provides copies of reports and a credit check monitoring service right over the Internet. Click their banner below to examine their services.

A free credit report could prevent identity theft from destroying your credit. When someone uses your identification (Social Security number, drivers license or bank account) to obtain cash or credit in your name your credit may be seriously damaged. It may be impossible for you to obtain a job, get a loan, or rent an apartment.

The first sign of identity theft may be a phone call from a collection agency or being rejected for a new credit card. All because you now have bad credit.

Inaccurate indications of unpaid bills, delinquent payments, bounced checks, or overdrawn bank accounts could be an indication of identity theft. You can see these indications on your credit report. You typically will not find out about such problems until a credit provider contacts you for payment or you are rejected when you apply for credit.

Inaccurate reports are also caused by data input mistakes. Keying the wrong Social Security number or mixing up similar names are common mistakes. The Public Research Interest Group estimates that 70% of credit reports contain some sort of erroneous information.

Your best defense against errors is to examine your credit report at least once a year.

You should periodically monitor your credit report. To find out how to obtain a copy of your credit report and its cost you can contact the major reporting agencies:

Any organization with which you have financial dealings can submit information about you to the credit bureaus. This is includes banks, utility companies, credit card companies, stores, courthouses from across the country, and home repair providers. Your credit report contains information such as your Social Security number, current and past addresses, status of your payments on your credit cards and utility bills. It may contain certain legal data such as employment information, courthouse records, liens, and bankruptcy. Also included is a list of credit grantors who have received your credit report.

Practically anyone with a legitimate business need can obtain your credit report. This includes:

• Government agencies required to review credit for issuing licenses or benefit payments
• Landlords and prospective landlords
• Employers and prospective employers
• Insurance companies
• Banks and other lenders
• Collection agencies
• Companies that currently grant or could grant you credit

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. If your are a victim, there are steps you need to take right now. Click on the image below.

You may be interested in examining the following sites that discuss this subject:

Identity theft victim? Here's how to cope.
Identity theft prevention: Steps you can take.
Identity theft: How it's done, what you need to know.
What can you expect to see? From Simpson Mortgage Co.
Correcting mistakes from CNNfn