Why You Should Check
Your Credit Report Regularly.
Credit is a part of everyday life. Hundreds of credit transactions take
place every minute and your credit file is being continually updated.
To stay on top of your credit, it is essential to be aware of the contents
of your credit report. Why? Because checking your report is the most convenient
way to review your complete credit history, and make well-informed decisions
on all your past, present and future accounts. Also, it's a good idea
to monitor your report for new derogatory information and unauthorized
accounts that might affect your credit.
Your credit file can change - and change your credit score.
Your credit file and score are used to make decisions about loans, interest
rates, even employment.
If your credit score drops - you can find out why and how to improve
it.
Inaccurate information can hurt your credit score - you can verify the
accuracy of your file.
Activity in your file, which you did not initiate, can be an early warning
sign of identity theft.
A small error in your credit report can damage
your credit rating.
Ideally, your credit report is an accurate, up-to-date reflection of
your credit history. Too often many people find something wrong with their
credit report only after having an application for credit denied. This
is not only embarrassing and frustrating; it can also create a delay in
receiving the credit you deserve.
Often the result of simple human error, they can be caused by anything
from a clerical error to a computer glitch in which your file is mixed
with that of someone with a similar name. The good news is you can take
action to keep your report accurate. Here are the top five reasons why
you should make a practice of regularly reviewing your credit report:
Inaccuracies & Mixed Credit Files
Many inaccuracies on a credit report can be the result of simple human
error, and are therefore are not difficult to dispute. Of course, if you
don't order your credit report, you might never know about it. Whether
the inaccuracies relate to payments not credited, late payments, or data
mixed in from the credit file of someone else with a name similar to yours,
you will want to contact the credit bureau to dispute inaccurate information
promptly. If you would like to get a free copy of your credit report right
now, click here.
Tracking Payments
Identity Theft
Many of you know people who have become victims of identity
theft. This crime can be financially and emotionally devastating.
Your social security number, your bank account or credit card number,
your telephone calling card number, and other
valuable identifying data can be used, if they fall into the wrong hands,
to personally profit at your expense.
Inquiries
If you're shopping around for a loan or more credit, you should know
that when creditors check your credit, it places an inquiry on your credit
report. Inquiries can add up, which is often interpreted as a negative
by creditors. For this reason, too many inquiries can actually make getting
credit more difficult. Moreover, if you didn't authorize someone to look
at your credit report and they did, they may have broken the law. If you
would like to see who's been looking at your credit, click here to get
a free copy of your credit report right now.
Credit Fraud -- Unauthorized Charges
Credit fraud involves the theft of your credit card or account number
to make unauthorized charges to your account. Though consumers are protected
financially from this abuse, other creditors may take note of all this
activity and decide to raise your interest rates or refuse to grant you
a loan. Ordering your credit report will help you catch new activity on
accounts that you haven't been using, or may have closed. If you would
like to get a free copy of your credit report right now,click here.
LIMIT WHAT YOU CARRY -- Do not carry your Social Security card, birth
certificate, passport, passwords or extra credit cards.
SOCIAL SECURITY SECRECY -- Do not print your Social Security number on
checks. Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits Statement once
a year to check for fraud; call 800-772-1213.
CREDIT CARDS -- Do not use any credit card linked to your checking or
savings accounts. Reduce the number of credit cards you use. Regularly
check your credit report for unauthorized accounts. Call any of these
national credit report companies:
SHREDDING -- Destroy preapproved credit applications, credit card receipts,
bills and other financial information.
PROTECT YOUR MAIL -- Deposit outgoing mail at a post office or in secure
mailboxes. Lock your mailbox, or use a mail slot or post office box.
COMPUTERS -- Use a firewall and virus protection if your computer is
connected to the Internet. Keep operating systems updated. Do not let
anyone use your computer, unless you trust them fully.
Now It's Your Turn To Check Your Credit Report.
When it comes to managing your credit worthiness, your credit report
is your best resource. By checking your credit report regularly you will
make sure that it accurately reflects the consistency you've shown in
paying your creditors.
Ordering your credit report gives you the opportunity to manage your
credit wisely today, while planning your credit strategy for achieving
future goals -- a credit-savvy move every consumer should make! click
here to get your credit
report right now.
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