February 10, 2006
Checking Your Credit Report
As far as your credit report is concerned, what you don’t know can hurt you. From credit card companies to landlords and employers, it can make or break your future. If it proves that you have been responsible in the past, in all likelihood you will be responsible in the future as well. Any major financial decision including a new home, job, credit card, etc means checking your report.
On receiving your report, go through it in detail. Anything negative on the report should be corrected right away, like unpaid bills. Once you have paid the dues, have the concerned business notify the credit reporting agencies of the fact.
You also need to check your report for accuracy. This includes mention of accounts you didn’t open, charges you didn’t make or delinquencies you are not responsible for. If you spot any trace of fraud, waste no time in getting in touch with the credit reporting agencies, to inform them and request a fraud alert in your file.
Get yourself the 3-in-1 credit report that displays your credit history as per the three main credit reporting agencies. You also have the option of Equifax Credit Watch Gold or Silver offering early alerts on any new questionable entries. It also offers up to $20,000 in identity theft insurance according to the program. Credit card info.com reports:
Your credit report is used by many different lenders and other entities to make decisions about you. When it comes to your credit report, it’s what you don’t know that can hurt you. Credit card companies, mortgage loan companies, auto loan and insurance companies, even landlords and employers check credit reports to find out about your credit past. The reason? They figure if you were responsible in the past, you will most likely be responsible in the future.
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