A free credit report on-line will show you a record of your credit accounts but it may also
show you something you didn't expect to see. An estimated 500,000 people this year will be
surprised to discover they're the victims of identity theft. Maybe they'll first find out when
they learn their credit has been ruined. Or maybe when a police officer knocks on their door
with a warrant for their arrest for a crime committed by the thief. If your identity has been
stolen, getting your free credit report on-line can't eliminate the damage done, but it can help
you stop further problems.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft is the act of illegally taking and using your personal identification or financial
information. This includes your Social Security number, driver's license number, military
or student ID, credit or ATM card numbers, bank or securities account numbers and any other
important financial or personal ID number. This might show up in your free credit report on-line
as an existing account wiped out or new credit accounts opened and used, while leaving you with
the bills.
How can you lower your risk?
The first step to decreasing your risk for identity theft is to realize how important your
personal and financial information is and to treat it with care. To prevent surprises
from showing up in your free credit report on-line, follow these guidelines:
- If asked to reveal any personal information, find out if it's required and if so, who will
have access to it and how it will be used.
- Make sure both incoming and outgoing mail is secure. Get a locked mailbox or a mail slot
for your the door.
- When creating account passwords and PINs, make sure they're unique and not something obvious.
- Carry as few financial or ID cards as possible.
- Don't give out personal information over the telephone unless you initiate the call or know
who is calling.
- Shred financial, insurance or medical documents and pre-approved credit offers before
discarding them.
- Check your credit report at least every six months to be alerted to any transactions or
activity that you didn't initiate.
As long as personal records need to be kept identity theft will be a problem, but you can lower
your risk. And by getting your free credit report on-line you'll be able to catch it early if it
should happen.
To get your free credit report on-line and free 30 days of credit monitoring, please go to
free instant credit reports.
