The best way to stay alert for fraudulent activity involving your identity or credit history is to review your credit report at least once a year. You should regularly obtain credit reports from all of the three largest credit reporting agencies (see page 20). Check the accounts, inquiries and addresses that appear on your report. If you do not recognize a new account or the name of a company that gained access to your file (inquiries), it's a good idea to check further by contacting the credit bureau or lender. Check all addresses—if you discover an address you don't recognize, it could mean that someone else set up credit accounts in your name at another address.
Sometimes your credit card issuer will contact you when there is unusual activity on your card. For example, if you usually do not make large purchases with your card but one day you buy a TV and a stereo, the fraud department may call you to verify that you authorized the charges. If you don't travel often, call your credit card company before a trip so it doesn't arouse the suspicions of your card issuer if you use the card while you're away.
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The best way to stay alert for fraudulent activity involving your identity or credit history is to review your credit report at least once a year. You should regularly obtain credit reports from all of the three largest credit reporting agencies (see page 20). Check the accounts, inquiries and addresses that appear on your report. If you do not recognize a new account or the name of a company that gained access to your file (inquiries), it's a good idea to check further by contacting the credit bureau or lender. Check all addresses—if you discover an address you don't recognize, it could mean that someone else set up credit accounts in your name at another address.
Sometimes your credit card issuer will contact you when there is unusual activity on your card. For example, if you usually do not make large purchases with your card but one day you buy a TV and a stereo, the fraud department may call you to verify that you authorized the charges. If you don't travel often, call your credit card company before a trip so it doesn't arouse the suspicions of your card issuer if you use the card while you're away.