Identity theft is big business, and it’s getting bigger all the time. Crooks who would rather steal than work are having a fine time, using credit cards and credit reports that belong to people just like you.
The first line of defense is, of course, to be careful with your credit cards, your checkbooks, and your personal information – such as your Social Security number. Our site offers plenty of helpful tips for guarding that information from prying eyes.
The second line of defense is to keep a close watch on your credit report, and that’s easy now with free online credit reports. In contrast to the days when you had to apply for a loan and pay a fee to a bank just to learn your own credit scores, you could, in fact, be reading your own credit report within minutes from now.
When you get a free credit report from www.creditscorequick.com, compare the information you find to the information you know to be true. For instance, if your credit report shows activity on a credit card you know you haven’t used in a long time, or accounts with companies you have not done business with, it’s a red flag alerting you to identity theft.
Mistakes on credit reports are common, so if you see your name misspelled or see that you now have a different spouse, a different employer, or a different address, don’t panic. But do contact the credit bureau immediately, because any of those things could also be a sign of identity theft.
Strangely enough, not all identity theft is for the purpose of using your credit to spend money. Sometimes, a thief simply wants to steal your good reputation in order to get a job. Many employers now routinely do a credit check before hiring new personnel, especially if the job will entail handling money.
Rental managers also want a credit check, because individuals with good credit scores are more likely to pay rent on time.
If you get your free credit score online and don’t like the numbers you see, visit www.creditscorequick.com for help. You’ll find articles and advice for building a good credit score, or for rebuilding it if you’ve had financial difficulties in the past.