Your Best Defence Against Identity Theft Is Your Credit Report

Many people think that identity theft is committed solely against innocent, unsuspecting or unknowledgeable persons. Believe it or not, large percentages of the population are vulnerable to having their identities stolen even if they believe they don't possess any vulnerabilities. It may surprise you to learn that the places where people most commonly get their identities stolen are within their homes and communities.

Credit report defence

There are a lot of things that you can check using your credit report. One of the most important pieces of information is seeing if anyone has been opening up new accounts or applications in your name. You can find out how this happens, and you should check your credit report at least once a year to ensure there is no fraud going on without you knowing about it.

Check the report in detail

After you have received your credit report, go through it thoroughly to verify the information provided. You may find that some creditors have unfiled information, as well as those who failed to notify the credit bureau about your account.

Having to pay off your loan means you won’t be able to splurge what little money you may have on yourself. And, for some expenses like buying a house, having no option but to do it with a mortgage can make it harder as well as put more pressure on your shoulders. You’ll need to start thinking about responsibilities like making regular payments and renewals without really splurging money for yourself now and again.

The information will show the creditor's name, dates when you first made initial payments, and your current payment status. It will also indicate the outstanding balance and any missed payments over time.

Your credit report will also include a list of inquiries, so you can see who has viewed your report. The public records section gives you details on any legal action taken against you for unpaid accounts.

Report it immediately

If, after examining your credit report, you see entries that lead you to the conclusion that you have been a victim of identity theft, immediately contact the credit bureau and dispute any information associated with criminal activity.

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes. If you haven't been a victim of identity theft already, there's a high chance you know someone who has been. The good news: there are ways to prevent yourself from becoming a victim. The easiest way to protect yourself from identity theft is to monitor your credit report.

Ask Credit Health for more advice on how to access your credit report and stay safe online.