The information in free credit reports on-line is the same information that creditors get. And
when applying for credit, seeing what a creditor sees is important. But increasingly there's
another important reason to see what's in free credit reports on-line. That's because every
year hundreds of thousands of people are the victims of credit fraud. With the widespread
use and access to your personal information, you can't eliminate the possibility of becoming a
victim, but you can act to lower the risk.
First step is awareness
Treat your credit cards and all personal documents like keys to your home. Don't leave them
lying around, be careful who has access to them and cut them up before throwing out.
Secure your mail
Every document with the kind of personal information you find in free credit reports on-line,
makes you vulnerable to the theft of that information. To keep your mail secure, get a lock for
your mail box or put a mail slot in your front door. And it's best not to send any personal mail
from work, if it's collected from an unsecured location.
Carry few cards
When you go out, take only the credit or ATM cards that you need. Don't carry your Social
Security card and take as few IDs as necessary.
Control access
A lot of your information in free credit reports on-line can obtained if someone has one of
your personal ID or account numbers. So the fewer times you give out a personal number and
the fewer people that have access to it the better. When you use your credit cards, don't let
them be taken out of your sight and either destroy or take the carbons with you. Void incorrect
receipts. If asked to give a credit card number to verify a check, don't let the clerk write the
number on the check.
Maintain good recording habits
Keep a list of all your important financial and identification numbers and the contact information
for each company. Choose unique passwords and PINs. Be aware of your billing cycles so you'll
know if a statement is late.
To get free credit reports on-line, free credit score and free 30 days of credit monitoring,
please go to
free instant credit reports.
