Credit is a numbers game. Be sure you know the score.

  • The major credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — are required to give you a free credit report every 12 months
  • Request your annual report from AnnualCreditReport.com
  • Check the report to make sure your personal information is accurate and complete
  • Be sure that you recognize all of the account information listed as well

If you find information that you believe does not belong to you or is not correct, it's possible you've been a victim of identity theft. Learn how to avoid theft, and find out what to do if your identity has been stolen, by visiting the Federal Trade Commission website at www.consumer.ftc.gov. You can also visit our Security Center for ways to protect your identity both on and off the internet.

 

icon: stopwatch showing 5 minutes What make up a credit score, and how do you improve it? This and more included in this 5-minute lesson.