Published: 1/18/2023 4:24:19 PM
At the start of a new year, many people resolve to eat healthier or to get more exercise. As a consumer advocate, I suggest resolving to be better consumers. By doing so, you may be able to save money and avoid fraud. Here are my suggestions for consumer resolutions that could save you headaches and heartaches.
Order your credit reports from the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You are entitled to one free report annually from each agency. To request yours, call 877-322-8228 or go online at annualcreditreport.com. You can also request them by mail by contacting each credit bureau directly.
Credit reports list a person’s loans and credit accounts as well as payment history. That information is used to determine your credit score which impacts whether you will be approved for credit as well as the interest rate you’ll pay. Requesting your free credit report will not affect your credit score. Your credit report may come with your credit score. Some credit card companies and banks also provide credit scores for free to their customers.
Go over your credit reports carefully verifying that the information listed is accurate and belongs to you. If you find accounts or loans that do not belong to you, contact the business that issued the account and the credit reporting agency. Incorrect information could lower your credit score and can also be a sign of identity theft where someone…
