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Check your credit reports to start the New Year

Problem Solvers: Protect Your Credit in 2021

Posted at 5:00 PM, Jan 01, 2021

and last updated 2021-01-02 12:42:31-05

TULSA, Okla. — Starting out the new year with peace of mind that your credit is protected can be invaluable.

So the Problem Solvers have your check list of ways to keep your credit safe in 2021.

First, check your credit report.

Every 12 months you are entitled to a free copy of your credit reports from TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. You can get all three by going to www.Annualcreditreport.com.

If you google a credit report side, watch out for copycat sites that charge for credit reports.

TransUnion, Equifax and Experian are the big credit reporting bureaus creditors use to decide whether to issue you credit, and at what interest rate.

Credit reports also can factor into whether you get that new job, apartment or mortgage for a new home.

Checking your credit report can help you spot mistakes in your accounts. It can also alert you that you are a victim of identity theft. Be sure to check all three bureaus because incorrect information may not show up on all three.

If you see accounts or charges you didn't make personally contact the security or fraud department of the businesses where it happened.

If you call, always follow up in writing and keep copies of records of your conversations about the theft. CLICK HERE for more information.

Remember to also file an ID Theft Affidavit and police report. And, don't forget to submit an identity theft complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.CLICK HERE for details.

Finally, go to the Federal Trade Commission's help page for a free personalized identity theft recovery plan.

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