I have heard experts over and over again recommend that people should periodically obtain a copy of their own credit report. Why?
The main reason to obtain a copy of your credit report is to review it for accuracy. Does it correctly show the entities with whom you have credit accounts? Are the balances reported accurate? If you have voluntarily closed any accounts, does it show them to be closed by you? Look carefully at the payment history information. Are they in line with the way you actually paid those accounts? Check to see who has been inquiring into your credit. Is there a legitimate basis for each inquiry? For example, did you apply for a credit card or loan from that entity, or perhaps some sort of deposit account? Was your credit report pulled by a prospective landlord. Follow up on any you don't recognize as being legitimate. Last, but not least, watch out for any accounts or amounts you know nothing about. These could be evidence of identity theft and the sooner you address them, the better.
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