Annual Free Credit Report
The most efficient tool in battling identity theft, is checking your credit report on an annual basis. However, only five percent of people actually do this. This number is incredibly low, as ten percent of the population believe they have fallen victim to this crime. Unfortunately, it is not yet a recognised crime under current laws. Statistics on this subject can be diluted with theft or deception, and thus the problem is not presented in an effective manner.
Making sure that your details are correct and up to date is the most important thing you can do to limit the chances of threats to your person. Once a year, checking your reports from the three main credit bureaus will mean that accurate records will be held, and companies who use your credit history will find it easier to determine your eligibility for loans, employment, and insurance.
All companies will offer the report for free. However, as the report is based on a score, you might have to pay a small fee to receive this as well. This is useful, as you will know how they grade your history, and you can use the information to improve the scores. Asking for a credit report is a good step to regaining control over financial situations. However, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion all rate their customers in a slightly different way, thus giving different results. Checking all three will give you greater knowledge to obtain secure employment, cheaper insurance, and higher chances of obtaining credits such as loans.