ID Theft Alert: Requesting Copies of Your Credit Report

Given the risks of identity theft today, you are advised to request copies of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies on a regular basis. Under a new federal law, each agency is required to provide one free copy of your report each year. You may want to request more frequent reports.

Each of the credit reporting agencies has its own website and services. The easiest way to access free credit reports is through the centralized service established by all three agencies at https://www.annualcreditreport.com.

When you receive your credit reports, review them carefully. Look especially for these indicators of possible fraudulent activity:

    • Unfamiliar accounts, especially ones that have been newly opened.
    • Unauthorized charges to existing accounts.
    • Addresses where you have not lived.