FIXING CREDIT REPORT MISTAKES

The sooner you catch identity theft the better.  The couple we interviewed had no idea until they went to buy a home - and then surprise!  You should check your report at least once a year.  Go to annualcreditreport.com for your yearly FREE report. 

A couple of years ago, I pulled mine - and I'm glad I did!  An ex-boyfriend's name was on it with a credit card HE had opened up!  It turns out (unknown to me) that he had opened it up in both of our names.  It wasn't negatively affecting my credit, but I sure didn't want it on there!  I filed a complaint with the credit reporting agency, and it's no longer on there.

If you need to dispute something, I've linked the Federal Trade Commission's tips.  You'll also notice they have a sample dispute letter, which will give you an idea of how to write to them.

www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre21.shtm