Have You Checked Your Permanent Record Lately?

As a young student I feared getting bad grades because I didn't want any bad marks on my "permanent record." Get an "F" in fifth-grade science and it goes in your record. Act up in Mrs. Brown's class? Yep, it's in your record too. Get caught using a swear word and it's not only in your permanent record but it goes right at the top! When you go to a parochial school like I did, you come to believe that there really is some mysterious file that follows you for the rest of your life.

Want to know a secret? There really IS a permanent file that follows you through life, but it has nothing to do with grammar school grades or activities. The real "permanent record" you need to be concerned about as an adult is your credit record! You should check your credit record on a regular basis, especially if you are planning on making a major purchase such as a car or home.

Your credit report or credit profile is a record of your credit activities. It lists your credit card accounts and loans, your account balances, and whether or not you make your payments on time. Your credit report is used by potential lenders to evaluate your creditworthiness. Credit reports have also been used by insurance companies to determine what rates you will pay for your insurance policies.

Reviewing your credit report can help you avoid costly errors. In one recent study, more than 50% of the credit reports checked contained errors. Other studies have shown similar results with as high as a 70% error rate. The most common error occurs when the information of another person, with a similar name or account number, is recorded in your credit profile.

A more serious problem occurs when someone gains access to your personal information and commits identity theft. Identity theft has become the fastest growing crime in our nation. Identity theft complaints jumped 75% from last year according to a recent Federal Trade Commission report. The monetary loss from identity theft crimes skyrocketed to a combined $53 billion in 2002! Accounts that appear on your credit report that weren't opened by you could be a sign of identity theft.

For a thorough review of your credit profile, you need to check with all three major credit reporting agencies (CRA's) : Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Information can vary between the three CRA's and it's important to make sure each has accurate and up-to-date information regarding your credit history.

Once you have your credit report, start by checking the accuracy of your personal information: your name, your social security number, address(es), etc.

Next , examine the accounts listed in your credit history. This section lists your accounts with creditors and your payment history with them. It is important to read this entire section and make sure the information is complete and has been reported correctly. Report any errors immediately to the credit reporting agency for investigation and correction.

Finally, check the number and frequency of credit inquiries to your file. Make sure that all the inquiries were authorized by you. Potential creditors who see a high number of inquiries in a short period of time may consider you a high risk and deny you credit.

Make it a habit to check your credit report annually. Doing so can save you time, money and future credit problems down the line.

About The Author: James H. Dimmitt

© 2004, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com

Get your FREE credit report online now and subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter "TO YOUR CREDIT". jimdim815@aol.com

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Credit Information:

Related Articles

Watch Out For Credit Repairs
It is very easy to find a site that is neat, professional-looking, and one that offers a free three-agency credit report and free credit report without a credit card.This scam is too good to be true.
How To Use Your Credit Card For Ultimate Financial Advantage
Using a credit card wisely is an important step in building a great credit rating. If you're trying to re-build your credit or if you're young and just starting out, pay close attention the next time you receive a new card offer in the mail or online.
How Your Credit History Can Affect Your Life
Your credit history is an important aspect of your life. Maintaining your credit rating is very important to your future and to your lifestyle.
Looking for that Low interest Credit Card?
If you have been shopping around for a Low Interest Credit Card you will notice that the UK market is awash with Credit Card companies offering low rates to entice you to apply for their Cards.There has never been a better time to consolidate your credit cards and get a far better interest rate.
10 Ways of Reducing the Risk of Identity Theft
1- Check your credit report regularly2- Secure personal information in your home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your home.3- minimize the amount of information someone can steal, do not carry extra credit cards, your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport in your wallet or purse, except when needed.
Choosing the Right Credit Counseling Agency for You - Some Tips Part 2
Credit counseling companies come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you are looking at working with a local credit counseling organization or a national credit counseling organization there are some very important factors to calculate before choosing the right credit counseling option for you.
Good vs. Bad Credit Debt
Do you know the difference between good and bad credit debt? Most everyone seems to think that all debt is bad, but that is not always the case. In fact, there are some instances where good debt can actually help your financial situation.
To Repair Credit Is No longer Satisfactory - Learn How To Earn A Millionaires Credit In 30 Days...
To repair your bad credit does not necessarily mean that you now have a good credit, absolutely not. When most people have bad credit, they either purchase a credit repair book or seek a credit expert help.
How to Get Credit Reporting Agencies to Help You
The process of clearing credit can be laborious and frustrating. Understanding your rights empowers you and saves you time and effort.
The Hitchhiker's Guide To Insanity
A new sickness is plaguing the UK called Denial. Denial has resulted in a national personal debt of almost £1.
Learning the Disturbing Facts about Credit Card Debt
When I received my first credit card in the mail at age 18 I was ecstatic, I said to myself, wow now I'm getting somewhere in life. This credit card company thinks I'm worthy of 500 dollars in credit.
Credit Repair Scam - How To Avoid Being A Statistic?
A good credit history is critically important for the consumer. A bad credit will prevent you from getting a business loan, owning a home, or even a job.
Big Brother Knows Whats in Your Credit Report - How About You?
Whether you are aware of it or not, credit bureaus have been keeping tabs on you and how you use credit. When it's time for you to apply for a mortgage, credit card, or personal loan, your credit report is what lenders look at to decide to approve you or not.
Update Your Computer System With Bad Credit Computer Financing
The moment I placed myself in front of the computer screen a whole new world beckoned me to join it. And years of strolling have proved incompetent to get me acquainted with the full panorama of computers.
What Is A FICO Score?
A credit score is most commonly known as a FICO score. FICO stands for Fair Isaacs Corporation.
10 Signs You May Need Credit Counseling
Debt management programs can be of real help for people that discover they cannot face their debts. At first, they will attempt to solve the situation all by themselves by cutting down on spending and keeping a close eye on accounts.
Credit and Its Cost
What is Credit?Credit is money granted by a lender (or creditor) to a debtor (or borrower) whereby the lender defers receiving payment of the debt for a period. In exchange for the credit allowed, the lender will get back the money lent plus interest.
Easing Your Financial Burdens With Credit Counseling
It is a well-publicized fact that more of us are getting ourselves into greater debt, and this may be true for you. The embarrassment of your financial situation can mean you are unlikely to seek credit counselling or other credit management solutions.
Pitfalls of the Credit Industry
The credit industry if rife with pitfalls. If you have ever owned a credit card you probably already have learned this the hard way.
Tips For Getting Your First Credit Card
Most of us get a credit card on our name when we go to college or when we are in our senior years of high school and all of us stumble into the same types of difficulties when it comes to finding an issuer and managing the credit card. Most banks ask for a prior type of credit history that most of the time lacks and for some type of warranty that we will be good payers.