- 1). Request a copy of your full credit history from the three major reporting agencies. You can accomplish this by either logging on to each company's website, calling or making a written request. If you access your credit information online, you will gain instant access, enabling you to check for inaccuracies right away.
- 2). Look over every report carefully. When checking for identity theft, you not only want to cover what may be listed as potentially negative accounts but also positive accounts, address history, variations in your name and recent credit inquiries.
- 3). Dispute or report any account you did not open. This could indicate identity theft. The dispute process will cause the credit reporting agency to look into the account in question. Additionally, if you feel your identity may be compromised, you can place a fraud alert on your credit reports and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
- 4). Close any and all accounts that you believe have been opened fraudulently. Call the company directly and request to speak to someone in the fraud department. Depending on the severity and impact that has been made to your credit report, call and get a report from your local police station.
- 5). Avoid identity theft by pulling a copy of credit report annually or monthly. There are services that you can subscribe to that allow you access to your credit report regularly and immediately notify you of any changes to your credit report. There is usually a small fee for subscription.
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