This is the time of year when people go into a shopping frenzy. They buy gifts for themselves, for family, and friends. Their is a lot of running around and carrying packages. One of things that can very easily occur is identity theft. It seems to be more rampant these days then ever, especially with the shopping that occurs online. Have you or your family ever been affected by identity theft? I feel fortunate that we’ve been spared, but it’s been close. The hospital that I delivered my son at had one of it’s main laptops stolen and had access to patient billing information. We were offered a free credit report and protection on our accounts for three years. The same thing then happened with another organization we had done business with over the years. Nothing ever came out of it thankfully, but I learned a few things.
Requesting a copy of your credit report every year is important. While viewing mine I discovered some errors, such as, addresses I had never lived at and a card that I never owned. I also learned how canceling credit cards can negatively effect your credit score. I had no idea about the delicate balance of my financial matters. Requesting a copy of your credit score can help you identify if any identity theft has occurred. It can take years to remedy this problem once it’s happened and it seriously damage your credit score.
Look online to check for a free credit score offer. Keep safe this holiday season.