A recent “Getting By” article included information about accessing your free annual credit report. There are some important things to look for when reviewing your credit report.

One of the first things to check is your personally identifiable information, such as names, addresses and Social Security number. Next, check to make sure you recognize all of the accounts and loans listed.

Incorrect or unrecognizable information is concerning. Businesses, potential employers and other parties you have submitted applications to are making decisions based on the information included in your credit report. If the information is incorrect, those decisions based on false information could have unexpected consequences. Another concern is identity fraud where someone uses your information to create accounts and make purchases creating debt in your name if the accounts become delinquent. Debt is not the only identity theft to be concerned about. Individuals who have access to your personal information could also try to apply for government benefits such as unemployment insurance, Social Security, etc.

To get information corrected or removed, contact the business of the account which has the incorrect or unfamiliar information. If changes are needed to your personal information, contact the credit report company the report was issued by. To report and recover from identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov or call 877-438-4338.

After running the previous article about accessing your free annual credit report, the question, if requesting a credit report will hurt your credit score, came up. Checking your credit report has no effect on your score because it is not an inquiry about new credit.

To learn more, contact Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the green building next to the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton.

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Montana State University, US Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.