Credit Report Safety

In the 21st century, your credit report has a major affect on your financial life. It naturally affects your ability to get credit---the original purpose. In addition, prospective employers, landlords and insurance companies may also check your credit report to get an idea of your level of responsibility and how you handle obligations. Guarding your credit report can be as important to your well-being as guarding your home valuables.

Credit Card Safety

Keep your credit card numbers and information a secret. Guard your statements, notes and Internet banking passwords in your head only or in a locked file or safe. Only give your credit card number or physical card to people with a legitimate reason to use it---such as vendors you trust and employees where you do business. Read every line of your credit card statements and report suspicious transactions immediately.

Computer Safety

Malware and viruses aren't only annoying. Some programs, such as keyloggers, actually record what you input through your keyboard and email the logs to a specified mailbox. This includes everything you put in when you make transactions---including credit card numbers, your address and your Social Security number. Regularly scan your computer with up-to-date, professional anti-virus software in order to confirm the absence of these programs.

Internet Safety

Many identity theft and credit fraud cases occur after the victim willingly gives out information over the Internet. Never give your information over the Internet under circumstances you wouldn't in real life. Be especially suspicious of unsolicited emails that request your information.

Credit Review

You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report once per year from each of the three major credit bureaus. It's good practice to order a copy from all three---Experian, TransUnion and Equifax---annually. Read each line of the report to look for questionable entries. Even if there is no intentional fraud, vendors and the bureaus themselves make mistakes.