Think No One Can See Your Credit Report? Think Again. Part 2

2006-10-15

Back to Part 1 of Think No One Can See Your Credit Report? Think Again.

Remember that you have the right to know who has gained access to your credit reports. Information given to you by the credit bureaus must also include the identity of all such inquiries.

It is strongly recommended that you review your credit reports on a regular basis in order to check for accuracy, especially in this age of rampant identity theft. Credit reports are not only your key to obtaining credit cards and loans, but also to renting an apartment, gaining employment, and securing insurance. It just plain and fair that you will want to make sure that your credit reports are accurate and up to date.

In the past, consumers in were required to pay a fee to obtain copies of their credit reports. Now access is free of charge. There are certain times when you are entitled to a free copy for special circumstances. Aside from the yearly free access to credit reports, you are likewise entitled to such reports on specific situations listed below:

• If you have been denied credit (you must request a copy within 60 days)
• If you are unemployed and intend to apply for employment in the next 60 days
• If you are on public welfare assistance
• If you have reason to believe your file contains inaccurate information due to fraud or identity theft
• If an adverse decision related to your employment has been made based in whole or in part on information contained in the report
• If your report has been revised based upon an investigation you request

To further summarize your credit reporting rights, you have the right to:

• Get a copy of your credit report free of charge once a year, and on some special circumstances.
• Know who has gained a copy of your report.
• Correct and disputer any incorrect information.
• Explain the circumstances if some negative information are included.
• "Opt-out" to prevent credit bureaus from using your information for marketing.
• Complain to the appropriate government agency or file a lawsuit if any of your rights have been breached.

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