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Check Your Credit For Free

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 23, 2007

How do you know if someone shopping today is using a charge card with your name on it, leaving you with damaged credit and a big financial headache? You don't, but your best safeguard is to glance now and then at your total credit picture.

Everyone is entitled to one free credit report every year from each of the major companies: Equifax, Experian and Trans-Union. The fastest way to get your report is on-line at www.annualcreditreport.com. It's free.

Beware of copycat sites that charge you fees. The official site is secure and makes clear that your basic report comes at no cost. If you want to know more, such as your credit score, fees are charged.

The free report is all you need to ensure no criminal abuses or honest mistakes have been made. The report shows your mortgage accounts, credit card accounts, installment accounts and accounts past due.

It also reveals any negative credit history over the past seven years, notes credit inquiries over the past 12 months and shows you how to correct errors.

Whether you like it or not, the financial world is keeping track you how you pay your bills. It's a list you should check yourself.

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