It is recommended that you request a copy of your credit report at least once a year to check for possible errors. You can obtain a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus once a year from 

Reviewing your credit report on a regular basis will alert you to unauthorized activity, an indication that someone has tried to establish credit in your name. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. According to Federal Trade Commission the largest age group reporting identity theft is 18 – 29. Refer to our publication entitled Identity Theft Prevention & Repair Kit for tips on preventing identity theft and what to do if you are victim of the crime.

A credit request should include:

• Your name, including maiden name or other names used.
• Birth date (place of birth might also be helpful)
• Social security number
• Current address.
• Spouse's name (if you are married).

The three national credit reporting agencies are:

If you believe information in the report to be inaccurate you have a right to file a dispute with the reporting agency and the company that gave them the inaccurate information. For more information on settling a dispute, visit Federal Trade Commission's Facts for Consumers.