No-cost tip for checking your credit report for identity theft

In 2016, over 15 million Americans had their identity stolen from thieves, totaling in $16 million in costs. The first step in protecting your identity is keeping a keen eye on your data — and here’s a quick (and absolutely free) way to do just that.

In today’s episode of Your Money Minute with Tracy Stewart, CPA, I’m sharing a tip for a no-cost way to check your credit report for identity theft. The three major credit bureaus maintain an account of your recent activity, including new accounts and balances. Using AnnualCreditReport.com every four months, you can receive access to a copy of your credit report absolutely free.

By law, the three major reporting agencies must provide you with an annual review of your report. By staggering your requests, you can view one of the three reports every four months, cycling through the agencies every 12 months.

I really like Experian’s report, as it’s the easiest to read and understand. Whichever you prefer, take a few moments to sign up for your free report. There’s no scam, no hoax — they don’t even ask for a credit card number to pull the ol’ bait and switch. What are you waiting for?

Financial independence is unbelievably liberating. Protecting your identity is one big way to amass and protect your wealth — and I’m here to help you do it.

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