Do you check your credit files?

digerati

I request a credit report (£2) from a different company every four months (e.g. Experian, Equifax, Callcredit, Experian...). Think of it as cheap insurance!

This way I monitor my credit reports at each company at least once every 12 months (annual cost £6 for three reports/year). I'll normally notice any problems or errors within four months of them appearing on my credit report. Also there is a variation in information between the different companies so it pays to check all three reports for errors or inaccuracies.

James

digerati wrote: »

I request a credit report (£2) from a different company every four months (e.g. Experian, Equifax, Callcredit, Experian...). Think of it as cheap insurance!

This way I monitor my credit reports at each company at least once every 12 months (annual cost £6 for three reports/year). I'll normally notice any problems or errors within four months of them appearing on my credit report. Also there is a variation in information between the different companies so it pays to check all three reports for errors or inaccuracies.

The point about checking your credit file monthly for the purposes of spotting and stopping fraud, is that it is reactive. The fraud has usually taken place.

It's much cheaper and simpler to take PROACTIVE steps to fully protect yourself 24/7.

www.freeidprotection.co.uk

Former_MSE_Lawrence

Poll started 10 July 2007.

Credit reference agencies know a huge amount about us; and the info held informs almost every financial product application we make. One small error can cause havoc.

There are three reference agencies Callcredit, Equifax and Experian. So how often do you check? Which is the nearest to your situation?

IMPORTANT WARNING!. It's important to check your files, for more info, after voting, read your credit rating: check for free and improve it

A. All'n'Often. I check the 3 agencies annually. 3% (142)

B. Often but not all. I check one agency a year 6% (312)

C. Occasionally. I've checked all 3 over the last few years 4% (218)

D. Rarely. I've only ever checked once or twice 27% (1311)

E. Never. I've never checked my files 59% (2887)


Total Votes: 4859

Thanks to everybody that voted

jowie

...That there is a way of checking your credit rating without any free loopholes:

http://www.annualcreditreport.co.uk/

It only updates once a year, but you don't have to worry about signing up and then remembering to cancel because it is completely free.

cheers :beer:

:-Joe

Manty

James wrote: »

The point about checking your credit file monthly for the purposes of spotting and stopping fraud, is that it is reactive. The fraud has usually taken place.

It's much cheaper and simpler to take PROACTIVE steps to fully protect yourself 24/7.

www.freeidprotection.co.uk

I like this, it looks excellent. One question though; when applying for credit, do you thumbprint anywhere on the form or supply a thumbprinted letter with the form?

jowie

James wrote: »

It's much cheaper and simpler to take PROACTIVE steps to fully protect yourself 24/7.

www.freeidprotection.co.uk

So does that mean if you wish to buy a washing machine on 0% credit or anything like that, you have to try and explain to the gormless Saturday sales staff in Currys that you'll need them to take an inkless thumbprint?

Good luck

Although I guess it would be very useful if you do not intend on taking out any credit accounts in the future and want full peace of mind.