Would you even know if someone was stealing your identity?
After this post/video you certainly will.
Thankfully this has never happened to me. But if someone were to attempt to be the next Whitney Hansen (like the world needs another…) I would catch it. Like a mouse against a cat, that person wouldn’t have a chance.
Because I have created a credit check system.
I’ll cut to the chase and share this with you.
Step 1: Grab some coffee.
Yes this is an “actual” step. Don’t you know personal finance should always be tackled with a beverage in hand?
Step 2: Put it on the calendar.
Pick a standing date, once a year, that you will dedicate to your credit checking system. (Mine is always on New Years day- more proof of why the world doesn’t need another Whitney.)
Step 3: Run your free report.
Once a year, run your credit report* by going to annualcreditreport.com
It’s free.
*Note: this is your report, not your score. Unlike your report, your score does not tell you if someone is playing on your dime…so just get your free report.
Step 4: Fine tooth comb test.
Print your report and go through each of the accounts with a fine tooth comb. Or no comb, but read through it all.
You are looking for 3 things here:
1. Is someone having a spending party under your name? Look for accounts you closed or opened. This includes co-signing.
2. Are accounts, balances, and payment histories correct?
BTW, if you miss a payment, you better believe this will be reflected on your report. Bills that are paid 30, 60, 90, or 120 days late are not going to look good. Unpaid/late bills make up an estimated 35% of your credit score. So pay yo bills on time!
3. Inquiries. How many, whom, and what for? Some soft inquiries (pulling your credit report- sometimes for employment) are normal, hard inquiries (like you tried to buy a car) are not.
That’s pretty much it. If you have found some issues, you are by federal law entitled to challenge the accounts. They will be in touch with you after about 5 days of hearing from the creditor.
Need to Dispute a charge?
If you need to dispute these charges check out the following sites to do so. (Dispute each credit bureau separately).
Experian: experian.com/dispute
Transunion: transunion.com/dispute
Equifax: equifax.com/CreditReportAssistance
Start incorporating this system into your life. With data breaches and identity theft rising, you can’t afford to not be aware.
Progress is impossible without action. Comment below and let us know when you run your credit report!
Peace, love, and debt-free-ness,
-Whitney
Hey, let’s take our relationship to the next level….by joining me on Instagram! Come say hello (@whitney_hansen_co), I would love to see your pictures and chatty watty with you.