Reviewing your credit reports can help you detect fraudulent activity early, allowing you to take effective steps to limit the headaches you may encounter if you are a victim of identity theft. Knowing what's in your report before you apply for a loan or a job may also be helpful.
You have a right to order your free annual credit report from each of the three major consumer credit reporting companies (CRC): Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. However, it is not necessary for you to order all three at the same time.
If you are a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to place a fraud alert on your file and to receive copies of your credit report from each of the three CRCs free of charge, regardless whether you have previously ordered your free annual reports. For more information on ID theft, including advice for victims and tips on prevention, review the Attorney General's Consumer Alert on ID Theft at www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-17343_18163-80479--,00.html
