British Expatriate Network

Does anybody frequently check their credit report?

I have just requested a copy after about three years, but I wonder about all these adverts that put the fear of death into people about identity theft and the like.

Having watched the Suze Orman show the other night she recommends everyone check their report frequently but I can't help thinking that a lot of these services for credit reports are really just a way for Experian, Equifax et al to just make more money. I also think there should be far tighter government rules on protecting consumer privacy.

Any thoughts?

I pull all three of mine each year under the Free Credit Report scheme - mostly so I can keep tabs on what accounts I have and estimate my credit rating.

I have bought them in the past but no need now. The companies try to tack on extras but you generally don't need them.

I paid a bill once which I technically owed but they got my name muddled up - so now it shows up on my credit report as an 'alias'.

In reality, the credit reporting companies should be paying individuals for selling their information - it's a lot like TV companies not paying the citizens for the citizen-owned airwaves they use.

Same here as Pilgrim i get them free and dont buy there add ons . the add ons are the only way they can make money on giving you a (mandated free ) credit report.

which was a law passed because of there crooked handling of accounts in the past ... They pretty much got themselves into the position of the govt stepping in because of so many complaints

MY wife had a similar situation as pilgrim befall her, they had her having a morgage on a home that was her mothers .

When she complained they told her it was "her fault " for having the same name as somebody else DAH ,,,,


took all of 2 years to get it straighted out , and then we had to threaten legal action .

Yeah Gods!!! is that the Government doing something useful after all!!! :shock: :wink:

yea and a republican govt at that ....

Proving that even chimps can achieve complex tasks, every now and then.....

:lol: :lol: :lol: