Don’t Let a Sleeping Watchdog Rob You of Your Credit Health

While the nation’s consumer watchdog appears to be taking an extended nap, that doesn’t mean you should be any less vigilant about your credit standing.

We strongly encourage consumers to review their credit reports at least three times a year. When you do, be sure to check all three of the nationwide credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Although there are hundreds of consumer reporting agencies operating in the United States under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), far beyond the three nationwide bureaus, the “Big 3” are the most commonly used and remain a reliable starting point for routine credit monitoring.

A quick word about credit monitoring services. I’ve said this before and it bears repeating: you do not need to pay for a monitoring service. Reviewing your own credit reports is quick, easy, and free—and it is often more effective. Monitoring services cannot tell what information truly belongs to you, nor can they reliably detect identity theft or mixed-file issues without your involvement.

Under current rules, consumers can access their credit reports from the Big 3 as frequently as once per week. As a practical rule of thumb, we recommend reviewing the Big 3 every four months (or quarterly if you’re a real go-getter) for ongoing oversight, and more often if you notice red flags or simply want to be extra vigilant.

Staying informed is still your strongest line of defense—even when the watchdog is sleeping. Regulatory oversight may ebb and flow. Credit report errors do not.

If you have questions about your credit report, notice errors, or want to understand whether an issue may give rise to a legal claim, we’re happy to help. You are welcome to contact us for a free case review.

Be informed. Be empowered. Be protected.