Every consumer should know what is contained in his or her credit report – even if no new credit transactions are planned. The most obvious reason is that you should know your credit scores so you can take action to raise them if necessary, because you never know when you might need credit unexpectedly.

Next, we all need to beware of identity theft, and monitoring our credit reports is one way to nip it in the bud if it happens. Identity theft has become big business, and as the economy worsens, it is expected to grow.

Thieves now steal identities for more than just accessing your credit and your money. Now that landlords routinely check credit reports before renting a home or apartment, and employers check before hiring new personnel, stolen identities are being used to provide credibility as well as cash.

Unknown accounts, use of idle accounts, address changes, new employers, etc. are red flags that mean we need to take action immediately.

Errors are also commonplace – and easier to correct when detected early. Some industry experts say that as many as 70% of all credit reports contain some kind of error. If you use a keyboard, you know how easy it is for a data-entry person to hit a wrong number – putting someone else’s credit information on your report.

You don’t have to pay to see your credit report.

You can get a free credit report six different ways: First is by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. This is where you can access a government-mandated program to see your report at each of the 3 credit bureaus once each year.

You can also get a copy of your report any time you’ve been denied credit. Ask your lender which credit bureau supplied the report and contact them directly for a copy. You must do this within 60 days of being denied.

If you’re currently unemployed and are about to begin job-hunting, you can get a free report within 60 days of starting your job search. You’re entitled to the report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

If you’re on welfare, you get a free report. Simply request it from the credit bureaus.

If you’ve been a victim of identity theft you can request your report in order to check for inaccurate information.

Sign up for a free credit report through a trial subscription. You can do that right here, and it’s the choice I recommend.

This is the only method that gives you credit scores along with the report, and knowing your credit scores can help you decide if you need to take action to raise them.

Once you receive your really free credit score and 30-day subscription to a credit monitoring service, you can decide if you want to continue. We believe that credit monitoring is the safest way to proceed, because you’ll be alerted to any changes that signal identity theft, but you have the option to just view your report and scores one time at no charge.

FreeCreditScorequick.com your resource for free credit report offers and the most current information regarding credit news. We also provide free tips and techniques to repair your credit for free. “Remember your credit report and credit score is more important than ever now.”