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• • Regularly order your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), and review for errors or fraudulent activity. You can order one free report annually from each at www.AnnualCreditReport.com, or more frequently for a small fee from each bureau.
• • Create complex, random passwords and change them regularly.
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• Be a savvy consumer whenever using a bill-paying service:
• • Ask if any fees are involved.
• • Before signing the agreement, make sure you understand and accept the terms.
• • To stop service, you must notify the merchant as well as the bank/credit card company. Cancellation may take a month or two to become effective, so plan ahead.
• • If your payment card expires, the merchant will need new card information to ensure uninterrupted service.
• • Track expenses carefully and keep your budget up to date.
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• Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.