13 Jun Is it safe to check my credit reports online?

Q. I want to check my credit reports but I’m concerned about entering my information online. Is it safe?
— Credit concerned

A. You’re smart to want to check your credit reports. This is something you should do once a year.

Federal law allows you to get a free report of your credit from all three reporting agencies once per year.

AnnualCreditReport.com is the place to go.

You need to enter personal information, including your Social Security number.

The site offers many protections, but you also want to be smart. When get your credit reports, or enter any personal information online, just be sure you have a protected internet connection and you’re not doing it using public WiFi

If you want to stay offline, you can call (877) 322-8229 or go online to download forms to make the request by mail. But mail isn’t 100% safe as we’ve seen all kinds of fraud pop up that way.

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published on June 13, 2023.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.