Experts agree that seniors should check their credit report at least once a year. This is true even if you’ve got excellent credit. The reasons are simple:

Credit bureaus make mistakes – if a mistake has been made about yours, you want to take steps to make the corrections before you discover the mistake when you’re turned down for a loan.

• Mysterious entries on your credit report can provide valuable clues about identity theft.
• There are three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

AARP suggests you check your credit through the Annual Credit Report Request Service which can be reached by calling 1-877-322-8228, visiting their website at www.annualcreditreport.com or by mailing a request to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

They caution against using any other source, such as pop-up ads and banners for free credit reports, or through direct mail solicitations.

AARP’s page on Credit and Debt gives excellent additional information.