Understanding Credit Reports and Credit Scores Your credit report is a detailed record of how you’ve used credit over time. It includes your accounts, balances, payment history, and any negative items such as late payments, collections, or bankruptcies. Your credit score is a three-digit number generated from this information and reflects how risky you may appear to lenders.
Lenders use credit reports and scores to decide whether to approve credit, set interest rates, and determine loan terms. Landlords and insurers may also review credit information. Because these decisions affect your ability to borrow and the cost of credit, understanding — and managing — your credit profile is essential.

With identity theft and reporting errors on the rise, credit monitoring has become a critical first step in protecting your financial health. In 2024, over one million Americans reported identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Regularly reviewing your credit report allows you to identify errors, detect fraud early, and take informed steps toward credit improvement.

What Impacts Your Credit Score
Credit scores are calculated using data from your credit report. Some behaviors strengthen your score, while others can hold it back.
Positive credit behaviors include:

• Making payments on time
• Keeping balances low compared to credit limits
• Maintaining older accounts
• Having a mix of credit types

Negative credit factors include:

• Late or missed payments
• High credit utilization
• Multiple recent credit inquiries
• Collections, charge-offs, or bankruptcies

Over time, responsible credit habits can help scores improve. Industry data shows that average credit scores tend to rise with age as consumers build longer histories and maintain consistent payment behavior.

Why Credit Monitoring Matters in Credit Repair
Credit repair starts with awareness. Many consumers are surprised to find inaccurate or outdated information on their credit reports. Even a single error — such as a misreported late payment or incorrect balance — can lower a score and increase borrowing costs.
Monitoring your credit helps you:

• Identify inaccurate or unverifiable information
• Track changes to your credit profile
• Detect identity theft or unauthorized accounts
• Stay informed while working toward better credit

Most identity theft cases involve credit card fraud or the opening of accounts without the consumer’s knowledge. Monitoring allows for early action, which can limit damage and speed recovery.
How to Address Errors and Inaccurate Information If you find information on your credit report that appears incorrect, outdated, or incomplete, you have the right to dispute it under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
The dispute process generally involves:

• Contacting the creditor that reported the information
• Filing a dispute with the credit bureau reporting the item
• Providing documentation when available

If the information cannot be verified or is found to be inaccurate, it must be corrected or removed. Credit repair professionals assist consumers by reviewing reports, identifying disputable items, and helping manage the dispute process — saving time and reducing confusion.
What to Do if Fraud Is Involved

Fraud on an Existing Account
If you notice unauthorized activity on an account you recognize, contact the lender immediately. Request that the account be secured, the fraudulent charges flagged, and a replacement account issued if necessary.

Fraud Involving a New Account
If an account appears on your credit report that you did not open, act quickly. Contact the lender listed, dispute the account with the credit bureau, and document all communications. Prompt action is essential to minimizing long-term credit damage.
Fraud Alerts and Credit Freezes Explained 
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Fraud Alerts
A fraud alert places a notice on your credit file warning lenders to take extra steps to verify identity before approving credit. It is free, lasts one year, and can be renewed. While it does not block new credit, it adds a layer of protection.

Credit Freezes
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, preventing most new accounts from being opened without your authorization. Freezes are free, remain in place until removed, and offer the strongest level of protection.

Choosing the Right Option

• Use a fraud alert if you plan to apply for credit soon but want extra caution
• Use a credit freeze if your information has been compromised or you want maximum protection

Credit Repair vs. Credit Monitoring Credit monitoring helps you see changes to your credit. Credit repair helps you address issues that may be holding your score back.
While monitoring alerts you to changes, credit repair focuses on:

• Reviewing reports for inaccuracies
• Disputing unverifiable or incorrect information
• Educating consumers on credit-building strategies
• Providing structured support through the repair process

Both tools can play an important role in a long-term credit improvement plan.
Frequently Asked Questions 

​Does disputing items hurt my credit?
No. Disputing inaccurate information does not negatively affect your score.

Does checking my credit lower my score?
No. Reviewing your own credit is considered a soft inquiry.

​How long do negative items remain on my credit report?

• Late payments: up to 7 years
• Collections: up to 7 years
• Bankruptcies: up to 10 years

Negative items must be removed once the legal reporting period expires.

Take Control of Your Credit Improving your credit is a process — not an overnight fix. Regular monitoring, informed action, and professional guidance can help you work toward stronger credit and greater financial opportunity.
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