If you believe someone is tampering with your credit, contact the Federal Trade Commission at (877) IDTHEFT (438-4338), or visit the U.S. government's Web site on identity theft.

People are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus. To request a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call (877) 322-8228.

Credit Reporting Bureaus

Equifax
www.equifax.com
To order a report: (800) 685-1111
To report fraud: (800) 525-6285
Written requests: Equifax, PO Box 74021, Atlanta, Ga., 30374-0241

Experian
www.experian.com
To order report: (888) 397-3742
To report fraud: (888) 397-3742
Written requests: Experian, P.O. Box 949, Allen, Texas, 75013-0949

TransUnion
www.tuc.com
To order report: (800) 916-8800
Written requests: 760 Sproul Road, P.O. Box 390, Springfield, Pa., 19064-0390
To report fraud: (800) 680-7289
Written fraud requests to the Victim Assistance Division, P.O Box 6790, Fullerton, Calif., 92634

Innovis
To order report: (800) 457-0247
(Unlike the other three agencies listed above, Innovis says it doesn't sell credit information to groups such as car loan companies, mortgage lenders, or potential employers. Instead, it says it sells information to marketers who compile mailing lists for things like credit cards. So, while negative information on your Innovis report might not result in the denial of applications for credit, insurance or employment, it might prevent you from getting favorable credit offers.)