Learning About Credit
These are excellent Web resources for learning about consumer credit.  It is never too early to begin to build and protect your credit history.

Truth About Credit Organization - Sponsored by the State Public Interest Groups

Jump$tart's Reality Check -  Online version of the Reality Store program that helps newly independent persons get an accurate estimate of their budget  

FreddieMac: Know Your Score - Sponsored by the Consumer Federation of America and Freddie Mac

Your free annual credit report is available online.  Need to know who has been checking your credit?  Want to know who you owe?  This is the place to find out. 

Protecting Your Credit:  Report Identity Theft
If you become a victim of identity theft or suspect that your student information has been stolen, contact the appropriate agencies:

U.S. Department of Education
Office of Inspector General Hotline
1-800-MIS-USED (1-800-647-8733)
complain online: www.ed.gov/misused

Federal Trade Commission
1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338)
complain online: www.consumer.gov/idtheft

Social Security Administration
1-800-269-0271
www.ssa.gov

Equifax Credit Bureau
1-800-525-6285
www.equifax.com

Experian Information Solutions (Formerly TRW)
1-888-397-3742
www.experian.com

TransUnion Credit Bureau
1-800-680-7289
www.transunion.com