ROCKY HILL — With identity theft on the rise, it is a good idea to check your credit report at least once a year and certainly in advance of applying for a mortgage or loan. This will enable you to address any errors before they wreak havoc on your financial life, suggests the Connecticut Society of CPAs.

Getting copies of your credit report is easy.

You can request a copy of your credit report by calling the three national credit bureaus: Equifax (800-685-1111), Experian (888-397-3742), and TransUnion (800-916-8800). The websites for each agency allow you to order your report online. If you want a truly accurate look at your credit situation, you should get a report from all three major credit agencies because they might contain different information.

The cost is generally $10 per report, but in some states and under certain circumstances the report is free. For example, if you applied for a loan and were turned down, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report, as long as you make your request within the specified time frame. You can also get a free report if you are unemployed, receiving public assistance, or believe your credit file contains mistakes resulting from fraud.

There are online sources (you can get all three directly from each agency) that will provide you copies of your report from all three agencies for one fee. The report format from each agency varies but with each report you also receive a legend or key that explains what the various letter and number codes mean.

Here’s what to look for when reviewing your credit report:

Begin by verifying the accuracy of the report’s identifying information such as your name, Social Security number, current and previous addresses, date of birth, and employment history.

The main section of your report contains credit information about your accounts with banks, retailers, credit card issuers, and other lenders. The credit information section typically includes the account opening date, your credit limit or loan amount, outstanding balance, monthly payment, and payment record over the past several years. Your report will also reflect delinquent accounts that are referred to a collection agency.

Another section of the report includes public record information such as bankruptcy records, monetary judgments, and tax liens. Inquiries, or the names of those who requested a copy of your credit report over the past year, will also be identified.

Positive information remains on your report indefinitely. Most negative information remains for up to seven years, and bankruptcies remain on your credit report for up to ten years.

Follow the following steps to correct errors:

Be sure to go through the entire report, entry by entry. You have the right to dispute any information in your report you feel is false, incomplete, or obsolete. Inform both the credit bureau and the creditor who reported it of any errors.

You can file a dispute online, by phone, or in writing. A letter should include your complete name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number, in addition to details concerning the disputed information. Send your request via certified mail, return receipt requested. Once you challenge any information, the credit bureau is required to contact the creditor and request that the creditor verify the information.

If you disagree with the findings, you can file a short 100-word or less statement giving your side of the story. Future reports to creditors must include this statement or a summary of it.

Don’t fall for credit repair scams. CPAs caution that there is no quick fix for repairing your credit record. Don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise. Only time, effort, and an effective personal debt repayment plan will improve your credit report.