DENVER -- You should request and review a credit report from each credit reporting agency annually. You are entitled to one free report per year. You can contact each bureau individually, or go to www.annualcreditreport.com.

If you suspect someone is trying to open credit accounts in your name, you can request a fraud alert. When you or someone else tries to open up a credit account by getting a new credit card, car loan, cell phone, etc., the lender should contact you by phone to verify that you really want to open a new account. If you aren't reachable by phone, the credit account shouldn't be opened.

A credit or security freeze is a stronger protection if your identity has been stolen or compromised. You must request a freeze on your credit reports in writing to EACH consumer reporting agency. Sending the request by certified mail is recommended. Once a security freeze is in place, the consumer reporting agency will not be able to release your credit report, or any information contained in that report, without your authorization.

The consumer reporting agency must place a freeze on your credit report within five business days after receiving your written request, and must send you written confirmation of the security freeze within 10 business days. The agency must provide a unique personal identification number or password for you to use in providing later authorization for the release of information from your credit report.

Here is the information for each credit reporting bureau:

Equifax

1-800-525-6285

P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

www.equifax.com

Experian

1-888-397-3742

P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013

www.experian.com

TransUnion

1-800-680-7289

P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022

www.transunion.com