Equifax is a credit reference agency committed to providing consumers with instant access to the information held on them, which lenders use as part of the process when approving credit applications.

Equifax has been leading the campaign for consumer education regarding credit information since 2001. In 2003, it launched the first ever instant online credit report available from www.equifax.co.uk . The service helped to combat the growing issue of ID theft, enabled consumers to keep track of their financial transactions, and also provided them with a new level of access to their credit information

Today, consumers can review their credit commitments to monitor fraudulent applications, rectify any incorrect information, find out how lenders would score their credit applications, and, overall, benefit from better financial management. Equifax has helped over three quarter of a million consumers by providing them with their credit information. With its ‘Credit Education’ pages, consumers can learn how to improve their credit score, which life events may affect their ability to gain credit and how to protect themselves against identity theft and fraud.

Equifax enables consumers to protect their identity and manage credit through a portfolio of services: The Equifax Credit Report™ can be accessed for the first 30 days free. If the customer does not cancel before the end of the 30 Day Free Trial, the service will continue at £6.99 per month, giving them unlimited online access to their credit information and weekly alerts on any changes to their credit file.

This is the first step anyone should take when they think they have been a victim of ID Fraud. The Equifax Credit Report™ will show any fraudulent accounts that have been opened in your name.

Equifax also includes online facilities enabling consumers to dispute any possible discrepancies in their credit file, quickly and easily. And the company’s expert Credit File Advice Centre provides consumers with personal advice and support to resolve queries with their credit file, including assistance with the problems that arise if an individual is a victim of identity fraud. There is also a glossary of terms to help consumers understand the information in their credit file and the terminology used by lenders.

To learn how to protect your identity from fraudsters, visit www.equifax.co.uk today.