How do I know if my credit report has been abused?

If you suspect financial abuse, accessing your credit report can be a helpful first step. You'll see your credit card balances and payment histories, and whether new credit inquiries have been made or new credit taken out in your name.

How does abuse affect my credit?

If the abuser has accumulated debt in your name that has not been paid on a timely basis, this will likely affect your credit negatively. However, depending on the factors in your specific situation, it may be possible to challenge some of the debt or to take steps to improve your credit score to try to undo some of the damage.

How does credit related abuse affect a survivor?

Credit related abuse and its impacts can be particularly devastating to a survivor because attaining financial stability and economic security is often closely linked to having good credit.