Credit information is used in virtually every aspect of American financial life.

Consumer credit is considered when applying for loans to buy homes and automobiles. Credit checks are required to get utility, telephone and other services. Few landlords will rent apartments or houses without ording a credit report and credit may also affect an employers' hiring and promoting decisions.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. This crime can take many forms and victims often must spend money and time repairing the damage done to their good name and credit record.

Use the tools below to find out how you can safeguard your credit history and identity.

• Consumer Alert: Not All ATMs are What They Seem NEW
• Consumer Credit Bill of Rights
  • What is a Credit Report?
  • What is a Credit Score?
  • What is an Adverse Action Notice?
  • What Should You Do if You Find Inaccuracies in Your Credit Reports?
  • Credit Rights: Financial Education Resources
  • Credit Rights: Identity Theft
• Get Your Free Credit Report
• How to "Freeze" Access to Your Credit Files
• Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft
  • Beware of Online "Phishing"

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Financial Institutions with Offices in NJ (Including addresses, phone numbers, holding company names (where applicable) and links to institution and primary regulator web sites)
• How to Find Public Information About Financial Institutions
• NJ Division of Taxation Unclaimed Property Search (Find unclaimed financial institution funds)
• Financial and Insurance Information for Seniors

• Using Credit Scores for Insurance in NJ (PDF)
• Protect Yourself Against Frauds and Scams (PDF)
• What is the Division of Banking? (PDF)
• How to Select Your Bank Account (PDF)
• NJ Consumer Checking Accounts (PDF)
• So You Want to Get a Mortgage Loan (PDF)
• Protect Yourself Against Predatory Lending (PDF)