Which of the following are ways to protect your credit report against identity theft?

Choosing both applying for credit only when necessary and inspecting credit reports annually is an effective way to protect your credit report against identity theft.

Applying for credit only when necessary helps limit the number of inquiries on your credit report, as each application can slightly lower your credit score and could flag your activity to potential identity thieves. When you minimize applications, you reduce your exposure to scenarios where a thief might misuse your information to open new accounts.

Inspecting your credit reports annually is crucial because it allows you to monitor your financial history for any unauthorized activity. By regularly reviewing your reports, you can quickly identify and dispute any inaccuracies or signs of identity theft. This proactive approach is recommended by the Federal Trade Commission and is a key preventive measure in protecting against identity theft.

Both practices not only safeguard your credit report but also enhance your overall awareness of your financial status, which is beneficial in maintaining your credit health.