After the holidays are over, bills and statements reflecting all of the transactions that occurred during the past couple of months begin to arrive.

Many people check their accounts on-line, which is becoming an increasingly more secure and faster method of monitoring accounts. Others rely on a mailed statement each month. Whichever way you check your statements, be sure and pay close attention to each recorded transaction and confirm that the information is correct. With so much activity occurring during the holidays, it can be easier to miss an unauthorized credit or debit card transaction.

The Cerritos Sheriff’s Station/Community Safety Center recommends that you carefully review your bills and on-line accounts each month, and that you do this on a regular basis throughout the year.

A free annual credit report can be obtained that will provide you with a synopsis of any account opened in your name. This is another way to help you spot unauthorized activities before they affect your credit rating. Reports can be obtained through www.annualcreditreport.com.

For more safety tips, please visit www.safercerritos.com.