Shocked By My Free Credit Report

     I have worked hard at restoring my credit the past few years.  There were some substantial debts I was proud to finally settle.  No more humiliating phone calls from bill collectors trying to shame or bully me into paying, will be well worth it.  Just the thought of having a decent credit score (only $7.95 to find out) is a dream come true.  These days you need good credit to get a job, a place to live, insurance or even a date.  Just kidding about the date thing, I think.
     You should get your report and look it over.  It's absolutely free and here's the link.  Annual Credit Report  provides a free report from TransUnion, Equifax and Experian.  They say that each report is usually the same, but sometimes they are not.  Since they are all free (once every 12 months) I reviewed each one.  They were all the same alright.  That included listing two credit cards that I have never had.  WHAT!!!  OMG!!!  I couldn't believe it.  How did this happen?  Who did this to me?
     Reported under "Negative Accounts" was a Discover card activated in December of 1998, delinquent in 2008 (did they wait ten years to use it) and Charged Off in 2009 with a balance of $2400 with no payment ever being made.  The other is a Capital One with the report stating them as a curent creditor.  To my knowledge I never actually got a credit card until 2007.  That card was a joke with a $500 limit and charging me a fee.  That's the only way I thought I could get one.  I guess someone else knew better. 
     My point is get your free credit report and look it over.  You never know what's on there.  If it can happen to me, it can, and probably will happen to you.  I have disputed this and "patiently" wait for the results to come in 30 to 45 days.
     Everyone in my life has become a suspect.  How do I know who to trust?  I could have really used the financial assistance those cards would have supplied me and my children back then.  Goodbye decent credit score. (Not going to waste the $7.95 to find out).  How has this effected my current job search?  This was the first time reviewing my credit report.  It most certainly will not be the last.  I plan to stay on top of it from here on out.  I suggest you do the same.  Wish me luck.