ATLANTA — WSB consumer expert Clark Howard is urging consumers to regularly check their credit following a $100 million settlement involving Atlanta-based Equifax.

Equifax agreed to the settlement in a lawsuit over claims that the company reported inaccurate credit scores to lenders. The lawsuit is tied to a software glitch in 2022 that allegedly affected the credit scores of millions of Americans.

The lawsuit alleged the incorrect scores caused problems for some consumers applying for mortgages, loans, credit cards and other forms of credit.

Equifax previously said it issued incorrect credit scores during a three-week period in 2022 because of a software glitch but denied the issue affected consumer credit reports. The company does not admit fault or wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

Howard says the case is a reminder that consumers should regularly review their credit because mistakes can happen.

“It’s so important to check your report and check them regularly because they will make mistakes,” Howard said.

Howard recommends checking your credit four times a year.

“Do it at least four times a year, you’ll be able to have a good warning that something’s wrong and you can address it,” Howard said.

He says errors can include a consumer’s information being mixed with someone who has a similar name.

“They’ll marry your bio to someone else with a similar name, and what happens if that person has really lousy credit? You look like you have really lousy credit,” Howard said.

Howard also recommends freezing your credit as a way to protect your identity.

“Credit freeze is the most valuable tool you can use to protect your credit identity,” Howard said.

He says consumers should consider freezing their credit before an issue occurs.

“Unfortunately, people don’t really tune into credit freeze, so they’ve had a problem and that’s too late. That’s like deciding to put locks on the door after the burglars have already broken in,” Howard said.