I really recommend using the credit report services as blushingsnail said a few posts ago. I decided to get one of the credit watch reports about a year ago and it's been really useful. You pay a monthly fee and are notified as soon as there are any changes to your details, such as a new account being opened or credit searches on your name/address. If you are worried about the possibility of your details being used to open a false account, this would alert you immediately.