"KEEPING A CLEAN credit record is imperative these days. Unfortunately, the task of ensuring one's credit record remains fraud-, identity theft- and mistake-free, can feel like a next-to-impossible feat.

That's where credit-monitoring services come in — they promise to do all the legwork for you. For $10 to $15 a month, these services, which are offered by credit reporting bureaus, banks and other third-party companies, provide customers with unlimited access to their credit report and score, plus e-mail notifications should any significant changes occur (be it a late payment or a new account opened in your name). Some even vow to reimburse for losses incurred fighting identity theft."