Reader Question: Free Credit Report

A recent question from a reader/client:  "How do I get my free annual credit report?"

It sounds like a simple question.  However with all of the commercial sites, and even scam sites out there trying to capture your personal information, it is critical that you go to the right web site or phone number to get your free credit report.

A bit of background on this question.  The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the three major credit reporting agencies to allow you access to a copy of your credit report at least once every 12 months so that you can be made aware of any negative information or errors and to reduce the liklihood of identity theft.

To order your free annual credit report you can go to the official web site, annualcreditreport.com.  The web site should look something like this:

 

Alternatively, you can call (877) 322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form, and mail it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

As I mentioned earlier, it is important that you go only to the website and phone number listed above.  There are many, and I mean MANY websites out there that attempt to look like the official annual credit report site, but in fact are commercial sites that will charge you for the same information that you can get for free.  Even worse, they will likely sign you up for a free trial, and begin charging your credit card every month until you go through the trouble of cancelling.  Of course, they do not make it easy to cancel.

And that's just the lawful sites.  There are also sites that will use this sort of rouse to capture your personal security information, and use it to illegally open credit accounts in your name.  This is a common form of identity theft.

All of this information was obtained at the Federal Trade Commission web site.  Please visit the site for more information.

Comments

[Alton J. Jones]

My blog, How To Get Good Credit Gab, provides the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and experiences about obtaining good credit and emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining good credit and the perils of personal financial mismanagement.

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