Access Your Free Credit Report

As of March 1, 2005, you are eligible to get your credit report for free.  A recent amendment to the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months

A credit report contains information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you’ve been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy.

HOW DO I ORDER MY REPORT?

The three nationwide consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union) have set up one central website, toll-free telephone number, and mailing address through which you can order your free annual report.  Do not contact the three nationwide consumer reporting companies individually.  They are only providing free annual credit reports through:

Online: www.annualcreditreport.com

Phone: 877-322-8228

Mail:  Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta GA 30348-5281

WHAT INFORMATION DO I PROVIDE TO GET MY REPORT?

You need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.  If you have moved in the last two years, you may have to provide your previous address.  To maintain the security of your file, each nationwide consumer reporting company may ask questions that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment.  Each company may ask you for different information because the information each has in your file may come from different sources.

WHY WOULD I WANT TO GET A COPY OF MY CREDIT REPORT?

You may want to review your credit report:

·          Because the information it contains affects whether you can get a loan - and how much you will have to pay to borrow money.

·          To make sure the information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date before you apply for a loan for a major purchase like a house or car, buy insurance, or apply for a job.

·          To help guard against identity theft; when someone uses your personal information - like your name, your Social Security number, or your credit card number - to commit fraud.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY REPORT AFTER I ORDER IT?

If you request your report online at www.annualcreditreport.com, you should be able to access it immediately.  If you order your report by phone or mail, your report will be processed and mailed to you within 15 days of receipt.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace.  To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call, 1-877-FTC-HELP.