Free Credit Reports

Fair Credit Reporting Act

A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. But there's only 1 online source authorized to do so, Annual Credit Report. Beware of other sites that may look and sound similar. While consumers may be offered additional products or services while on the authorized website, they are not required to make a purchase to receive their free annual credit reports.

There have been numerous complaints filed with government agencies from consumers who thought they were ordering their free annual credit report online. Some consumers responded to TV ads, email offers, or simply searched The Federal Trade Commission, recently settled a lawsuit against Consumer Info. This focused on Experian Consumer Direct, specifically over the "free credit report" promotion it advertised on television, radio and the Internet, including its websites Free Credit Report and Consumer Info.

The 3 nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up 1 central website, toll-free telephone number, and mailing address through which you can order your free annual report. To order, visit Annual Credit Report, 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