The only FREE Annual Credit Report

I was just reading this article and thought it may be useful information for you and your clients.  There is so much advertising on getting your "free" credit report that it gets confusing about what is actually free and what has a catch.  I signed up for one once that was free for 3 months, but I had to be sure to cancel beforehand otherwise I was going to be billed $120 a year or something around that amount for credit monitoring services. 

I think the suggestion of ordering each credit buerau's report seperately through the year, is a great tip to keep yourself posted on your credit throughout the year.  Unfortunately, I don't believe it gives you a credit score, but it's still very useful information to keep your credit in good shape and to make sure no one is using your good name.

Here's the article from http://www.ftc.gov/freereports

 

What is AnnualCreditReport.com?

AnnualCreditReport.com is the ONLY authorized source to get your free annual credit report under federal law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you access to a free credit report from each of the three nationwide reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion - every twelve months.  The Federal Trade Commission has received complaints from consumers who thought they were ordering their free annual credit report, but instead paid hidden fees or agreed to unwanted services.  Don't be fooled by TV ads, email offers, or online search results.  Go to the authorized source when you request your free report.

How do I request my free credit report?

You can request your free report online, by phone or by mail. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com, call 1-877-322-8228, or fill out the Annual Credit Report Request form and mail it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.  No matter how you request your report, you have the option to request all three reports at once or to order one report at a time.  By requesting the reports separately, you can monitor your credit more frequently throughout the year.  

Why should I request my credit report?

Because the information in your credit report is used to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, and renting a home, you should be sure the information is accurate and up-to-date.  In addition, monitoring your credit is one of the best ways to spot identity theft.  Check your credit report at least once a year to correct errors and detect unauthorized activity. 

What should I look for when I review my credit report?

If you see accounts you don't recognize or information that is inaccurate, contact the credit reporting agency and the information provider.  For more information, read the FTC's tips on how to dispute credit errors. 

If you suspect identity theft, you may need to place a fraud alert on your credit report, close compromised accounts, file a complaint with the FTC, or file a police report.  Start by visiting the FTC's identity theft website.

FTC Seeks Comments on Proposals to
Amend 'Free Credit Report' Rule

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on proposed amendments to the Free Annual File Disclosures Rule, also known as the "Free Credit Report Rule." The proposed amendments would implement a new law designed to prevent consumer confusion in advertisements for "free credit reports." The amendments also would address certain practices that may interfere with a consumers' ability to obtain the credit report that credit reporting agencies must provide for free under federal law. Learn more...

 

File a Complaint

The FTC wants to hear from you if you paid for what you thought was your free annual credit report.

Aja Shroll, REALTOR®
Bill Griffin Real Estate
www.ajaolson.com
aja@billgriffinrealestate.com

Dallas TX Real Estate specializing in the areas of North Oak Cliff, Downtown, and Uptown.  Whether you're buying, selling, or leasing a Dallas home I am here to help with all your real estate needs.