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FTC Cracks Down on "Free Credit Reports" That Just Aren't

By
Mortgage and Lending with Equity Resources NMLS 67179 Licensed in NC

I'm tired of that "F-R- Double E Spells FREE" credit report commercial!    Because what they are "hawkin' is NOT free!
Free Credit Reports Are Not FreeThankfully, on March 3, 2010 the Federal Trade Commission file a revision to the Free Annual File Disclosure Rule to address the abuses and deceptive advertising for Free Credit Reports.  This was part of the new Credit Card Accountability and Responsibility Act 2009.

The new disclosure is available now, but must be used after April 2, 2010, per the FTC ruling... however the Radio and Television Ads don't have to go off air until September 1, 2010 (although the advertisements must adhere to the interim disclosure in the Credit Card Accountability Act until then.)

"The pre-existing requirement to make a free annual credit report available to consumers applies to consumer reporting agencies that operate on a nationwide basis.  The new marketing requirements apply to parties that offer free credit reports. For purposes of the requirement, a "Free Credit Report" is a file disclosure prepared by or obtained from, directly or indirectly, from a nationwide consumer reporting agency that is represented, either expressly or impliedly, to be available to the consumer at no cost if the consumer purchases a product or service, or agrees to purchase a product or service subject to cancellation."

I think this is GREAT news for consumers who have been PAYING for what services they don't need!

If you are looking for credit repair from someone who cares about your situation, and will show you how to immediately, and over time imporve your score - please call Steve Thorne, Credit repair specialist 919-649-5058  also check out this site ... it's all about credit repair and dispute information!

Joetta Fort
The DiGiorgio Group - Arvada, CO
Independent Broker, Homes Denver to Boulder

I didn't know the reports were not really free.  Dang! I used to think the commercials were cute, now they'll just irritate me. But only until September!

Mar 11, 2010 02:12 AM
Bill Buettner
Keller Williams Greater Columbus - New Albany, OH
Your Real Estate Connection

I am sooo sick of the commercial! Glad to hear there is some positive change coming to this part of the market. nothing is "Free".......

Mar 11, 2010 02:12 AM
John Neibich
Home Savings of America - Prescott, AZ

Wait, regulating private business? Shouldn't that Pirate cook guy be allowed to commit fraud with a catchy jingle?

Mar 11, 2010 02:24 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

The last time I tried to get a "Free Credit Report" they put me through way too many hoops.  They were asking me to verify who I was by giving them the account number on some very old accounts that I had closed and long forgotten. 

Mar 11, 2010 03:17 AM
Mitch Muller - Charlotte NC Real Estate
ProStead Realty Charlotte, NC CRS SRES mitch@prostead.com - Charlotte, NC
Certified Residential Specialist

It's about time! You're right Erica, annoying but catchy tune that sticks to your brain. Remember the "Winston tastes good, like a .................."? And how many years has it been since that commercial ran? Great marketing!

Mar 11, 2010 04:12 AM
Jim & Maria Hart
Brand Name Real Estate - Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC Real Estate

This is awesome news!  I hate to think about all of the folks that have gone to their site after seeing or hearing thier misleading commercial and getting ripped off.  It will be really nice to not hear this junk any longer.

Mar 11, 2010 04:19 AM
George Burgess
RE/MAX Heritage - Pittsburgh, PA

Thans for the post. I was not aware of the annualcreditreport.com web site. I do get some great replies when I ask why I need acredit card number for something that is free. Take Care

Mar 11, 2010 07:52 AM
Bill Petrey
AgentHarvest - A Real Estate Agent Finder Service - Dallas, TX

If you have a credit score below 600 then you might as well kill yourself.  That seems to be the message that the credit bureaus advertise.  I think it's funny that the people responsible for putting inaccurate data into your report to lower your score are also the same ones profiting from selling you the report that shows how wrong they got it.

Next thing you know, Microsoft will be manufacturing anti-virus software to plug the holes in their Windows application.

With the credit bureaus, why fix the problem of inaccuracy if you can profit from it?

There has to be a law somewhere.

Mar 11, 2010 09:38 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I'm glad for the poor consumer. It's a scam that too many people fall for.

Mar 11, 2010 09:39 AM
Bill Petrey
AgentHarvest - A Real Estate Agent Finder Service - Dallas, TX

I'm sure my previous comment lowered my FICO score by 50 points.

Mar 11, 2010 09:40 AM
April Stephens
RE/MAX One Realty - Clayton, NC
Broker/Realtor - Johnston & Wake County

Thanks for the heads up, I am so tired of Scams & I am glad they are being regulated!  Thanks for truly trying to help people improve their scores! Congrats on the feature post!

Mar 11, 2010 11:46 AM
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Elite - Lititz, PA
Homes For Sale in Lancaster PA - 717.413.0744

Eleanor,

Thanks for the information. I hate it when it just aint what is advertised.

Cal

Mar 11, 2010 12:03 PM
Don Wixom
RE/MAX Executives Nampa, ID - Nampa, ID
"Looking out for your next move..."tm

This is great!  I will, however, miss the catchy jingles in the commercials...some of the more creative ones for sure!

Mar 11, 2010 01:53 PM
George Wilson
Lincolnton, NC - Lincolnton, NC

They aren't the only ones. An Ad from a national car insurance company says in their commercials they can lower your insurance if you qualify (ie. home insurance; no accident in past ## days/months; accident forgiveness program; cash reward for being safe driver; etc) however, some of their programs are not available in NC because of state insurance law. Bottom line is the consumer must read the fine print/FAQ's/terms & conditions before clicking that accept button. Also have you noticed lately that after the variouscompanies (financial/insurance/et al) change the terms after they get you "locked" into a contract or long term program citing changes to either state or federal laws/rules.

Hey! just a thought I wonder if can change the "rules" on the spur of the moment, too (like our commission rate). LOL

Mar 11, 2010 04:28 PM
Pam Turner, REALTOR®, e-PRO®, SFR
Century 21 Belk Realtors Dalton GA - Dalton, GA

HA - love your image! I'm so sick of those commercials I could die!

Mar 11, 2010 10:33 PM
Aaron Silverman
SuccessfulRental.com, Bluewater Property Management, LLC and Lowcountry Turnkey Properties, LLC - Charleston, SC
Improving Real Estate Experience through Education

That is good news, and a welcome change. 

Mar 11, 2010 10:41 PM
Mary Pope-Handy
Christie's International Real Estate Sereno - Los Gatos, CA
CRS, CIPS, ABR, SRES, Silicon Valley

I was very, very happy to read your post.  Thanks for letting us know!

Mar 13, 2010 01:20 AM
Jenna Dixon
Momentum Real Estate Group LLC - Marietta, GA
55 & Over | New Constructions | Horse Farms

I agree, GOOD RIDDANCE!  Also, I hate when people tell me their credit score based on one of those reports...TOTALLY IRRELEVANT!

 

Mar 13, 2010 10:59 AM
Lee & Pamela St. Peter
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522 - Raleigh, NC
Making Connections to Success in Real Estate

Eleanor, am just getting back in the rain after a week long sabbatical...  great post.  AND congrats on the feature too my friend!!

Mar 18, 2010 05:06 AM
Matt Robinson
Professional Investors Guild - Pensacola, FL
www.professionalinvestorsguild.com

It's amazing how they can pay for all of that advertising on national radio and TV when their product is free....Hmmmm.  Good job by the government (wow, I think that's the 1st time I've ever uttered those words).

Jul 25, 2010 05:08 AM