"Free" credit scores cost money

Good post I will bookmark this so when I have to refer clients I make sure they hit the correct site.

Thanks

If I'm not mistaken, the FREE is only without credit scores.  To get the credit scores, one must pay.

This is a good post.  It is very important for people to check before they hit a link called "Free" on the Internet.  I also believe that you still have to pay for the scores.

Thanks for this post.  It's helpful to have the buyers check their report before a lender does.  I learned though that some of these reposts are not as in-depth as the one that the lender uses.  The "paid-for" report is ususally the one most like the lender will use.

Yes, your post was sort of useful, but telling your friend he went to a bogus site was no real help, he asked what he should do, and you gave no answer at all. So maybe your next blog should cover what he should have done after he got the bill, including not paying for it.

As Lenn posted above, one does not get the credit scores, but only what is on their credit report, which is a good way to see if there are any mistakes.

The only score that counts today is the Heat.

Will they defeat the Celtics and go on to the finals.

Give them credit if they do. 

Len, time to unfold the arms .

Doug

Good post about an important issue. What if the bogus site was a villain? cheers cvc

Good post.  If the website is advertising, someone is paying and it is usually the person looking for the FREE credit score.

Doug:  Amazing how many scams there are out there.  And so many of these so-called "free" sites have teeny tiny sub-print that go on to explain charges that will be applied.  So many mortgage lenders offer this service, not only for their clients ... but for potential clients as well.  Why not take advantage of that free service, and get a little free advice along with the report?  Just seems easier and safer too ...  JMO ...

Gene

Usually it is free if you stop your subscription before the end of the first month. That is when they have you. Yes it is free... as long as you end it before the first month is up. I got caught by that once but was able to discontinue the service and not be charged anymore.

Yes, there are sites that sound similar and the consumer should file a complaint when a site advertises a free service, but does not offer a free version of the service at all.  On the other hand, there is no way any site can automatically charge someone's credit card.  Not sure why a consumer would enter credit card information expecting a free report.  If you enter that kind of information, expect to be charged or look for another site that does not charge. 

Yes, like many of the others; I just bookmarked this post for future reference.

Thanks for the correct information.

Doug -- Good heads up. Get to the RIGHT site.  The service includes FREE reports from the three major bureaus. FICO will cost some $$$.

Doug, even on my website, I refer clients, friends and acquaintants to the Federal Trade Commission website: www.ftc.gov/  On the right side of the page, they will find "Free Credit Reports", and when they click those words, they are taken to the following link:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/freereports/index.shtml

They get it straight from the horses' mouth.

Lenn Harley has it right--the credit report is FREE, but the scores have a FEE.  The scores have only minimal value at that time, so I always recommened they concentrate on reviewing content for fraud and errors and save their money.  The only scores that matter will be on the lender's credit report.  Until Barney Frank and Chuck Dodd messed with mortgage lending, FHA did not require credit scores.  [Some lenders tried to push the scores; but as a loan officer, I sent the business to lenders who played by FHA rules.]  Not so easy now...

THanks for raising the subject.

Doug - There are a lot of URLs hat take advantage of similar names to draw people in.  It's important that people make sure they're going to the right address.

Hey Doug, thanks for sharing.  The company who is advertising definitely does not provide a free service.

Doug -- great service to all, by pointing out the correct site address.   As mentioned above, the credit score does cost money, but since it varies, from retail to auto to mortgage, on what is being emphasized, the consumer doesn't really need that, until they get it from their lender.