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from the FTC:

For Release: June 4 , 2004

FTC Issues Final Rule on Free Annual Credit Reports

The Federal Trade Commission has issued its final rule regarding free annual credit reports under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). FACTA, which was enacted on December 4, 2003, amends the FCRA and requires, among other things, that the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) – Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union – provide to consumers, upon request, a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months.

woohoo!  good move by the FTC.  so what does this mean to you?  once a year, you are entitled to a *free* credit report, so you can find out what information has been gathered about you.  eligibility for these free reports is based on the FTC’s rollout schedule:


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Topic: Obtaining Your Credit Reports

For those who may be unfamiliar with the credit process, here’s a quick summary: You apply for a credit account to purchase goods or services.  Based on various factors, the Creditor agrees to open a credit account for you and begins reporting your information to the Credit Reporting Agencies.  In turn, the Credit Reporting Agencies update, store, and share your information with other potential Creditors or potential employers.  There are laws governing all of you in order to protect each of you.  To break it down further…


Continue Reading... Credit Reports Overview: Their Purpose, Your Rights
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Obtaining Your Credit Information

Once a year, you should check your Credit Report for accuracy and to guard against Identity Theft.  Since Creditors may report to one or more Credit Reporting Agencies, it is suggested that you request a report from each.  Married couples should each request a separate report from all three agencies, as the information may be different for each spouse.

You can also obtain a copy of the Credit Reporting Agency’s Credit Score for you.  These are not a part of your Credit Report, so must be requested separately (or, in addition to).

In The United States…

In the US, as of September 1, 2005, you may now request one free annual Credit Report, every 12 months, from each of the three major Credit Reporting Agencies.  The three agencies have created a central location for you to obtain these reports.  By law, ONLY www.annualcreditreport.com has been authorized to provide these free reports.  Be leery of any other organization that offers you a “free” Credit Report, as many times there ARE fees.


Continue Reading... Obtaining Your Credit Report (US)
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Obtaining Your Credit Information

Once a year, you should check your Credit Report for accuracy and to guard against Identity Theft.  Since Creditors may report to one or more Credit Reporting Agencies, it is suggested that you request a report from each.  Married couples should each request a separate report from all three agencies, as the information may be different for each spouse.

You can also obtain a copy of the Credit Reporting Agency’s Credit Score for you.  These are not a part of your Credit Report, so must be requested separately (or, in addition to).

In Canada…

In Canada, you may request a copy of your credit report by mail (FREE) or online (FEE) from the major Credit Reporting Agencies.  In addition, you may request your Credit Scores, though there is a fee.


Continue Reading... Obtaining Your Credit Report (Canada)
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