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The Hidden Costs of Bogus “Free” Credit Reports
Review shows potential for consumer confusion, unnecessary services

Free credit reports available to consumers nationwide
CU offers guide for consumers on how to order credit reports, review them, correct mistakes and ID Theft tips.

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Help Consumers Union monitor how well this new federal law is working. Click here to learn more.



Background:

Consumers living throughout the U.S. now have the right to order a free copy of their credit report thanks to a new federal law, known as the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), adopted by Congress in 2003. Now that credit reports are free, consumers have better access to this important document and can take steps to make sure it offers a fair picture of their credit history.

Your credit is one of your most important assets. Having good credit means you should have more options to borrow money at the lowest cost and from the best lenders. It also means that others who look at your credit -- such as landlords, insurance companies, or even prospective employers -- are less likely to turn you away or penalize you because you have poor credit.

Take the first step to find out where you stand in the credit world. Get a copy of your consumer credit report and credit score.

Your consumer credit report should contain accurate and up-to-date information about your credit history and behavior. Having your consumer credit report and credit score in hand lets you see what your creditors or those who base decisions on your credit will see. If you discover mistakes, you can have them corrected. Reviewing your consumer credit report can also alert you if someone has stolen your identity.

Be sure to get a free copy of your consumer credit report to stay up to date with your credit profile and to protect yourself from identity theft.

This information is provided as a guide and is not meant to be legal advice. Be sure to consult an attorney for legal advice.

More Information:

How And When Can I Get My Free Consumer Credit Report?
How do I order?
How long should it take and where to complain?
What are some other rights created by the FACT Act?
How do I read my consumer credit report?
How can I fix errors?
Can I fix my credit with "credit repair" services?
What should I do if I become a victim of identity theft?
What can the consumer credit reporting agencies do with my personally identifiable information?
Do I need to buy anything in order to get my free consumer credit reports?

What is a Credit Score?

What is Credit Monitoring?

 

Updates

Call for Free Credit Reports
The official site for free credit reports can be difficult to use.

How to read your credit report
When you order your credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus scan them carefully for mistakes and negative information.

CU calls on Congress to enact strong identity theft safeguards
Reforms outlined to reduce fraud, notify consumers at risk, and limit damage to victims. Take action. Click here for the letter.

Another week, another identity theft scandal
Recent data security breaches have underscored the need for stronger identity theft protections for consumers.

Groups urge FTC to make identity theft-related rights available in Spanish
A diverse group of consumer and community organizations is asking the FTC to require Spanish language access to free credit reports, fraud

After the FACT Act: What States Can Still Do to Prevent Identity Theft
FACTA provides for free annual credit reports, increases the standard for the accuracy of information furnished to credit reporting agencies, strengthens adverse

Changes to the Fair Credit Reporting Act: Important Steps Forward at a High Cost
The changes to the FCRA passed by Congress this year make some improvements for consumers to increase the accuracy of credit reports.

CR Tells You How to Combat Identity Theft
In the October 2003 cover story titled "Stop Thieves From Stealing You," the experts at CR take an in-depth look at identity

If you have been a victim of identity theft, there are government and nonprofit resources to help you.




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