
All consumers are entitled to one free credit report once a year as stated in the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Here are three ways for you to get your credit report for free.
Free Report Via the Internet
Some websites may advertise free reports but once you sign up, you might be offered other services which are not free at all. There is only one resource online authorized by the government to distribute free consumer reports- www.annualcreditreport.com.
Don’t be tricked! Some scammers and identity thieves may use fake websites to victimize unsuspecting consumers. The name of the domain can be misleading. Carefully check the URL or the address of the website you’re using before filling out any form. See to it that the web address begins with “https:// “, where “s” indicates a secured site.
The Federal Trade Commission has also issued a consumer alert page from its website (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt156.shtm) to warn consumers against
Free Report Via Telephone
You can also order your free credit report through the telephone by calling the toll free number, 877-322-8228. It’s best to call from a home phone as the automated system will detect the call based on your phone number.
Be sure to speak over the phone clearly. If you have a strong regional accent or if you have a long or complicated last name, it might be best to order your free credit report through online or postal mail.
Free Report Via Post Mail
You can download the order form from http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/include/requestformfinal.pdf. Print the application and send it via registered post mail at this address: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
Be sure to shade the box to indicate your preference to mask all except the last four digits of your SSN. The text box in the form reads: “Shade here if, for security reasons, you want your credit report to include no more than the last four digits of your Social Security Number.”