IT'S YOUR CREDIT REPORT!

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumers have a right to receive a free credit report.  The FCRA requires each of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union, to provide you with a free credit report once every 12 months.  This is called a “free annual disclosure.”  Congress enacted the FCRA to promote the accuracy of information in consumer reporting agencies’ files.

Burke, Harvey & Frankowski protects consumers’ rights to a free credit report and enforces the law by filing lawsuits on behalf of our clients in federal court.  Credit reports contain important information about your personal information, including your address, bill payment history and public records, such as liens and judgments.  Your credit report also includes information about the companies who reviewed your credit file.  These are called inquiries.  Inquiries are made by your existing creditors, insurance companies, landlords and potential employers with your permission.

The FCRA was amended in 2003 and required Equifax, Experian and Trans Union to create a “centralized source” for consumers to get all 3 credit reports for free.  As a result, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union created a company called “Central Source, LLC” as a joint venture.

Federal law requires the nationwide consumer reporting agencies to have a central telephone number, address and website for consumers to contact for a free credit report.  To order your free annual disclosure, you should mail your request to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service

PO Box 105821

Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Your may request all 3 credit reports, or you may stagger your requests from the credit reporting agencies one at a time.  While consumers can request credit reports online, it’s better practice to request the report by mail to document the request.  Also, some of the credit reporting agencies require consumers to agree to arbitration before giving access to a credit report online.  Consumers do not have a right to a jury trial if the case goes to arbitration.  Consumers have a right to a jury trial under the 7th Amendment!

Do not be fooled by imposter websites!  Only one website is authorized to fill orders for your free annual credit report.  However, some imposter websites use terms like “free report” in their website name.  Some sites are owned by the credit reporting agencies.  For example, Experian owns FreeCreditReport.com and FreeCreditScore.com.  Other sites use variations of the annualcreditreport.com name with different spellings or domains.  These sites try to sell you your free report or sign you up for credit monitoring.

In order to get your free annual credit report, you will need to provide Central Source with your name, address, Social Security number and date of birth.  If you have moved in the last 2 years, you may be required to provide your previous address.

Click Annual Credit Report Request Form to download the free credit report request form.

Some states allow consumers to request additional free copies of their credit report under state law.

HAVE YOU REQUESTED YOUR FREE ANNUAL CREDIT REPORT NOT RECEIVE ALL 3 REPORTS?  HAVE YOU MADE A COMPLAINT TO CENTRAL SOURCE? HAVE YOU MADE A COMPLAINT TO THE FTC? 

CONTACT ATTORNEY MICAH ADKINS FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION REGARDING YOUR RIGHT TO A FREE CREDIT REPORT.