HOW DO I ORDER MY FREE CREDIT REPORT?

Under federal law, consumers have a right to a free credit report.  The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives consumers the right to order a free credit under a number of different circumstances from the 3 nationwide consumer reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.

Most recently, in 2004, and for the first time, consumers were given the right to order a free credit report once every 12 months from the credit bureaus.  The bureaus have to maintain a centralized source (phone, online and mailing address) for consumers to request their free reports.  You can order your free credit reports by calling 1-877-322-8228, or online at www.annualcreditreport.com.  You can also request your free credit reports by mail.  We suggest that you order your reports by mail – not by phone or online.  Online requests may go unfilled if you answer any of the security questions incorrectly.  Also, you will have to print your reports – often 30 or more color pages!  Telephone requests do not create a paper trail, so the bureaus may claim that they never received your request.  Wouldn’t it be easier for the bureaus to mail you your reports?

Instead, click Annual Credit Report Request Form and download your free 1 page credit report request form.  Simply print off the form, fill in the blanks, and mail off your request.  It’s that easy.  Federal law requires the credit bureaus to send your reports within 15 days of receipt of your request.

Once you receive your reports, review them carefully for any errors.  Incorrect addresses or names could indicate that you are a victim of identity theft.  Credit report errors may also indicate that your credit file is mixed with another consumer – maybe a family member or even a perfect stranger.

If you have questions about how to get your free credit report, then contact us 24/7 at 1-800-263-9091 for a free case review.  We can also answer questions about disputes to the credit bureaus.  We can help you with getting your credit reports, getting your reports corrected, and permanently correcting your reports.  Remember, it’s your credit report!