HOW DO I GET MY FREE CREDIT REPORT?

How do I get my free credit report?  Under federal law (the Fair Credit reporting Act or FCRA), consumers have the right to receive a free credit report (consumer disclosure) once in a 12 month time period and after receiving an adverse action letter.  In addition, a consumer may also request a free credit report if the consumer:

 1.is unemployed at the time of the request and intends to apply for a job within 60 days; OR,

2. receives public welfare assistance; OR,

3. has a reason to believe the credit reporting agency (Experian, Equifax, or Trans Union) has incorrect information as a result of fraud; OR,

4. places a fraud alert on his/her credit file.

“Upon the request of the consumer, a consumer reporting agency shall make all disclosures pursuant to section 1681g of this title once during any 12-month period without charge to that consumer if the consumer certifies in writing that the consumer (1) is unemployed and intends to apply for employment in the 60-day period beginning on the date on which the certification is made; (2) is a recipient of public welfare assistance; or (3) has reason to believe that the file on the consumer at the agency contains inaccurate information due to fraud. (d) Free disclosures in connection with fraud alerts.

Upon the request of a consumer, a consumer reporting agency described in section 1681a(p) of this title shall make all disclosures pursuant to section 1681g of this title without charge to the consumer, as provided in subsections (a)(2) and (b)(2) of section 1681c-1 of this title, as applicable.” 15 USC 1681j(c) and (d).

Experian, Equifax and Trans Union may not charge you for your credit report (they can charge you for your credit score) if you meet any of the requirements above. 15 USC 1681j(e). If Experian, Equifax or Trans Union has a legal basis for charging you for your credit report (i.e., you do not meet one of the free disclosure criteria above), they must tell you (disclose) that charge to you BEFORE providing you with the report. 15 USC 1681j(f).

If you have requested your credit report from Equifax, Experian or Trans Union and they have failed to send you your credit report or charged you for your credit report when you were entitled to a free credit report, then you may be entitled to recover damages under federal law.  Contact consumer credit attorney Micah Adkins for a free consultation.