Getting Copies of Your Credit Reports
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The accuracy of these reports predicates whether you can get a loan to buy a house or a car or even a job in some cases. It is important, therefore, to insure the information in the report is correct and accurate. You are entitled under FTC regulations to receive a free copy of your credit report from each of the three national consumer credit reporting agencies. These are Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.
You Will Need:
- A computer with Internet Access.
- A telephone.
- Writing Paper and envelopes.
- A printer.
Step 1
Everybody needs to check his or her credit report at regular intervals, above all to see if it is accurate. There have been reports of identity theft where people get credit cards in your name and then run up bills for which you are seemingly responsible.
Step 2
Under “The Fair Credit Reporting Act” (FCRA) you are entitled to receive a free copy of your credit report from all three of the US national consumer credit reporting agencies. These are named above.
Step 3
To get the reports do not approach Equifax Experian or Trans Union directly. If you do they will most likely charge you $10.50 for providing the report. Instead, the easiest way is to conduct the whole business on line. You can write or phone but that is a much more long and drawn out process. Instead you go on line and make an application via this site: www.annualcreditreport.com If you are a US citizen living outside the Continental USA you will be unable to do this. Instead go to http://www.ftc.gov/credit. You will be able to find what you need to from this site.
Step 4
You have a choice of three agencies providing you with your credit report at the same time or else you can apply individually and spread out your search over the year. Each report will be slightly different, but spreading your requests over a twelve month time frame gives you a more accurate map of where you stand, albeit from different sources.
Step 5
You will need to provide the company with your name and address and old address if you have moved during the past two years. They will want to know your social security number and date of birth. The information should come right back to you by e-mail. So there is no delay in receiving the report.
Step 6
If there are any irregularities you will have to contact the companies involved directly to make changes.
Tip:
There are companies on line that appear to offer free credit reports. Treat them with real caution. Use this method and you cannot go wrong.
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