You can get a free annual credit report from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
It's important to know your credit score when so much these days is affected by it. Credit scores affect how much money banks will loan you, the interest rates you qualify for on your mortgage, cars, etc. Viewing your credit reports can also alert you to errors on your report that may be affecting your credit score, or fraudulent activity, such as someone trying to open a line of credit in your name.
Do not be fooled by the many companies out there that promise a free credit report, only to scam you into unnecessary monthly charges. If a company is asking you to provide your credit card number in order to obtain a free report, consider that a big red flag.
The FTC provides information on how to obtain your free annual credit report. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up a central website, a toll-free telephone number, and a mailing address through which you can order your free annual report.
To order your free annual credit report online, visit annualcreditreport.com. Receive your report by phone using the number 1-877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
Do not contact the three nationwide consumer reporting companies individually. They are providing free annual credit reports only through annualcreditreport.com, 1-877-322-8228, and Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
You may order your reports from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies at the same time, or you can order your report from each of the companies one at a time.
When you order, you need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. To verify your identity, you may need to provide some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment.
Since you are providing personal info, it's important to know you're not being scammed. Read the "Warnings" on the Facts for Consumers page from the FTC website.
That's it. It's pretty easy once you know where you should go for your real free annual credit report.
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