It is essential for everyone to
check their credit history on a regular basis to be sure that it’s accurate and
does not contain false or fraudulent information.
You can obtain FREE credit reports from each of
the 3 major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. These 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, visit annualcreditreport.com, call
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. Visit http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports
for more information and important warnings about “imposter” websites to avoid.
Since the law allows you to order one free copy
of your report from each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies every
12 months, staggering your requests allows you to monitor your credit every 4
months.
Interestingly, over 80% of the general public
does not request credit reports. Don’t allow yourself to fall victim to credit
fraud because you failed to regularly check your credit history.
