Consumer Credit Tips
Left click on a document title to open the document in a new window, or right click on a document title and choose 'Save Target As' from the pop-up menu to save the document. All documents on this page are in pdf format.
You will need the Adobe Reader® or plug-in. If you have not already installed and configured the Adobe Reader® or plug-in, click the "Get Adobe Reader®" icon for further instructions.
Back to the Top
Credit Repair Assistance
Monitoring Credit Reports
Monitoring your credit report is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against identity theft, an insidious crime that often goes undetected until victims start receiving calls from collection agencies about fraudulent accounts. Some victims spend months, or even years, trying to restore their credit. (Click here to finish reading the article in pdf format, written by Sandra Block, personal finance reporter for USA Today.)
Back to the Top
Free Credit Reports
Obtaining Your Credit Report
There are three major credit bureaus, not just one “national credit bureau.” These companies gather and record information about your credit history. You have a right to obtain a copy of your credit bureau report. Generally, there is a fee charged for ordering a copy of your credit bureau report. However, you are not charged a fee if you have been denied credit. You need to request a copy of your report within 60 days from the denial date and provide the credit bureau with a copy of the denial letter.
A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the credit bureaus to provide consumers with a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months, at the consumer’s request. The law was to be in effect in all states by September 1, 2005.
Each credit bureau requires that you provide them with certain information (e.g. name, social security number, and date of birth) when you request a copy of your report. The process to order your report might vary among credit bureaus. The best way to find out how to get a copy of your report is to call the credit bureaus or visit their web sites.
The three major credit bureaus, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and web sites are as follows:
Equifax
P.O. Box 105873
Atlanta, GA 30348
(800) 685-1111
www.equifax.com |
Trans Union
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
(800) 888-4213
www.tuc.com |
Experian
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013-2104
(888) 397-3742
www.experian.com |
You may also log on to the web site www.annualcreditreport.com and select your state. You will then be directed to the information section. Type in your personal information and answer the identity verification questions and you should be able to obtain your report instantly.
Usually, all credit bureaus record the same information about your credit history. However, there can be discrepancies, so it is recommended that you obtain a copy of your report from each of the credit bureaus to make sure that all of your credit information is correct.
Information provided by Darrin Chance (former WtW Loan Coordinator - Lakeville, MN)
Print this Section - Obtaining Your Credit Report
Back to the Top |
