Only One Website Authorized By Law to Provide Free Annual Credit Report

Beware of Imposters!

There is Only One Website authorized by law to provide the Free Annual Credit Report you are entitled to under the Free Credit Reporting Act – annualcreditreport.com.

Other websites that claim to offer “free credit reports,” “free credit scores,” or “free credit monitoring” are not part of the legally mandated Free Annual Credit Report program.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The FCRA promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation’s credit reporting companies.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the FCRA with respect to the information contained in your credit report.

Q: How do I order my Free Annual Credit Report?
Do not contact the three nationwide credit reporting companies individually. The three nationwide credit 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:
1.   Visit annualcreditreport.com,
2.   Call 1-877-322-8228.
3.   Mail the Annual Credit Report Request Form to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

For details and FAQ’s about your rights under the FCRA, which established the Free Annual Credit Report program, go to http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports

An applicant’s credit score is a major factor in obtaining the Right Mortgage at the Right Rate. It would seem prudent for any First Home Buyer to obtain a Free Annual Credit Report as part of their planning process.