The ads you see online and on television for free credit reports are actually not free. They have hidden fees for unwanted services, and are not authorized. There is only one authorized source for your free credit report, and that is www.annualcreditreport.com. You can also reach them at 1-877-322-8228 to request your report. You have the option of requesting all three reports at once, or spacing them out throughout the year. This will enable you to monitor your credit more frequently. However, it’s possible that each report can have slightly different information - all the more reason to check them.
It’s important to take advantage of this opportunity to check your credit report for accuracy. Any incorrect information could affect your credit score and impair your ability to obtain credit, insurance, or rent a home. Monitoring your credit is also a great way to detect identity theft. If you see any errors, accounts you don’t recognize, or unauthorized activity, contact the credit reporting agency. If you suspect identity theft, you should also contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-ID-THEFT. They can also be found on the web at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.