Because of the latest security and
identity theft issues, the federal government has mandated that consumers be
allowed to view their credit report annually, free of charge. Right now the free
reports are available in the West, (as of December 1, 2004) and Mid-West states
(as of March 1, 2005). On June 1, 2005 they will be available for the Southern
states, and on September 1, 2005 they will be available in the East and all U.
S. Territories.
A lot of the credit reporting agencies have capitalized on this by marketing
their paid services behind the facade of this "free" report. Often when you
think you are signing up for a free report, you end up with a subscription being
charged on your credit card without even realizing it. They feed on the
insecurities of consumers by suggesting that you need to check your credit more
often than annually to protect yourself from someone using your accounts
fraudulently or stealing your identity.
AnnualCreditReport.com's web site
provides one annual credit report free of charge through the three big reporting
companies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. No tricks, no gimmicks, no kidding.
You can request the report by phone, mail, or by completing an on-line form.
They also provide information on how you can correct any incorrect items found
on your report.
Disclaimer: The foregoing is presented for
your information only. It is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Hayward
Electric does not recommend or endorse the products represented and does not
guaranty their accuracy. You use this web site at your own risk.
