Learn about your credit report
It is wise to review your reports at least once a year, not only because of today’s identity theft world, but you want to verify the information on all of your credit reports is correct and up to date. Several sites offer free credit reports, however there is only one authorized source for free annual credit reports under federal law, either online at annualcreditreport.com, or by calling 877.322.8228 to have them mailed to you. We recommend calling to have your three reports, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union, delivered via mail. If you attempt to print an online report, they can be lengthy, possibly hundreds of pages per report; mailed reports are much more compact. No credit scores are provided.
One other reason we recommend this path to obtain your free credit reports is because more detail about accounts is included that will help to verify the account information is correct. Personally I call and order my Equifax report in March, Experian in July and Trans Union every November, so I am able to review report information throughout the year. Keep in mind that an error or fraudulent account could occur on only one of the three reports, therefore this isn’t the best approach for everyone.
Because you provide your name, address, date of birth and social security number when requesting online report(s) verify the address for the web page “http://www.AnnualCreditReport.com” is listed in your browser’s address bar. Be especially careful when clicking on a link in another site on in an email.