Here
are some important tips on Checking Your Credit Report Costs, for shoppers and
merchants.
How much does a credit report
cost?
Each credit bureau may charge you up to $9.00 for a copy of your
report. However, you are entitled to one free report a year if you
can show that: your report is inaccurate because of fraud; you're on
welfare; or you're unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60
days. There also is no charge if a company
has taken adverse action against you, such as denying your
application for credit, insurance or employment, and you request
your report within 60 days of receiving the notice of the adverse
action.
Certain states also
have passed legislation which entitle you to a free report or a
report at a reduced rate.
If You Live In:
Your First Report Is:
Additional Reports Are:
California
$8.00
$8.00
Colorado
Free
$8.00
Connecticut
$5.00
$7.50
Georgia
2 Free Reports
$9.00
Maine
$2.00
$2.00
Maryland
Free
$5.00
Massachusetts
Free
$8.00
Minnesota
$3.00
$9.00
Montana
$8.50
$8.50
New Jersey
Free
$8.00
U.S. Virgin Islands
$1.00
$1.00
Vermont
Free
$7.50
Getting Your Credit Report
An amendment to the 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 three nationwide credit reporting companies have set up one website, toll-free telephone number, and mailing address through which you can order your free annual report. To order, visit annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. You can use the form in this brochure, or you can print it from ftc.gov/credit. Do not contact the three nationwide credit reporting companies individually. They are providing free annual credit reports only through annualcreditreport.com, 1-877-322-8228, and Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
You may order your reports from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies at the same time, or you can order from only one or two. The law allows you to order one free copy from each of the nationwide credit reporting companies every 12 months.
You need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you have moved in the last two years, you may have to provide your previous address. To maintain the security of your file, each nationwide credit reporting company may ask you for some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment. Each company may ask you for different information because the information each has in your file may come from different sources.
Source: FTC
The FTC works for the
consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business
practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help
consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a
complaint or to get
free information on
consumer issues, visit
www.ftc.gov or call
toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The
FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other
fraud-related complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Drum Hardware - Exclusive interview with Gibraltar Hardware the drum set hardware leader.
Challenge Coins - You are advised to keep your unit coin within arm's length at all times. QA with Unit Coins.
Modest Swimwear - This company designs and creates modest swimwear that women love.
Gretsch Drums - Exclusive interview with Gretsch Drums, known for their "beautiful sound like no other."
FAQs with Doctors
Optometry - Exclusive interview with Dr. Summy To Portland's Neighborhood Optometrist.
Cosmetic Dentistry - Exclusive interview with Dr. Moller of New Image Cosmetic and Family Dentistry.
FAQs with Merchants
Southern California Wedding -
Prestine country club setting in Southern California with spectacular views. Exclusive interview
with Sherwood Country Club.
Church Banners - Exclusive interview with Amplify Designs, the leading manufacturer of Church banners.
Counterfeit
Handbags - "The World Customs Organization estimates the trade in
fakes at about 7 percent of world trade."
Carpet
Cleaning Tips - "Always ask about referrals and if they have a list of
what they do to prepare your carpets for cleaning, and what type of system
do they use..." QA with Sunset Carpet Cleaning
Shopping for
Purses "Whats happening now at a great speed is manufacturers overseas
will see the latest it bag and then duplicate the bag... Price is
primarily why people would buy a knock-off purse as opposed to the real
thing.." Kitsch Purses Q & A
Workers'
Compensation Info "The huge benefit of the Internet is time and
expense savings. The only other way to get all of this information other
than the Internet is at your local law library." FAQ with
WorkCompCentral
Eating
Disorder Treatment - In this FAQ Monte Nido explains how you can find
the right treatment center online.
Planes
Without Pilots Imagine a 3 1/2 foot remote controlled plane that flies
straight up for miles.
Eating
Disorder Help For those dealing with eating disorders, hope is never
too far behind.
Mass
CD Duplication. All of the sudden record labels began relying heavily
on CD manufacturers for the mass production of their clients' albums.
Corporate
Entertainment Corporate meetings are becoming more common in spas than
conference rooms, with room service cuisine rather than with fast food
from drive-thrus.
ML Properties Michelle Manley Orange County based realtor launches new site for prospective home buyers
Shopping Online
About Our Editors...
The InfoFAQ editorial staff are qualified professionals who are experienced at researching the Internet for relevant information about merchants, their products, their services, and their industries. The staff is trained to be objective, concise, and informative, helping consumers understand the importance of merchant compliance, consumer safety, privacy, security, fraud protection, and truthful information when shopping on the Internet.
