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Credit Reports

What are they saying about you?

What you don’t know can hurt you


Be proactive on this one. Credit reports containing errors will cost you financially and personally.

Request reports annually


You are entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and Transunion.

Space your requests in order to see updated information. For example, order your report from Transunion in February; your report from Experian in June and your report from Equifax in October. Repeat the following year.

Credit reports are free. Credit scores are not.


Order your credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports, or call them at 1-877-322-8228. You will need to provide your name, address, social security number, and date of birth to verify your identity.

A credit report does not include your credit score. If you want your score included with your report, there is a charge. If you don’t want to pay extra, click cancel or no when you are prompted to buy.  You’ll be asked several times. Continue to click no.

Dispute incorrect entries


If you believe an item in your credit report is wrong, you can dispute it.  To begin a dispute, notify the agency and the lender in writing. Your request must be filed with the listed lender and with the credit reporting agency.  Your communication should clearly state what item you are disputing and why. It’s important to unemotional. Provide copies of supporting information if you have them. Keep a log of all actions taken and all responses received. Use the contact information shown below.

Is fraud involved in a credit report entry?

If you think an entry in your report is fraudulent you should also access the resources of the Federal Trade Commission.

Navigate to www.identitytheft.gov.

This site will guide you through the process of completing the FTC Identity Theft Report which you will need when contacting the credit bureaus.

The FTC’s phone number is 877-382-4357.

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