hanks to the FACT(Fair and identity theft were reported to
Accurate Credit the FTC last year alone! (For
Transactions) Act, all U.S. steps on how to prevent ID theft,
residents will be allowed one see the free e-book offer at the
free credit report annually from end of this article).
each of the three major credit
reporting agencies - Equifax, 2) How do I check my credit
TransUnion, and Experian. This report for FREE?
legislation makes it easy for you
to keep an eye on your credit The FACT Act required the three
profile throughout the year easy major credit reporting agencies
as 1-2-3. to set up an internet site where
consumers can request their
1) Why should I monitor my reports at no charge annually.
credit? That site is href="http://www.annualcreditrepo
Checking your credit report rt.com"
regularly is a vital step to title="http://www.annualcreditrep
establishing good credit, ort.com"
especially if you anticipate target="_blank">http://www.annual
making a major purchase such as a creditreport.com.
car or a home. If your credit
report contains errors, and many The program is being rolled out
do, this could prevent you from gradually. As of June 1, 2005,
being offered the best credit those living in the Western,
terms from a lender. Midwest, and Southern states will
have access to their reports. If
You can also monitor your credit you live in the Eastern states or
for signs of identity theft. a U.S. territory you will have to
More than 10 million cases of wait until September 1, 2005.
and find out what you have to do
For those without internet to correct those errors.
access, you can contact the
agencies toll-free here: Equifax Then four months later, check the
1-800-997-2493, Experian second agency. Four months after
1-800-397-3742, and Trans Union that, check your report from the
1-800-888-4213. third credit reporting agency.
3) How do I check my report And there you have it - an easy
throughout the year if I only get 3-step process that lets you
one report annually? monitor your credit profile for
errors and identity theft
The FACT Act lets you request throughout the year at no charge
your credit report from EACH to you!
agency once per year. The
temptation when you use the site Copyright 2005, is to check all three reports at href="http://www.yourfreecreditre
the same time - DON'T. portnow.com"
title="http://www.yourfreecreditr
Instead, check one report from eportnow.com"
the first agency listed. If you target="_blank">http://www.yourfr
notice any errors or problems, eecreditreportnow.com
contact that agency immediately
About the Author:
"© 2005, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
Author: James H. Dimmitt
James is author of "IDENTITY THEFT - How To Avoid Becoming the Next Victim!", a free e-book offered for subscribers to his weekly newsletter "To Your Credit".
You can subscribe, and receive the e-book at no cost, when you visit http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
Source: www.isnare.com
