Avoid hidden charges when ordering a free credit report

Fri, February 6th, 2009

By law, we're entitled to a free credit report every year from each of the three major credit bureaus. But many so-called "free" reports are not really free.

To avoid hidden charges, there's only one website you should use. Before you order report, make sure the site you're on is AnnualCreditReport.com.

Many Web sites promote their reports as free, but they have conditions that mean hidden charges after you sign up.

They all go through the same major credit bureaus -- Experian, Trans Union and Equifax.

But AnnualCreditReport.com is the only authorized online source for the free report provided by law.

Click the link for the free report, select the credit bureau, then enter your personal information that verifies your identity. And yes, that includes your social security number. The Web site is secure.

If you have a printer, you can print your the report on the spot. You can also order your report over the phone, or by mail.

Since each credit bureau must give you one free report every year, here's a tip:

Instead of getting all three reports at the same time, get one now, then wait four months and get the second one, wait four months and get the third. Correct any inaccurate information immediately. That way, you have a window to your report all through the year, instead of just once every 12 months.

But again, if you want a truly free report, only go through AnnualCreditReport.com, and make sure the link you click, is for a free annual credit report.

And keep in mind that even on AnnualCreditReport.com, only the credit report is free. If you want your credit score, you have to pay.

Also be aware that the 3 credit bureaus will try to sell you credit report packages that cost as much as 30 dollars or more a month, so pay close attention to both the Web site, and the link you click.

Source: http://www.komonews.com/