Many websites advertise free credit reports. Unfortunately, most of these free credit reports have a catch that renders then not "free" at all. All consumers, however, are entitled to one free credit report each year under the Fair Credit Reporting Act without having to sign anything or risk falling victim to an Internet scam.
Facts
By visiting AnnualCreditReport.com, you can access a free copy of your credit report from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion without having to provide either a signature or a credit card number.
Significance
AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website approved by the U.S. government to provide consumers with their free annual reports.
Considerations
If you dispute any information contained in your credit report and your dispute results in the information being modified, the credit bureau with which you filed the dispute is obligated by law to provide you with a free copy of your credit report--without your signature.
Misconceptions
Signing a document permitting a lender to pull your credit only entitles you to a free copy of your credit report if the lender denies your application for credit or a loan.
Warning
Beware of any websites other than government-approved sites that claim to provide you with a copy of your free credit report with no strings attached. Some of these sites are attempting to steal your personal information.
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