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In December of 2004, a recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with one free credit report. This service will be available nationwide by September 2005. Periodically reviewing your credit report is an important practice to protect you against identity theft. Approvals for loans on major purchases can also be affected by credit ratings. With your permission, creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses are allowed legal access to your credit to evaluate your application for credit, insurance, and even employment to name a few.

The only three nationwide consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union) have collectively set up a website at http://www.annualcreditreport.com/. To confirm your identity for your free credit report, you must provide your name, address, social security number, and date of birth. If ordered online, you can receive your free credit report instantly. Information provided by the three nationwide companies may vary slightly because of differing sources. You can request all three credit reports at the same time or at staggered intervals. Requesting your credit report regularly is one important method to combat identity theft.

Visit AnnualCreditReport for more information.