On next page you will get free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com

Why regularly chekcing your free credit report is important

You need to check it for accuracy and make any disputes that you need to make -- before you have a problem. Making sure a credit report is clean and accurate is utterly important because:

• The information is used to calculate credit scores, which are used by lenders to gauge the risk of making loans.
• Monitoring your credit report is the most effective way to help combat Identity theft.

The sooner you look at the report, the more time you have to improve your credit information

A regular check of your credit report is the most effective way of detecting identity theft.

The Real Truth About Free Credit Reports Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — must provide an annual copy of their credit reports on each consumer upon request. AnnualCreditReport.com is the only authorized web site where you can get the free credit reports. Or you may call or write for your free credit report. Beware of many imposter sites. They may charge you for another product if you accept a "free" report. The law does not entitle you to get a free credit score. However, you can purchase your credit score at Fair Isaac's Web site. You can get an additional free credit report if you live in Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont. You can get a free credit report if you have been denied credit, insurance, or employment within the past sixty (60) days as a result of your credit report. You may want to get credit monitoring service only if you are worried about identity theft or are in the process of improving credit.

Answers to Question on you Free Credit Report

Why Should You Obtain a Copy of Your Credit Report?

To avoid any unwelcome surprises, it's important to see a copy of your credit report before you apply for credit such as car loans, mortgages, or credit cards. Errors in credit reports can be common. Keep in mind, however, that they are not part of a conspiracy against you. They are simply the result of human error.

How Do Errors in Reports Happen?

Think about how often your mail has a misspelling of your name or a mistake in your street address. Then, imagine the possibility for error in a report that contains much more information about you. Cases of mistaken identity, out-of-date information, and outright errors can easily occur.

How Do You Correct an Error on Your Credit Report?

Contact the consumer credit reporting agency immediately. The company is then responsible for researching and changing or removing incorrect data. This process may take as long as 45 days. At your request, a corrected report will be sent to those parties that you specify who have received your report within the past six months, or employers who have received it within the last two years.

What if the Consumer Reporting Agency Stands by Its Report?

You have the right to present your side of the story in a brief statement (100 words or less), which the credit bureau must attach to your credit file. Your statement should be used to clarify inaccuracies, not explain reasons for delinquency. Anyone requesting a copy of your credit report would also automatically receive your statement (or a summary of it), unless the credit bureau decides that it is irrelevant or frivolous.

What Should You Do if You Are Denied Credit because of Something in Your Credit Report?

The lender who denied you credit must give you the name and address of the credit bureau that produced the credit report. Then, you have up to 30 days to request a free copy of your report.

The credit bureau must tell you the nature and substance of all information contained in your report. It must also tell you the sources of the information and who has received your report for the previous six months (two years for reports furnished for employment purposes).

Late and missed payments will show up on your credit report and hurt your chances of being approved for credit, life insurance, or employment. To find out about organizations in your area that help consumers solve credit problems and create a budget, contact the National Foundation for Consumer Credit at (800) 388-2227. Spanish speakers can call (800) 682-9832. Additional information on improving a credit rating can be found in "How to Establish, Use, and Protect Your Credit," a brochure by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.

How Long Does Information Stay on Your Credit Report?

Generally, all your credit history information, good or bad, remains on your report for seven years. If you file for personal bankruptcy, that fact remains on your credit report for 10 years.