How to Obtain a Free Credit Report and Fraud Alert

You have probably seen the common advertisements on Yahoo and other popular websites, urging you to get a free credit report. Many people are curious about this, but remain suspicious as to whether these ads are legitimate or scams. Most commercial advertisements for credit reports are run by a third party and will charge money for the service, but it is possible to obtain a free credit report on your own with no strings attached.

Whether you have had a recent identity theft or just want to be on the cautious side, the Federal Trade Commission states on their official website that, because of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), each consumer is entitled to one free credit report once every year upon request. The government website also makes it clear that Annual Credit Report is the only authorized place to obtain a report online. Alternately, individuals without internet access may call 1-877-322-8228.

When you visit the official website for obtaining your report, you will need to fill out some personal information, which will be kept safe, and then you will be directed to choose from a list of the three main credit monitoring companies: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. You can choose one or all of them and it will still be free either way. You will be given your report electronically, which you should print and save to keep the record. Alternatively, those without internet or printers may call the official number (1-877-322-8228) and request that their credit reports be sent in the mail.

In the case of an identity theft, Equifax states on their official website that an individual will be able to obtain a free 90-day fraud alert alongside their yearly credit report. They also state that a free 7 year extended fraud alert is available to anybody that can prove an identity theft with an official, valid police report. All three credit monitoring companies offer the option of a fraud alert or extended fraud alert on their official websites, along with forms and instructions on how to apply.

The Federal Trade Commission explains fraud alerts on their official page by stating that when a person reports an identity theft to any one of these 3 companies, they will automatically notify the other two. According to the FTC, anyone with an extended fraud alert may legally obtain two free credit reports within the first year of reporting it, and all three credit reporting companies will prevent credit offers from being sent to you in the mail for five years.

The world is full of clever identity thieves, but don't give them a chance to victimize you. Good luck protecting your name and credit.

Federal Trade Commission, "Your Access to Free Credit Reports" Federal Trade Commission

Equifax, "Credit Reports, Credit Scores, Protection Against Identity Theft"
Equifax

Federal Trade Commission "DEFEND: Recover From Identity Theft" Federal trade Commission