Did you know you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report every year? It’s becoming easier to see your overall score these days, more and more credit card companies are providing free access to that information. And while your score is important, so is the rest of your credit report. We like to consider ourselves financial health counselors. Here’s a few things we hope you’ll remember for your financial health.
First, there is only one government authorized credit report site.
You can obtain your credit report from one of three nationwide credit reporting companies, but all of them can be accessed at www.annualcreditreport.com This is the only free credit report site authorized by the federal government and the only one we recommend you use. Do not provide your personal information to other websites. They can use information to steal your information or your identity.
Second, check your credit report regularly.
When you visit www.annualcreditreport.com you can get a report from TransUnion, Equifax or Experian. You’ll get your report which includes your personal information, your score and gives your credit history. It’s important to check the information to make sure your information is correct. If someone has used your name or credit card you’ll see it on your report. Checking it often can help you catch identity theft, fraud or even just mistakes.
Typically you can check your report with each of the three companies for free once a year. That means you can check your credit three times a year, by choosing a different reporting company each time. We recommend you check your report roughly every six months to ensure all your information and credit history are correct. Currently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, all three companies are offering weekly online reports so you can stay more informed than ever.
Lastly, if you have problems on your report, we can help.
Sometimes there are errors on your report. Checking your credit regularly can help you find those errors before you’re in the uncomfortable position of finding out about the problems when you’re being denied for a loan. If there’s a mistake, you have rights and protection under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and you can send a letter to one of the credit reporting agencies asking them to fix your report.
However, in cases of identity theft or sometimes even incorrect reporting, it’s not always as simple as a letter. If you start having trouble getting your credit report fixed, please call us. We can often help you litigate your case on a contingency basis. That means we don’t get paid unless we help you recover your credit and good name. And we’re always happy to offer a free first consultation where you’ll know whether or not we can help.
We’re here to help you! If you think there may be mistakes on your report, visit our Consumer Litigation page for more information.