 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
How to get your free annual credit report:
Consumers can get a free annual credit report from any of the three Credit
Bureaus. To Order:
Online: www.annualcreditreport.com
By Phone: 1-877-322-8228
By Mail:
Annual Credit Report Request Services
PO Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
Consumers can request additional copies of their credit report throughout
the same year, however fee’s could be incurred. Also to note: each
consumer will receive one free credit report a year, however to obtain your
credit score some fee’s may apply.
When to Check your Credit Report
It's wise to check your credit report for accuracy before obtaining a credit card, auto or mortgage loan. Errors on a credit report might hurt your chances of obtaining a loan at the best terms. Errors can be reported to the three credit bureaus:
Equifax: 1-800-685-1111, www.equifax.com
Experian: 1-800-397-3742, www.experian.com
TransUnion: 1-800-888-4213, www.transunion.com
Please note: Only incorrect information can be removed from your credit record. No one can remove legitimate items. Credit Bureaus are required to resolve problems in a reasonable amount of time, generally 30 days.
Beware of individuals who promise to “fix your credit history” – otherwise known as “credit doctors”
- A quick fix isn’t the best fix. The only thing that can repair a credit report is time and a positive payment history.
- Some credit repair scams are illegal. “Credit doctors” guarantee a whole new and perfect credit record. In most cases, they’ll give you a social security number that belongs to someone who has good credit. This is fraudulent and will only make your problems worse.
- Know who you are dealing with, and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Steps you can take to rebuild your credit report:
- Always pay your creditors on time – start now! A positive payment history is one of the most important factors lenders evaluate when you apply for a loan.
- Consider taking out a secured credit card (with lower credit balances) by depositing money with an issuing bank.
- Consider if you might need professional counseling that will help you set up a budget, get you back on your feet financially and show you how to establish a good credit record. For help, call the Consumer Credit Counseling Service at 800-388-2227.