Assemblymember Dodd: Free Credit Report

Protect Your Identity: Get Your Free Credit Report

Did you know that you have a right to receive a free copy of your credit report once a year from the three nationwide companies that compile your financial profiles?

"Having become a victim of identity theft myself, I know the value of checking my credit report regularly, and I urge you to do the same," said Assemblymember Bill Dodd.

Credit reports compiled by Equifax, Experian and Trans Union reflect where you live, how you pay your bills, and more. The reports affect whether you can:

• Get a loan or credit card
• How much you will have to pay to borrow money
• Refinance your mortgage
• Rent a home

Checking your reports can also help you combat identity fraud. You will be able to spot if someone has opened unauthorized accounts in your name or if you have been reported as delinquent for purchases you didn't authorize.

Once every 12 months, you may order your reports free of charge from any of the nationwide consumer reporting companies, either separately or at the same time. To obtain your free credit report, contact: Annual Credit Report Request Service P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348 or: http://www.annualcreditreport.com.

Other websites advertising "free" credit reports may require you to sign up for paid subscriptions, so don't be fooled.

If you would like more information on identity theft prevention, visit www.consumer.ftc.gov for information on the latest scams and more tips to avoid identity theft.