Free Credit Reports

[Leshaface]

My DH and I were talking to an agent about home loans, so she had to check our credit.

She said our credit was good and she read that I have an outstanding $14,000 to some Universal Accounts!

So...now I need to find out how I can get this checked out..

How legit are those free credit report websites? and are they really free? Or is there a better way to do this like going through my bank or something? I'm a total newbie when it comes to this so any information would be MUCH appreciated!!!!

 

[Rootskate]

annualcreditreport.com is one that is legit. You can request your report once a year at no charge.

 

[disneyfreakk]

www.annualcreditreport.com is offered from the government, and is actually free. You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies. You also have the option of paying for your FICO credit score at a discounted price ( i think its like 7 or 8 for each score )

 

[cart-mom]

The "free" credit reports aren't actually "free". You need to sign up for some credit protection. As long as you look at the report and print a copy, you can cancel the "protection plan" before they charge you. They usually do after 30 days. Just check to see how they require you to cancel before giving any information. Some sites will accept an e-mail but some make you call and try to talk you into buying protection. The only time you can actually get a free report is if you are denied credit (so I've been told).

Good luck!

 

[Leshaface]

annualcreditreport.com is one that is legit. You can request your report once a year at no charge.

okay i'll definitely check that.

I have a question...who do I contact when I look at my report? Would there be a number to that company so I can inquire about this? I'm just so overwhelmed by this whole ordeal! $14,000!!!! INSANE!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

After you get the report and review it you are able to challangfe any item(s) on the report. There is a procedure listed.

And, again, www.annualcreditreport.com is the only one that officially exists from the government and is truely free. Any of the others, especially if they have the word "free" in the same, will be trying to sell you a service.

 

[Leshaface]

Thanks everyone!

I went to annualcreditreport.com and received my credit report from 3 different credit report companies and I have disputed this charge against my accounts.

Thanks for all your help! Now hopefully I can get this settled and not have to stress about this anymore!

 

[P.I. Squirrel]

Thanks everyone!

I went to annualcreditreport.com and received my credit report from 3 different credit report companies and I have disputed this charge against my accounts.

Thanks for all your help! Now hopefully I can get this settled and not have to stress about this anymore!

It would also be in your best interest to contact the company that reported that to your credit. The company's address should be listed in the credit report. If it truly has never been your account, inform them (in writing, of course) that they have 30 days to correct all your reports. If they do not, or send you evidence that the debt is yours, you can sue them under the Fair Debt Collection Act.

Also, you can check your credit score free, and with no obligation, at creditkarma.com .

 

[pumpkinfish]

OP, if you want further info on disputing or any type of credit issue, I reccomend http://www.creditboards.com/forums/. It's one of my favorite non-disney websites and I've gained LOTS of valuable information from there.