Free Credit Reports Now Available in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida

Experts agree — it’s important to check your credit report regularly to verify your accounts, look for suspicious activity and correct any errors. Now, you can get that information for free thanks to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act.

To get a free credit report, you can log on to AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also request a copy by calling 1-877-322-8228 or completing the Annual Credit Report Request Form at http://www.ftc.gov and mailing it to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

All Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida residents are allowed one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit reporting companies. For more information about the FACT Act, go to the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site, http://www.ftc.gov, or call toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP.

When you get it, here is what to do:

  • Check for any errors. Make sure that all of your personal information
    is correct and that no one has mistaken you for another consumer.
  • Look for outdated information.. Make sure that the report shows that bills have been
    paid off or accounts that have been closed.
  • If you find any mistakes, contact the credit reporting agencies and have
    them investigate.

There is no deadline for ordering free reports. You can get one copy from each of the three agencies. You can space them out and get one report every four months if you choose.

Watch out:
You won’t get a copy of your actual credit score — at least not free. That would cost you up to $7. The companies may also try to sell you other services, but you don’t have to pay for the credit report.

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