Free Credit Report

In your request by mail, include the following:

·         Your full name (example, John Q. Public Jr.)
If married, your spouse's first name.

·         Your home address, including previous addresses for the last 5 years.
Note: Be sure to include apartment number and zip code.
If you have recently moved, you must include 2 proofs of residency.
Acceptable proof includes a copy of utility bill, phone bill, credit card statement or driver's license.

·         Your social security number and date of birth.

·         Expect report in 8 to 10 business days.

Consumer Reporting Agencies - Your Rights

Consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) are entities that collect and distribute information regarding consumer credit history to be used for credit evaluation and certain other purposes. They maintain the databases which contain the data in a consumer's credit report. CRAs have responsibilities according to the FCRA, which include:

1. The CRAs must provide consumers with information about them in the agency's files and to take steps to verify the accuracy of information disputed by a consumer.
2. If negative information is removed as a result of a consumer's dispute, it may not be reinserted without notifying the consumer within 5 days, in writing.
3. CRAs may not retain negative information for an excessive time period. The FCRA spells out how long negative information, such as late payments, bankruptcies, tax liens or judgments may stay on a consumer's credit report. The length of time is  typically 7 years from the date of the delinquency. Exceptions to this rule are bankruptcies (10 years) and tax liens (7 years from the time they are paid).