Why do I want a copy of my credit report?

Your credit report has information that affects whether you can get a loan – and how much you will have to pay to borrow money. You want a copy of your credit report to:

• Make sure the information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date before you apply for a loan for a major purchase like a house or car, buy insurance, or apply for a job.
  
  
• Help guard against identity theft. That’s when someone uses your personal information – like your name, your Social Security number, or your credit card number – to commit fraud. Identity thieves may use your information to open a new credit card account in your name. Then, when they don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report. Inaccurate information like that could affect your ability to get credit, insurance, or even a job.

To request a free credit report you have three options:

1. Request your Credit Report Online by visiting:
   
   www.annualcreditreport.com
   
   
2. Request your Credit Report by Phone
   You will go through a simple verification process over the phone. Your reports will be mailed to you.
   
   1- 877-FACTACT (toll-free)
   
   
3. Request your Credit Report by Mail
   Request your credit report by mail by filling out the request form and mailing it to:
   
   Annual Credit Report Request Service
   P.O. Box 105281
   Atlanta, GA 30348-5281