Individuals are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. AnnualCreditReport.com processes orders for all three services at once. They are the only company approved by the FTC to assist consumers in obtaining their free credit reports.

Why Other "Credit Scores Free!" Websites Should Be Avoided

Many websites offer free credit reporting services, but most require that consumers purchase a product in order to access their free credit report. The Fair Credit Reporting Act stipulates that each of the three major credit reporting agencies must provide a free credit report annually, at the consumer's request. Websites that require the purchase of other products are taking advantage of consumers who do not know their rights.

The authorized website, AnnualCreditReport.com, does not contact consumers by email marketing, telephone or regular mail. However, many phishing scam operators use these methods to try to solicit personal information from consumers, by posing as AnnualCreditReport.com representatives. Some go so far as to build websites that, to all outward appearances, mirror the official site.