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Warning: this site has caveats, so read this all! (Note also that this site is pretty much useful only for those living in the U.S., including its possessions.) ACR is run jointly by the big three U.S. credit report companies (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian). They are now required by law to provide each consumer a free copy of their credit reports on request every 12 months. This site is one way to get that. Why should you bother? Two big reasons: 1) to watch for suspicious activity so you can catch, say, identity thieves more quickly, and 2) to check for errors on your report(s) so you can get them corrected. By using the web site, you can instantly view all of your credit reports. They verify your identity by asking a number of questions about things they have in your file; it's reasonably secure, but weird to type in such things as your Visa Card number, mortgage payment, etc. but hey: they already know about that stuff! If it unnerves you, the site also tells you how to request your report copies by phone or mail. The biggest caveat: they pitch you hard when you use the online service to pay a fee to view your "credit score" and/or to sign up for a "credit monitoring" service. You don't need to do that to see your basic credit report, so if you're susceptible to such pitches, don't do it online, just use phone or mail. But one way or another, you should check your credit reports regularly. It's a rough world out there, and this is one way to fight back. From This is True for 23 October 2005 Suggestions for further reading:
 By: Liz Pulliam Weston List Price: $18.99 Amazon Price: $12.91  By: Stephen R. Bucci List Price: $24.99 Amazon Price: $16.49 Editorial Review: Don't let your credit suffer needlessly from errors or outdated information With tools and tips for fixing a bad credit report A bad credit report can hurt your chances at qualifying for loans and credit cards, and it can even get in the way when you want to rent an apartment or land a job. Credit Repair Kit For Dummies is your essential guide to managing your credit — from fixing mistakes on your credit report, to improving your credit going forward, to establishing manageable payment plans with creditors. Discover how to Protect yourself from identity theft Improve your credit score Assert your rights under the FACT Act Maintain great credit Investigate your legal options The consumer's straightforward guide to fixing any credit problem Bad credit can ruin a consumer's chance at qualifying for a mortgage, business loan, or other financial help. Fixing bad credit can be difficult for anyone who doesn't understand how credit reports work. Fortunately, Credit Repair Kit For Dummies covers all the ins and outs of credit, helping consumers address their credit problems, pay down their debt, and get their finances on the right track. It gives readers step-by-step guidance on repairing credit problems and cleaning up a messy credit history themselves. Readers will also learn to fix credit report mistakes and deal with credit institutions.  By: Jamaine Burrell List Price: $21.95 Amazon Price: $14.93 Editorial Review: Your credit score affects every aspect of your financial life including qualifying for loans and mortgages, low interest rates, housing, employment opportunities, and even insurance premiums. Millions of Americans have negative, inaccurate, and unverifiable information on their credit report. Repairing your credit profile is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. You re about to take the important step of taking control of your credit! If you re like the average American, having improved credit will save you thousands of dollars on your loans and credit cards. You do not need a credit repair clinic. Save the money. Everything a credit repair clinic can do for you legally, you can do for yourself at little or no cost using the plan in this new book. There are federal laws in place to make sure that you can repair problems on your credit report and increase your credit score. These laws are found in the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This book will show you how to use your legal rights to increase your credit score. You will learn how to remove questionable items from YOUR credit reports, including: late payments, collections, judgments, liens, charge offs, bankruptcies, foreclosures, repossessions, and identity fraud. This new book will be your road map to credit repair information, and give you tips on how to maintain a stronger credit profile, repair bad credit, improve credit scores, and correct personal information.  By: John R. Ulzheimer List Price: $24.95 Amazon Price: $24.95 Editorial Review: "John Ulzheimer didn't know that credit would be his calling when he took a position with the credit bureau, Equifax, back in 1991. You're Nothing but a Number is Ulzheimer's first-person exposé of the credit industry. Using his insider experience, Ulzheimer will show you how to master your credit scores and get ahead."  By: Donna L. Fox List Price: $37.00 Amazon Price: $37.00 Editorial Review: Likely, everything you know about credit is wrong. Popular credit folklore is targeted to a consumer who has gotten into trouble with credit. The recommended action steps for credit repair can be quite harmful when followed by an investor or business owner. The get out of debt mindset holds you back. The wealthy know that when they are in debt to buy assets, eventually, they will be worth as much as the value of these assets. From Credit Repair to Credit Millionaire explodes the credit myths and takes you on the journey to become a credit millionaire. Learn about credit leveraging, the most powerful tool of wealth building. Finally, you will grow your personal and business credit to qualify for all the financing you need for your investment activities. You will learn to build corporate credit and never personally guarantee a business loan again. Let the power of Other People's Money work for you as you leverage millions of dollars of assets... ...because it's easier to borrow $10 Million than to earn it at your job or save it. From Credit Repair to Credit Millionaire is the only book on credit that deals with the special needs of an investor or business owner. Whether you have bad credit, no credit or great credit, following the steps in this system will help you get all the credit you deserve for your business. With examples and tips specific to the US credit system, the basic laws of money, finance and credit are universal. This book has been enjoyed by readers worldwide! |
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