Finding out what is on your credit report can be crucial if you have plans to buy a house, sign a new lease, get a credit card, and in some cases get a job.
If you go into these situations without knowing what is on your report, you risk denial of something important. Your best chance of avoiding this situation is by seeing what is on your record at least twice a year. This way you will not be taken by surprise when you need it to say something positive on your behalf.
If you have been denied credit or employment, you can get a free copy of your report. A new law has passed where now you can get one free copy each year [depending on what state you live in, the law may not be fully in effect until 2006.] You can also buy a copy of your credit report for under $10 if you do not qualify for a free report.
Look in your Yellow Pages under CRA or Credit Bureau and find the local branch of Equifax, Experian and TransUnion which are the major ones. Ask a representative if you will need a fee for your report and find out how much it will be.
With all letters of communications to collection agencies, send them certified mail WITH return signature receipt so you will have a record mailed back to you with their signature as proof they did receive it. Compose a letter as follow:
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State Zip Code
Date
Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to request a copy of my credit report you have on file. Enclosed is a copy of my driver's license, a recent bill and social security card (and fee if required) as proof of my identity.
As further proof, I submit to you the last addresses I have had in the past seven years:
- Address, city, state, zip code
- Address, city, state, zip code
- Address, city, state, zip code
Please send me a copy of my report today.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME HERE
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Get any required money orders and enclose it in each request envelope along with a photocopy of a driver's license or state ID and a photocopy of your Social Security card and a photocopy of a recent utility bill. These are necessary to prove you are who you say you are so they can process the request.
Send your request by certified mail to of each of the following:
- Equifax, P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241; (800) 685-1111.
- Experian (formerly TRW), P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013; (888) EXPERIAN (397-3742).
- Trans Union, P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022; (800) 916-8800.
Be sure to do this 2-4 times a year. Look over each item and make sure it is accurate. If there are items on there that do not belong, dispute it!
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