CREDIT REPORT FAQ

HOW TO STOP TELEMARKETING CALLS?

Contact the "Do Not Call registry" run by the FTC and register your number. Contact the three credit bureaus and opt out of pre-approved offers.

ARE THERE FREE CREDIT REPORTS?

The central web site is the only source of the legal free report. Some businesses do offer free reports bundled with other offers that you must cancel before the free term expires, or else get billed for the subsequent period.

HOW LONG DOES NEGATIVE INFORMATION STAY ON THE REPORT?

All negative information stays for seven years. Bankruptcies stay for ten years.

HOW MANY REPORTS CAN BE ORDERED?

You may order one, two, or all three reports. A deferred request is the best way as you can watch your report over a period of time, and see how it improves.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE FREE FEDERAL REPORTS?

Online reports are immediately accessible. Others take a minimum of 15 days or more.

HOW TO DEAL WITH CREDIT COMPANIES ON IDENTITY THEFT ISSUES?

An identity thief would run charges on your accounts, which ultimately land up on you. Ask the company to provide you with a form to dispute any such fake charges.

Contact the billing inquiry office of the company as request for a fraud dispute form. If that does not exist, write an application to dispute the transactions.

If the thief has opened new unauthorized accounts in your name, try to file an ID theft affidavit with the company. It the company does not accept this, ask for the fraud dispute form.

Resolve the dispute with the company to your satisfaction. Then ask the company to provide in writing that they have closed all disputed accounts and written off fraudulent debts. This letter acts as proof if the above information still continues to appear on the credit report. Also take appropriate steps with the concerned credit bureau to make sure that the report is amended.