Free Credit Reports Now Available to All Ohioans

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) now enacted has a provision which requires the three major credit-reporting agencies to provide consumers with a free copy of their own credit report.

This requirement took effect in December 2004, with phase-in over nine months from West to East. Ohio residents will be able to obtain a free credit report beginning on March 1st, 2005.

There are two ways that you can access your credit report information. You can call toll free (877) 322-8228 or go on-line at the following address and follow the instructions:

www.annualcreditreport.com

You are entitled to receive one free credit file disclosure every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies—Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. The free credit report can be obtained through the website or by calling and receiving it through the mail.

To assure that your credit report is disclosed only to you, the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies will authenticate your identity utilizing the personal identification information that you provide on the website, including but not limited to your social security number, and then require that you answer certain questions. For your protection, if your identity cannot be authenticated to receive your report on-line, you will receive further instructions on how to request your report for delivery by the U.S. Postal Service.

All FSS clients should take advantage of this opportunity.