BBB applauds new regulations that took effect on April 1 requiring advertising for “free credit reports” to carry new disclosures to help you avoid those allegedly “free” offers for credit reports. The “free” offers often force you to spend money on credit monitoring or other products or services. Many consumers would overlook the resulting credit card charges that recurred on their accounts monthly. These new regulations, issued by the Federal Trade Commission in response to the Credit CARD Act of 2009 will help prevent deceptive marketing of “free credit reports” that come with strings (and costs) attached.
To find your truly free credit report, go to annualcreditreport.com. You can get up to one report each year from each of the three major credit bureaus. BBB recommends you request a report every four months, rotating between the three credit bureaus to receive three reports free each year to monitor your credit history.