FTC Guidelines

We recommend that if you are going to investigate questionable items on your credit report, you take advantage of the guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission. Below is the exact blueprint they have created for do it yourself credit repair.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre21.shtm

Your credit report contains information about where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued or arrested, or have filed for bankruptcy. Consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home. The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation's consumer reporting companies.

Some financial advisors and consumer advocates suggest that you review your credit report periodically. Why?

• Because the information it contains affects whether you can get a loan - and how much you will have to pay to borrow money.
• To make sure the information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date before you apply for a loan for a major purchase like a house or car, buy insurance, or apply for a job.
• To help guard against identity theft. That's when someone uses your personal information - like your name, your Social Security number, or your credit card number - to commit fraud. Identity thieves may use your information to open a new credit card account in your name. Then, when they don't pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report. Inaccurate information like that could affect your ability to get credit, insurance, or even a job.

Getting Your Credit Report

An amendment to the FCRA requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.

For further details, see the topic Your Access to Free Credit Reports at ftc.gov/credit.

How to Order Your Free Report

The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up one website, toll-free telephone number, and mailing address through which you can order your free annual report. To order, visit www.annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: