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Your Rights: Credit Reporting
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (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. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, has prepared a brochure, Your Access to Free Credit Reports, explaining your rights under the FCRA and how to order a free annual credit report.
A credit report includes information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide 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.
How do I order my free report?
You can order your free annual credit report online at annualcreditreport.com, by calling 1-877-322-8228, or by completing the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mailing it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
A Warning About "Imposter" Sites
The FTC advises consumers who order their free annual credit reports online to be sure to correctly spell annualcreditreport.com, or link to it from the FTC's website to avoid being misdirected to other websites that offer supposedly free reports,but only with the purchase of other products. While consumers may be offered additional products or services while on the authorized website, they are not required to make a purchase to receive their free annual credit reports.
For more information on free annual credit reports, read Your Access to Free Credit Reports
summer crime: McGruff
- Plan your trip. Know where to go and how to get around.
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- Check all the locks in your room and never leave your hotel room unlocked, even to go to the ice or vending machine.
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- Lock all windows and doors before leaving town. Don’t forget to lock the garage door.
- Use automatic timers on a few lights to give the impression that someone is home.
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Protecting Children
- Urge kids to play in groups outside. Groups are far less likely to be approached by strangers.
- Set boundaries where kids can or cannot play. Know where your kids will be at all times and with whom they are playing.
- Remind kids to wear a helmet, reflective clothing, and to obey the rules of the road when riding their bike.
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