seeks clear path to (really) free credit reports You've probably seen or heard ads featuring catchy tunes and jingles for websites claiming to help you get a free credit report.
The problem: Those sites aren't the official free credit report from all three agencies government-mandated site (AnnualCreditReport.com) for obtaining free reports entitled to you each year by federal law. At these soundalike sites, free isn't really free -- it comes with strings attached. They sign consumers up -- sometimes without their knowledge -- for credit monitoring services and charge recurring monthly fees to their credit cards. Curbing 'confusing' ads, practices The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed new rules to help decrease the number of consumers who are duped into signing up for services they don't want and make it easier for people who only want to get their free credit free credit report from all three agencies reports to do so -- without hassle.
There has been a proliferation of confusing advertising regarding where consumers can obtain their free annual [credit] file, according to the FTC. The new rules were drafted because a provision in the Credit CARD Act of 2009 says, beginning Feb. 22, 2010, radio, TV and other ads for free credit reports must include the following disclaimer: This is not the free credit report provided for by federal law. 3 in one free credit report These advertisements direct consumers not to AnnualCreditReport.com, the authorized source for free annual file disclosures, but to commercial websites operated by the nationwide CRAs (credit reporting agencies) or others that sell a variety of products and services, according to the FTC. Further, when a consumer uses an Internet search engine to find the website for free annual file disclosures, the search engine will usually list 'sponsored' links -- again, selling products and services -- such as 'FreeCreditReport.com' first.
As a result of this advertising, consumers are often misled and confused about where to go to obtain the free annual file disclosure mandated by federal law. Getting a 'free' credit report is one of the most confusing and frustrating experiences there is. --Nicolas Guzman Virginia consumer The FTC is also seeking to make getting free credit reports on the official site -- AnnualCreditReport.com -- less confusing for consumers. access free credit report
Today, the site makes it easy for consumers to get sidetracked from the free path with ads and special offers for additional services free credit report from all three agencies that are not free. The proposal would ban those pitches until after consumers have signed up for their free reports. Also banned: requiring consumers to set up accounts on the site before they can get their free reports. Hundreds comment free credit report from all three agencies on proposed rules Of the more free credit report from all three agencies than 1,000 comments filed with the FTC about the proposed changes, an overwhelming majority support the new rules. Carl Levin, the National Association of Attorneys General and the National Consumer Law Center were among those supporting the rules. Among free credit report from all three agencies those expressing concerns for commercial expression on the Internet and free commerce were: the free credit report from all three agencies Interactive Advertising Bureau, National Business Coalition for E-Commerce and Privacy and the Direct Marketing Association. The majority of comments were from consumers, some fuming over what they call deception when trying to obtain their free reports. The last time I got mine, I ended up paying a monthly fee for about six months before I identified the charge. This should not be tricky for senior citizens or anyone else, writes Patricia Poklemba of Virginia. free credit reports by mail Getting a 'free' credit report is one of the most confusing and frustrating experiences there is, writes Nicolas Guzman of Virginia. The credit reporting companies do everything they can to confuse you and get you out of the 'free' site and into their paid services.
Nonfree free credit report from all three agencies commercial links should be CLEARLY stated as such or prohibited. I have to free credit report from all three agencies be very careful when I request my report to make sure I am on the right site and am not requesting any additional services I don't free credit report from all three agencies want, Carolyn Halloway wrote in her comment.
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