The Truth About Free Credit Reports and the Change in The Law

Written by Adam Peck Category: Injury Law January 15th, 2013 2 min read

It should be a little bit easier to get a free credit report.

For five years, Oklahomans have been able to obtain their credit reports free of charge online at annualcreditreport.com. However, the credit reporting bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — have been allowed to market their wares on the annualcreditreport.com site, which has led some consumers astray into fee-based services.

Worse, Experian created a massive marketing campaign and Web site — the deceptively named freecreditreport.com — that have snared the unwary into signing up for a “free” credit report that also includes a $14.95 month charge for “credit monitoring” if the consumer doesn’t cancel their membership within seven days says California Business Lawyer Steven C. Peck who may be contacted toll free at 1.866.999.9085.

Other companies set up similar bait-and-switch Web sites that ensnare consumers looking for a free credit report.

Such commercial Web sites on now must insert the following statement at the top of each page that mentions free credit reports:

“THIS NOTICE IS REQUIRED BY LAW. Read more at FTC.GOV. You have the right to a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com or (877) 322-8228, the ONLY authorized source under federal law.” The sites also must insert a link to ftc.gov and annualcreditreport.com.

At freecreditreport.com, Experian has posted a note reading: “Free credit reports are available under Federal law at: AnnualCreditReport.com.”

The new rules, part of the Credit CARD Act of 2009, also require the credit bureaus to stop marketing to consumers on annualcreditreport.com until after they have received their free report.

In September, 2010, Experian and other marketers will be required to insert similar disclaimers (the truth) into their inescapable TV and radio ads.

As someone who has fielded calls from confused consumers were granted access to annualcreditreport.com, I say bravo.

Read more: http://newsok.com/credit-reports-soon-to-be-easier-to-obtain/article/3450276#ixzz0jlX30qmi

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.