By law, you are entitled to one free government credit report each year, but you have to apply to get it. The consumer reporting companies are covered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act to ensure privacy and accuracy.

Your credit report contains personal information like your address, your bill-paying habits, and your status as far as bankruptcy, arrest or any legal action against you. This information is of interest to companies who may be creditors, employers, insurers, lending institutions and landlords, and the consumer reporting companies sell the reports to them.

Why would you need to see your credit report? The report has certain information that could affect your suitability for a loan, and even the cost of that loan. You may want to check that the information is accurate if you want a mortgage or other loan, or to apply for a new job or for insurance.

Identity theft is a growing crime and checking the accuracy of your credit report helps to protect against it. If you have applied for, but been refused, credit, your credit report might hold information that was responsible.

You are protected by the Act and have certain rights as well. At this time, there are three consumer reporting agencies nationally, but they are combined under one mailing address, toll free number and website. You have the right to apply for a credit report from each of these agencies, once every year.

Go to the website at annualcreditreport. Com to get all the information you need. You will have to download an application to fill in and send back, or you can call the toll free number and ask for one to be sent to you. You will need to supply information like name, address, date-of-birth, social security number. If you have moved recently, your old address should be included. Before your request is filled, you may be asked to identify yourself by answering questions only you know the answer to.

The website given above is the only authorized website for credit reports. Other websites exist that claim they provide the free reports, but you usually end up paying over money or parting with personal information. Watch out for the ones that offer you a “free” service with fine print that says they will charge you after the “free” trial period is over. These website are not official and cannot access your free government credit report.

Under the terms of the Act, your privacy is guaranteed, so any emails or letters asking for personal details are a hoax. When you apply for your government credit report, you will not be asked for any details except for what is on the application form.