Credit Reports
Almost everyone today has a credit history. The use of computers have helped three major credit bureaus maintain credit habits on consumers. It is a good idea to get a copy of your credit report before completing a mortgage application if you think a late payment or two has affected your credit record. If you have been denied credit or employment because of a credit report, you are entitled to a free copy of that report within 30 days after the denial. You can also pay for a credit report by contacting one of the advertised credit reporting agencies listed in the yellow pages. Most of them obtain their information from one of the big three nationwide services:
TRW Consumer Assistance
P. O. Box 2350
Chatsworth, CA 91313-2350
To contact Trans Union to purchase a credit report:
Trans Union
P. O. Box 390
Springfield, PA 19064-0390
1-215-690-4909
To contact CBI/Equifax to purchase a credit report:
Equifax Information Service Center
P. O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
1-800-685-1111 or 1-404-612-2500
The cost to obtain a credit report varies. TRW offers consumers on free copy of their credit report, limited to one free report per year. All credit reporting agencies are required to send you a free report if you suspect that your credit record may contain false or tampered information. Here's what to include in a request for a copy of a credit report:
- Full name including Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.
- Present address including zip code
- Previous address for past five years
- Social Security number (spouse's number, if applicable)
- Date of Birth
- Telephone number where you can be reached during business hours
- Your signature (and spouse's signature, if applicable)
- Spouse's first name, if married
- Check for fee for report/copy of denial letter, if applicable
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