> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foodconsumer.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Get Your FREE Credit Reports - URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/get_your_free_credit_reports_0215121119/ - Published: 2012-02-15T12:18:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-22T18:39:15.000Z - Description: A consumer FAQ explaining that AnnualCreditReport.com is the only federally authorized source for the free annual credit report from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, and how to request it online, by phone at 1-877-322-8228, or by mail. - Author: Food Consumer - Tags: Government, Health News, #vivvo-import [](https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp?ref=foodconsumer.org) # What is AnnualCreditReport.com? [AnnualCreditReport.com](http://www.annualcreditreport.com/?ref=foodconsumer.org) is the ONLY authorized source for the free annual credit report that's yours by law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you access to your credit report for free from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — every 12 months. The Federal Trade Commission has received complaints from consumers who thought they were ordering their free annual credit report, and yet couldn't get it without paying fees or buying other services. TV ads, email offers, or online search results may tout "free" credit reports, but there is only one authorized source for a truly free credit report. # I’ve seen a box at the top of some websites saying: "You have the right to a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com or 877-322-8228, the ONLY authorized source under federal law." # What’s this about? A new law requires commercial websites that say they offer free credit reports to include a box letting you know you can get a free credit report at [www.AnnualCreditReport.com](http://www.annualcreditreport.com/?ref=foodconsumer.org). Click on the link to [www.AnnualCreditReport.com](http://www.annualcreditreport.com/?ref=foodconsumer.org), the only place to get the free report that's yours by law. Many companies claim to offer free credit reports – and some do. But others give you a report only if you buy other products or services. Still others say they’re giving you a “free” report and then bill you for services you have to cancel. If you go to[www.AnnualCreditReport.com](http://www.annualcreditreport.com/?ref=foodconsumer.org) and follow the prompts for your free credit report, you can be sure the reports you get**really** are free. # How do I request my free credit report? You can request your free report online, by phone or by mail. Visit [AnnualCreditReport.com](http://www.annualcreditreport.com/?ref=foodconsumer.org), call 1-877-322-8228, or fill out the [Annual Credit Report Request form](https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/requestformfinal.pdf?ref=foodconsumer.org) and mail it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281\. No matter how you request your report, you have the option to request all three reports at once or to order one report at a time. By requesting the reports separately, you can monitor your credit more frequently throughout the year. # **Why should I request my credit report?** Because the information in your credit report is used to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, and renting a home, you should be sure the information is accurate and up-to-date. In addition, monitoring your credit is one of the best ways to spot identity theft. Check your credit report at least once a year to correct errors and detect unauthorized activity. # **What should I look for when I review my credit report?** If you see accounts you don’t recognize or information that is inaccurate, contact the credit reporting agency and the information provider. For more information, read the FTC’s tips on [how to dispute credit errors](http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre21.pdf?ref=foodconsumer.org). If you suspect identity theft, you may need to place a fraud alert on your credit report, close compromised accounts, file a complaint with the FTC, or file a police report. Start by visiting the FTC’s [identity theft website](http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft?ref=foodconsumer.org). Anyone can write a catchy jingle, but only[AnnualCreditReport.com](http://www.annualcreditreport.com/?ref=foodconsumer.org) provides you with a truly free credit report. [AnnualCreditReport.com](http://www.annualcreditreport.com/?ref=foodconsumer.org) requires no hidden fees or trial memberships. [](http://www.ftc.gov/multimedia/video/credit/annual-credit-report-videos.shtm?ref=foodconsumer.org) # Listen to Audio PSAs. "Apartment" "Restaurant" # Resources from the FTC - [Your Access to Free Credit Reports](http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm?ref=foodconsumer.org) - [Building a Better Credit Report](http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre03.shtm?ref=foodconsumer.org) - [Credit & Loans](http://www.ftc.gov/credit?ref=foodconsumer.org) ## [File a Complaint](https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/?ref=foodconsumer.org) The FTC wants to [hear from you](https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/?ref=foodconsumer.org) if you paid for what you thought was your free annual credit report. ## [SPAM](mailto:spam@uce.gov) The FTC also wants you to forward us any unsolicited emails you've received offering you a free credit report. Send them to [spam@uce.gov.](mailto:spam@uce.gov) [AnnualCreditReport.com](https://www.annualcreditreport.com/?ref=foodconsumer.org) will NEVER send you an email solicitation for your free annual credit report or use pop up ads.