Consumer Alerts
Want
a Free Annual Credit Report? The Only Official Website is annualcreditreport.com
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version]
To alert consumers that there is only one website providing free annual credit
reports under Federal law: annualcreditreport.com, and to warn consumers about
“imposter” sites.
Bogus July 1 Email Exposed: The Real Deal
on Your Credit File Privacy
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version]
An anonymous email containing false and misleading information about the use of
your personal information has shown up in email in-boxes across the country for
the last several years, leaving many consumers concerned and confused. Here's
the real deal from the Federal Trade Commission.
Fake Credit Reports: Cashing in on Your Personal Information
[PDF
version]
Learn how to protect yourself from a high-tech scam known as “phishing.” Some
Web sites or unsolicited emails offering credit reports may be using bogus sites
as a way to capture your personal information and sell it to others who may use
it to commit fraud, including identity theft.
Negative Credit Can Squeeze a Job Search
[PDF
version]
Shopping for a Mortgage? Your Application May Trigger Competing Offers
[PDF
version]
Explains how consumers applying for a mortgage may receive competing offers
based on prescreening from information in their credit report. Explains how to
opt out of prescreening, if you choose. 8.5"x 11", 2 pages.
Facts for Consumers
Building a Better Credit Report
[PDF
version]
Learn how to legally improve your credit report, how to deal with debt, how to
spot credit-related scams, and more.
Choosing and Using Credit Cards
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version]
Explains credit card terms, how your balance is computed, and how to shop for
the best deal. Outlines cardholder protections.
Credit and Divorce
[PDF
version]
Encourages recently divorced consumers, and those contemplating divorce, to look
closely at issues involving credit. Understanding the different kinds of credit
accounts opened during a marriage may help illuminate the potential benefits –
and pitfalls – of each.
Credit Repair: Self-Help May Be Best
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version]
Explains how you can improve your credit worthiness and lists legitimate
resources for low or no-cost help.
Credit Scoring
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version]
Explains the system creditors use to help determine whether to grant you credit.
The Federal Trade Commission Presents Focus on
Finances: Preparing For Your Future
[PDF
version]
A newspaper supplement to help educate young people about credit, identity
theft, and buying a car.
File Segregation: New ID Is a Bad IDea
[PDF
version]
Getting Credit: What You Need to Know About Your Credit
[PDF
version]
Provides tips on shopping for credit cards, using cards carefully, and keeping
your credit record clean. Also explains credit reports and credit scores, how to
protect your identity, improve your credit record, and what to do if you are a
victim of identity theft.
A good source of information for people learning about credit. Includes a
dedicated Web page for more information --
www.ftc.gov/gettingcredit.
Getting Credit When You’re Over 62
[PDF
version]
Under the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, it’s against the law for a
creditor to deny you credit or terminate existing credit simply because of your
age. Explains your rights and offers tips for applying for and maintaining
credit.
How to Dispute Credit Report Errors
[PDF
version]
Explains how to dispute and correct inaccurate information in your credit
report. Includes a sample dispute letter.
New ID? Bad IDea: File Segregation Exposed
[PDF
version]
You're promised a chance to hide unfavorable credit information by establishing
a new credit identity. The problem: "File segregation" is illegal. If you use
it, you could face fines or even a prison sentence.
Prescreened Offers of Credit and Insurance
[PDF
version]
Many companies that solicit new credit card accounts and insurance policies use
prescreening to identify potential customers for the products they offer.
Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit
Reporting Act
[PDF
version]
Remedying the Effects of Identity Theft
[PDF
version]
Your Access to Free Credit Reports (also in
Spanish)
[PDF
version]
Educates consumers about their right to a free copy of their credit reports. The
brochure outlines the nine-month roll-out period beginning with the Western
states on December 1, 2004; explains the ordering process by Web, toll-free
telephone number, and postal address; and includes a copy of the standard
credit report request form. The brochure also discusses other consumer
rights under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Fair and
Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act).
