FTC Rolls out Free Credit Report Program

[From Comcast's News Desk]

The Federal Trade Commission started rolling out a free credit report program today.  Residents in 13 western states will get first crack at requesting a free credit report from any of the three major credit bureaus that maintain them. 

Before the new law, consumers had access to free credit reports only if they were denied credit, unemployed, on welfare or believed that they were victims of identity theft. A handful of states also allow residents access to free reports.

People in Midwestern states will become eligible for free reports on March 1, followed by Southern states on June 1 and Eastern states on Sept. 1.

The FTC is staggering the requesting period to help the nation's three major credit bureaus _ Equifax Inc., Experian Information Solutions and Trans Union _ deal with an expected crush of people asking for free credit histories.

To get a free credit report, consumers can log on to www.AnnualCreditReport.com, a new Web site created jointly by the credit reporting companies. They also can call 1-877-FTC-HELP or mail a standardized form to Box 105281, Atlanta, Ga. 30348-5281. Consumers are allowed one free report per year from each of the agencies.