Credit report, not credit score, is available for free
Published: Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Dear Consumer Action:I called one of the big three credit reporting bureaus for a free copy of my credit report, as provided by federal and state law. I got a message saying I could view a free copy online or pay more than $7 to have it sent to me!Some free copy! - S.Z., Mays LandingYou misunderstood the message. The charge described in it is for getting a copy of your credit score, not your credit report.
All three major credit bureaus provide free copies of credit reports, but all charge several dollars to get a copy of your credit score.The report is basic information that has been reported to the agencies by creditors. Federal and state laws require the bureaus to provide you with one free copy of your report per year, upon request.The score is determined by each bureau, using its own calculation system. The information in your credit report is used to calculate your credit score, a number generally between 300 and 850 that rates how risky a borrower you are. The higher your score, the less risk you pose to creditors.There is no provision in state or federal law requiring the bureaus to provide your credit score for free.To get your free credit report, you can either call that particular credit bureau again and this time choose only the option for the free report, not the option that includes a credit score. Or you can contact a clearinghouse set up by all three credit bureaus and order through it.To do that, call 877-322-8228 or visit:www.annualcreditreport.comHistorically, FICO has been the most well-known credit-scoring system. Your FICO score is available fromwww.myfico.comfor a fee or you may purchase your credit score by contacting the credit bureaus.Passport numberDear Consumer Action:I received my Overseas Citizens of India card with the wrong American passport number on it. As soon as I noticed I sent back my passport and OCI card for correction to the Consulate General of India in New York. It's been two months and I don't have my passport and OCI card back from them. - S.S., BrigantineWe e-mailed the press office at the consulate, and soon after you got your card and passport in the mail, but the card was probably already well along in the process on its own.In the future, if you have any problems, go online to the Indian Consulate's New York office at:www.indacgny.organd e-mail the appropriate department through the Web site.Consumer Action will respond to each properly submitted letter about a problem or question, either in this column or by letter or phone. Letters must include copies - not originals - of all relevant documentation and a name, address and phone number at which you can be reached. Send letters to: Consumer Action, The Press, 11 Devins Lane, Pleasantville, NJ 08232.
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