Not all free credit report websites are the same and many of the websites are confusing to consumers. Several of the websites use advertising tricks such as similar website names or misspelled websites to catch innocent consumers who end up being charged for a service they did not realize they purchased and these companies have made millions of dollars by doing so.
A search on the internet for the phase "annual credit report" returned 38,400 results. A search on the internet for the phrase "free credit report" returned 8,849,000 results. Some of the most popular free credit reports websites are: www.freetriplescore.com, www.freeannualcreditreports.org, www.FreeCreditReportsInstantly.com, www.creditreport.com and www.creditscorecowboy.com. www.freetriplecreditreport.com; www.freecreditreport.com and www.consumerinfo.com are both owned by Experian.
Many of the free credit report websites offer a free trial but require a credit card. The websites may also offer credit monitoring services for a fee. However these services can be received for free if you have been a victim of identity theft.
With some of the companies, once you sign up for the free trial it is difficult to cancel the service and you may continue to be charged two to three months after cancellation. Not all free credit report websites are the same. Here are 10 tips to help you order your free credit report.
1. Make sure you correctly spell the website name.
2. Don't order credit reports from websites that ask for a credit card.
3. Don't order credit reports from websites that have tons of advertisements.
4. Don't order credit reports from websites that forward you to another website.
5. Don't order credit reports from websites that are not secure, they will have either an https or shttp on the page when you enter your personal information.
6. Don't respond to advertisements in the mail, on television, on the internet or by phone asking you to order a free credit report.
7. Make sure the website has a link to the annualcreditreport.com website.
8. Read the Terms & Conditions and Privacy before ordering your free credit report.
9. Select the box to opt-out of their marketing list or read the Privacy Policy to get instructions on how to opt-out.
10. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission against the company if you received a service you feel you did order, if you feel advertising tricks were used when ordering your credit report or are not happy with the services or products you ordered.
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