| Copyright RebuildCreditScores 2008. All Rights Reserved |
Credit history has taken a forefront not only
in our business lives but also our personal
lives. There is no getting around credit
history, it is affecting our standard of living in
every way.
Did you know that banks and credit card
companies are not the only ones checking
out your credit history? You may be
surprised at how many companies use your
credit history to make decisions.
With the recent "credit crunch" and talks of a
recession, it is imperative that you know who
is making decisions about your life based
upon your credit history.
in our business lives but also our personal
lives. There is no getting around credit
history, it is affecting our standard of living in
every way.
Did you know that banks and credit card
companies are not the only ones checking
out your credit history? You may be
surprised at how many companies use your
credit history to make decisions.
With the recent "credit crunch" and talks of a
recession, it is imperative that you know who
is making decisions about your life based
upon your credit history.
Who has access to your credit history?
Anyone with a legitimate business purpose such as:
With so many entities potentially looking at your credit you must know what they are viewing.
It has become imperative that you rid your credit files of any errors, inaccurate and out-dated
information that is viewed as negative. Learn how to effectively dispute inaccurate information
in your credit reports. Unfortunately, in today’s society, there is no getting around credit.
The FACT Act
In accordance with the federal FACT Act, consumers are now able to get a free copy of their
credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax
and TransUnion. The toll free number is (877) 322-8228. You can also go online at
annualcreditreport.com. You do not have to order all three credit reports at one time. You can
choose to stagger your free reports over the course of a year by ordering one report every
four months.
The FACT Act is not the only way to get a free credit report. You are entitled to a free credit
report if you have experienced one of the following:
Freeze your credit reports
Some states offer consumers the option to "freeze" their credit report so it can only be
accessed in very limited situations. Victims of identity theft can request this option for free if a
police report is provided to the credit reporting agencies. For other consumers who are not
victims of identity theft, you can request a “freeze” for a fee.
Marketing and pre-approved offers
The credit bureaus engage in the practice of selling lists for use in "pre-approved" credit and
insurance offers. Consumers who receive pre-approved credit offers are often on these
marketing lists. However, pre-approved does not necessarily mean a credit report will not be
pulled. If you respond, the creditor may access your credit report before you are actually
granted credit. Your application can also be denied at this time.
You have a choice to remove you name from any marketing list compiled by a credit reporting
agency. To remove your name from all three credit reporting agencies’ marketing lists you can
“opt-out”. Call (888) 5-OPTOUT or (888) 567-8688 to opt out or go online to optoutprescreen.
Anyone with a legitimate business purpose such as:
- Landlords
- Employers and potential employers
- Auto, Home & Life Insurance Companies
- Cable & Satellite Companies
- Utility Companies (Telephone, Electric & Gas)
- Cell Phone Providers
- Companies that you have a credit account with can regularly monitor your credit
- Government agencies considering you for licensing
- State and Local Child Support Enforcement Agencies
- Any Government Agency
With so many entities potentially looking at your credit you must know what they are viewing.
It has become imperative that you rid your credit files of any errors, inaccurate and out-dated
information that is viewed as negative. Learn how to effectively dispute inaccurate information
in your credit reports. Unfortunately, in today’s society, there is no getting around credit.
The FACT Act
In accordance with the federal FACT Act, consumers are now able to get a free copy of their
credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax
and TransUnion. The toll free number is (877) 322-8228. You can also go online at
annualcreditreport.com. You do not have to order all three credit reports at one time. You can
choose to stagger your free reports over the course of a year by ordering one report every
four months.
The FACT Act is not the only way to get a free credit report. You are entitled to a free credit
report if you have experienced one of the following:
- Denied credit in the last 60 days
- Unemployed and intend to apply for employment in the next 60 days
- You are on public welfare assistance
- If you believe your file contains inaccurate information due to fraud or identity theft
- Denied employment based upon information contained in your credit report
- If your report has been updated or revised based upon an investigation you requested
Freeze your credit reports
Some states offer consumers the option to "freeze" their credit report so it can only be
accessed in very limited situations. Victims of identity theft can request this option for free if a
police report is provided to the credit reporting agencies. For other consumers who are not
victims of identity theft, you can request a “freeze” for a fee.
Marketing and pre-approved offers
The credit bureaus engage in the practice of selling lists for use in "pre-approved" credit and
insurance offers. Consumers who receive pre-approved credit offers are often on these
marketing lists. However, pre-approved does not necessarily mean a credit report will not be
pulled. If you respond, the creditor may access your credit report before you are actually
granted credit. Your application can also be denied at this time.
You have a choice to remove you name from any marketing list compiled by a credit reporting
agency. To remove your name from all three credit reporting agencies’ marketing lists you can
“opt-out”. Call (888) 5-OPTOUT or (888) 567-8688 to opt out or go online to optoutprescreen.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
More Resources
Disputing information on your credit files
Tips for Disputing Negative information in your Credit Files.
Debt Validation
How to halt the collection process by requesting a collection agency to validate
your debt.
Get Deletions
Request Deletions when paying a negative account because paid collections do
not change your credit scores.
Your States Statute of Limitations
Learn the amount of time a creditor can sue you for a debt according to your State.
Tips for Disputing Negative information in your Credit Files.
Debt Validation
How to halt the collection process by requesting a collection agency to validate
your debt.
Get Deletions
Request Deletions when paying a negative account because paid collections do
not change your credit scores.
Your States Statute of Limitations
Learn the amount of time a creditor can sue you for a debt according to your State.
Credit Reports: Learn Who Can View
Your Credit Reports
by rebuildcreditscores.com
March 2008
Your Credit Reports
by rebuildcreditscores.com
March 2008
 | Apply for easy credit to Raise Scores | |
| Tips to Rebuild & Improve Credit Scores | |
| 10 Steps to Build Business Credit | |
| Rapid Re-Score Credit Files | |
Related Topics
Credit Card Offers for Average Credit
 | Orchard Bank Classic MasterCards | |
| Capital One Card Lab | |
| American DreamCard™ Sweepstakes | |
| Tribute MasterCard Gold | |