What do your creditors know about you?

Just about everyone has a credit record on file with one or more of the credit reporting agencies. If you are a hermit who keeps his or her money under the mattress, you probably don't need to worry about this. But, if you are planning to apply for any sort of loan, you might want to check on your credit reports in advance so that you don't have an unpleasant surprise later on. The three major companies are listed below along with how to get in touch with them. Each of them maintains a web site that provides free advice and updated information on how to obtain a copy of your credit report. Click on the name of each agency below to link to their web site. In all cases, you can obtain a copy of your report for free if you have recently been denied credit. So, if you are turned down for credit, find out which agency the creditor contacted. In some states, you are entitled to one free copy of your report, per year, from each service. Otherwise, each report will cost up to $8.

	Equifax www.equifax.com	Experian www.experian.com	Trans Union www.tuc.com
to order your credit report	800-997-2493	888-397-3742	800-916-8800
to report fraud	800-525-6285	888-397-3742	800-680-7289

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