Free Credit Report Now Available For Texans

DALLAS -- Starting Wednesday, Texans can get a free copy of their credit report.

It is part of a mandate by the federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act to combat identity theft. Although the law passed in 2003, credit bureaus were worried they would be inundated with requests, so the government phased in the country from west to east.

Survey: Will You Request Free Credit Report?

Westerners and Midwesterners have had the opportunity for months. Now, Texans can get a free copy of their credit report every 12 months.

The service is available through each of the three national credit bureaus:

Equifax

Experian

Trans-Union

Requests can be made online or by calling (877) 322-8228.

There is no deadline for ordering free reports. You can get one copy from each of the three agencies each. You can space them out and get one report every four months if you choose.

You can learn all about your credit report rights by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com and www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/credit/ycr_free_reports.htm.

Signs Of Identity Theft

For those checking the reports for identity theft, look for:

Incorrect names and addresses.
Accounts that don't belong to you.
Accounts incorrectly listed as open or delinquent.
Bankruptcies or other judgments that don't belong to you.