It is crucial that you find out what kind of information appears in your credit report, particularly when nowadays that information is used for many other things besides getting credit. Many potential employers, insurance companies and rental companies use that information to assign you a level of risk.

You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report once a year at each of the national credit reporting agencies: Trans Union, Equifax and Experian. To request this document, you may call 1-877-322-8228 or access the following web site: www.annualcreditreport.com.  You may also download the Application for Credit Reporting and mail it to the following address: PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

If you have applied for credit or employment and were rejected based on adverse information reflected in your credit report, you are entitled by law to obtain a copy of the credit report that was used to reach this decision. You must apply for it within thirty (30) days after receiving a letter of rejection.  The letter of rejection must include the name and telephone number of the company that provided the information that ultimately led them to the adverse decision. In addition, you are entitled to a copy of your credit report if you are unemployed and/or receiving public assistance from the federal government.

On the other hand, you can also obtain your credit report directly from each of the following major credit reporting agencies:

• Equifax (787) 751-0291 or 1-800-685-1111
• Trans Union (787) 729-9494 or 1-800-916-8800
• Experian 1-800-682-7654

Our counselors will help you to interpret the information presented in your credit report and the implications that such information may have. They will explain your consumer rights and will explain the steps that you would need to take if your credit report reflected errors.