Credit reports and fraud on the Web

In order to stay away from becoming a victim, there are a number of things to think about when seeking out a credit report on the Web. Now that Congress has approved free credit reports for all of us, a lot Websites have sprung up to take advantage of everybody.

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Congress has authorized the three primary credit bureaus to set up and manage a Website that will give American people access to a single free copy of their credit report, for each bureau, per year, either on the Internet or through the mail. The present administration has not been doing a lot to help consumers, and the legislation passed during the last five years have been particularly harsh on the poor and debt-laden segments of our society. One of the few benefits for the average individual to come out of the Federal government lately is the law permitting consumers to access their credit report for free.

Although the credit report Internet site has worked well, and business at the Website has been brisk, a few difficulties have appeared as a result of the implementation of the World Wide Web access. A few hundred entrepreneurial types have assembled Websites with similar names to the official Website, which is called AnnualCreditReport.com. Other Websites have been designed to fool people who may be searching for the no-cost credit report Website without knowing its actual name. People may visit a Website that is similar to the authorized one, assume that it's the one they're looking for and then begin to submit forms with their personal information. Unlucky consumers may discover that their personal information has been compromised by someone looking to use it for identity theft. Lucky consumers may get a copy of their record in the mail, only to realize that it is not free of charge, or that they have paid for some other "product", like a monitoring service, on top of getting the "no charge" document.

There are a few simple things you may do to avoid becoming a victim of online fraud:

• The free Website can be accessed directly, but if you're uneasy, you might visit by means of the link at the Website of the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is the government organization responsible for handling financial fraud; you may safely click on the link to the Government-mandated Web site from there.
• Don't respond to popups or spam advertisements, as they could be an attempt to steal your personal information. The authorized Internet site won't make offers using e-mail, popup windows or other exotic Internet marketing method.
• The authorized Web site won't ask for a charge card number; not even for "authorization" purposes. Be aware that the official Internet site will not request a charge card. Any Web site marketing a "free" product that asks you for a charge card number is probably going to charge you for a product or just steal your account number.

Individuals who are concerned about using the Web can order a copy of their documents by mail: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. Visitors should be careful that they do not get victimized in the process. If you have any concerns about the genuine Website, just call them at 877-322-8228. The Government-mandated Website is a great idea, and Americans should have free access to their personal information.