How to Avoid Free Credit Report Scams

You may have heard of your right to get a free credit report each year. So have scammers who'd like nothing more than to trick you out of your money, your personal information, or both. Here are some tips for avoiding a scam when you're trying to order your free credit report.

Your Right to a Free Credit Report

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 gives consumers the right to get a free credit report every year from each of the three credit bureaus. That means, every year, you can get one free credit report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for a total of three free credit reports.


The FTC partnered with the credit bureaus to offer a simple, centralized way for consumers to get these credit reports through annualcreditreport.com. However, imposter sites confuse consumers and trick them into paying for their free credit reports.

Credit Karma's Credit Score Simulator

A personalized simulator that tells you how certain actions will affect your credit score. Thinking about applying for a new credit card? Credit Karma will tell you how an additional inquiry will affect your credit score. Paying off a credit card balance? See how much your credit score will increase.The simulator will let you choose among the most popular actions with credit limits, payments, and public records to see if your credit score will go up or down. A credit score comparison that lets you compare your credit score to other consumers in a similar demographic.