Beginning in December, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (“FACTA”) requires the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – to provide consumers, upon request, a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months. According to the Federal Trade Commission, FACTA, intended to provide information to correct errors and prevent identity theft, will be phased in over 9 months from west to east.

  • Consumers from Western states may request their free credit report beginning 12/1/04
  • For Midwestern states, the request period begins 3/1/05
  • Southern states must wait until 6/1/05
  • If you live in Eastern states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or a U.S. territory, you’ll have to wait until 9/1/05

Another provision of FACTA is a National Fraud Alert System which allows you to place an alert on your credit files if you suspect you have been a victim of fraud. This is effective 12/1/04.

Visit the FTC website for more information.