Checking your credit score?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 3/25/09 at 1:11pm

I have been told way back when NOT to use FreeCreditReport.com -- but I don't remember why.

Does anyone know a safe website to check my credit?

Thanks!

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 3/25/09 at 1:27pm

I never get those commercials. I don't get why someone jacking the guy's credit keeps him from having the job he wants (that he never specifies). Plus, I think it would be fun to play the guitar and sing funny songs all day for money.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 3/25/09 at 1:35pm

Because they end up latching onto your credit card account and keep taking out monthly fees after the "Free" first report.

[danmag]

Posted: 3/25/09 at 1:36pm

Now I have the FreeCreditReport.com song swirling around in my head...

[mauriposa]

Posted: 3/25/09 at 2:15pm

I've never understood that either, Phyll. It drives me nuts.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 3/25/09 at 4:12pm

"I don't get why someone jacking the guy's credit keeps him from having the job he wants (that he never specifies)."

Because as part of a background check, many companies will look at a person's credit. People can lose a job offer if their credit is not good.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 3/25/09 at 4:15pm

If you've been a victim of fraud can't you just provide proof?

[Calvin]

Posted: 3/25/09 at 4:15pm

Yup -- if you can't qualify for a corporate card, and you're applying for a job that requires a lot of travel, that's going to be a big, big strike against you, because it's a lot harder for a company to monitor and control your spending if you're doing it with your own credit card (plus it hurts the rebates they're getting from the corporate cards).

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 3/25/09 at 4:17pm

So in the case of identity theft, the victim continues to be punished, even if they report it?

[Calvin]

Posted: 3/25/09 at 4:22pm

Well, a lot of companies are switching over to corporate cards for which the company itself is liable (so you never actually get the bill -- my company just did this actually, and I'm thrilled). That takes care of the problem of employee with bad credit for whatever reason.

[morosco]

Posted: 3/25/09 at 5:05pm

You shouldn't use that site or another other that pretends to be free. You should use AnnualCreditReport.com.

AnnualCreditReport.com is the ONLY authorized source to get your free annual credit report under federal law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you access to a free credit report from each of the three nationwide reporting agencies Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion every twelve months. The Federal Trade Commission has received complaints from consumers who thought they were ordering their free annual credit report, but instead paid hidden fees or agreed to unwanted services. Don't be fooled by TV ads, email offers, or online search results. Go to the authorized source when you request your free report.

AnnualCreditReport.com Updated On: 3/25/09 at 05:05 PM

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 3/25/09 at 5:06pm

What about the commercial where he's living in his in-laws basement? If his wife's credit was bad, he could take the loan out in his name. And presumably they both lived elsewhere before marriage, so why not just stay there until they can save up and reestablish her credit?

The worst part is the end of the commercial when he sings that he wouldn't have married her if he knew about her bad credit. What a jerk. She probably wouldn't have married him if she knew he would just sit around the basement with his stoner friends whining about his life.

Updated On: 3/25/09 at 05:06 PM

[danmag]

Posted: 3/25/09 at 5:12pm

LMAO Orangeskittles!! That's always what I think about that commercial - what a prize HE is!! It's Wayne's World down there...

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 12:57pm

Be careful with AnnualCreditReport.com as well. Virtually every page tries to steer you into purchasing services. Click carefully.