Credit reports and crime on the World Wide Web

In order to stay away from crime, there are a few things to keep an eye on when seeking a credit report online. Now that Washington has authorized no-cost credit reports for all of us, hundreds of companies have prepared to take advantage of everyone.

Congress has authorized the three main credit bureaus to set up and maintain a Website that will give American citizens access to one free copy of their credit report, per bureau, each and every year, either on the Web or through the mail. The current administration has not been doing a lot to help consumers, and the bills enacted during the past five years have been particularly harsh on the poor and debt-ridden portions of our society. One of the few benefits for the ordinary consumer to come out of Congress lately is the law permitting consumers to access their credit report for free.

Although the free credit report Website has worked well, and business at the site has been brisk, a few problems have sprung up due to the creation of Internet access. Americans may visit a Website that is similar to the real one, assume that it is the one they're looking for and then begin to complete forms with their financial information. Other sites have been built to fool people who may be searching for the free credit report Web site but don't know its actual name. Several hundred entrepreneurial types have built Websites with similar names to the Government-mandated Website, which is named AnnualCreditReport.com. Unfortunate visitors may discover that their financial or personal information has been stolen by someone who intends to use it for identity theft. Fortunate visitors may get a copy of their credit report in the mail, only to find out that it isn't free, or that they have paid for some other "product", such as a monitoring service, in addition to getting the "free" document.
 

There are a few easy things you can do to avoid being an online fraud victim:

• The FTC is the federal bureau responsible for dealing with financial fraud; you may safely click on the link to the Government-mandated Website from there. The official Internet site can be accessed directly, but if you're concerned, you might connect via the link at the site of the Federal Trade Commission.
• Any site marketing a "free" product that requests a charge card number is probably going to charge you for something or simply steal your charge card number. Be aware that the official Web site will not ask you for a bank card. The official Website will not ask for a card number; not even for "authorization" purposes.
• Do not respond to popups or electronic mail offers, as they may be an attempt to take your financial information. The real Website won't make promotions by means of e-mail, popup windows or any other exotic Internet marketing method.

People who are uneasy about using the Web may order a copy of their document by mail: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. The no-cost Web site is a smart idea, and consumers should have free access to their own financial information. Consumers need to be watchful that they don't get robbed in the process. If you have any inquiries about the authorized Website, simply call them at 877-322-8228.

It is always better to be safe than sorry, so if you are not sure about using the Web, feel free to call or conduct business by mail. You are not alone; thousands of people contact the agencies directly each month.