Free credit reports available in September

Washington, D.C. - -Starting September 1, New York State residents can obtain a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three national consumer credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. According to state senator Bill Larkin, "You can order all three credit reports at the same time which will allow you to compare them. But people may also wish to space them out, which would help if you want to monitor any changes. For example, you could get a report every four months by rotating your requests among the three companies." Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion compile information about consumers' credit activities, including credit card accounts, loans, balances, and payment history. Consumers who periodically check their credit reports can catch and correct errors in their credit records. For more information on credit reports and credit scores, go to www.ftc.gov/credit. Also see www.banking.state.ny.us/csbr.htm. Free annual credit reports will be available online at www.annualcreditreport.com. For help by phone, call 877-322-8228.