Credit Report

[Susan]

I recently had a m-h dealer run my credit report. I asked the salesman to give me a photocopy of it and he claimed that it's against the law to do that - he said if I wanted a copy of MY OWN credit report, I'd have to contact Equifax. I find this hard to believe. Why would he be prohibited from giving ME MY OWN credit report? What in the world is he talking about?

[rmurray]

It is not against the law...but often management tells the staff this..It violates the vendor agreement between the credit reporting agency and the dealer if the dealer buys the report directly from the agency...

Many dealers are now using trimerge mortgage reports...These cost about $15 and some dealers will not share unless you pay for them...The vendors selling these reports have no care what happens to them..

Of course...by federal law..you can get 1 free report every year from each of the big 3 credit reporting agencies..They all have web sites where you can apply for yours online..

[Tracey]

Do you know the websites or phone numbers for the 3 credit agency where a person can get the free credit reports?

Thanks

[D. Abben]

That dealer should at least let you see the credit report. There is no law pertaining to this and if they are trying to hide this from you, what else are they hiding?? You have a right to know what the dealer now knows about you, and not just take their word for it, and also what if any lender they sent you to. Now there are laws pertaining to that in many states. If the dealer runs your credit, they must send your application in to a lender and either have an approval or denial letter on file. A dealer cannot play "banker".

[rmurray]

Experian
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013
888-397-3742

http://www.experian.com/

Trans Union
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022
800-916-8800

http://www.transunion.com/index.jsp

Equifax
P.O. Box 740256
Atalnta, GA 30374
800-685-1111
http://www.equifax.com/

[Tracey]

Thank you

[Tracey]

Maybe I couldn't find it, but I checked all three of the web sites listed and none of them offered credit reports for free. All required a payment of at least $9 each. Is there a certain area of their web site that you need to go to in order to get this information?

Thanks

[rmurray]

I noticed the same thing...And they will offer your score for even more money....
I know if your credit was rejected....they MUST give you a free report...They used to give them free every year...Try calling the toll free numbers.......Good Luck

[Troy]

When I have called them in the past, each one told me the request must be in writing to get the free copy. I learned a long time ago to put my dealings with any financial group in writing, so they nor I can claim "I talked to you about this and you said. . . "

Just my .02 worth.

Troy

[rmurray]

You are probably right...All in an attempt to get folks to buy the report instead of getting the free one they deserve...