“We should get a free copy of our credit report.”
***ANSWER:
This one was from my wife. And it wasn’t a question. So you can bet I got right on it.
I googled “free credit report” and clicked to one site that looked free, but after I filled out most of the form, suddenly they wanted my credit card #. Forget that.
So I googled again and got to the Federal Trade Commission site. That definitely looked safe. It directed me to AnnualCreditReport.com.
That site looked relatively simple, so I got started.
The going was easy until I reached the security questions. They asked about mortgages I took out as far back as 1999.
Problem: if you’re an active real estate investor or refinance every time the rate drops AND you don’t have a perfect memory, you might have the same result:
My wife and I each failed the security tests and were denied access. A total of six times.
Fortunately, the site also had an automated toll free number to call, 1-877-322-8228.
All went OK until the pleasant and real-sounding disembodied female-robot voice asked me to “speak and spell your first name”.
I dutifully followed her directions and said with unmatched clarity, “Gary, G-A-R-Y.”
Her response: “I heard G-E-R-Y. Is that correct?”
Me: “No.”
Her: “Try again.”
Me: “Gary, G-A-R-Y.”
Her: “I heard G-A-R*–E-Y. Is that correct?” (The * represents the nano-second I was excited when I thought she got it correct.)
Me: “No.”
Her: “Whatever! If you can’t follow directions, let’s just move on.” (I paraphrase.)
A few moments later, we finished our chat and they promised I’d receive the credit report in 2 weeks.
Bottom line: With today’s rampant identity theft and common credit report errors, you should check your report every year.
Despite my hassles, I recommend going to the FTC site. You’re likely brighter than me and/or speak clearer than I do, so it should go smoother for you.
