Federal Law Says Everyone Can Get Free Credit Report

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) of December 4, 2003 allows all to receive credit reports once a year for free. The law was written to be phased in over several years throughout the nation, first with the Western States on 12/01/04, second with the Midwest States on 3/01/05, and most recently the Southern States on 6/01/05. The Eastern States will see implementation of the law on 9/01/05.

To obtain a free credit report online, go to AnnualCreditReport.com.

Thanks to Digger for all this information. There's more at Diggers Realm, including his own experience with the system, specifics on the credit reports available, and how to handle disputed data.

Frankly, I was in the dark about this whole subject.