The companies are rolling this out across the country during a nine-month period starting in December 2004. By September 2005, consumers from coast to coast will have access to a free annual credit report if they ask for it.

Here is the schedule: Western States were able to start requesting the free report in December 2004. Midwest States can start March of 2005. Southern States can start June 2005. Eastern States and all Territories can start September 2005

For details on this new law promoting access to free credit reports, and which states start at what date, go to http://www.ftc.gov/credit.

You can order your free annual credit report online at http://www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228, or by completing the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mailing it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281,

The law allows you to order one free copy from each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies every 12 months. So you may order your reports from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies at the same time, or you can order from only one or two.

You will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you have moved in the last two years, you may have to provide your previous address. To maintain the security of your file, each nationwide consumer reporting company may ask you for some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment. Each company may ask you for different information because the information each has in your file may come from different sources.

So have this information handy in case you are asked for it and order your free annual credit report online at http://www.annualcreditreport.com
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