2. CREDIT REPORT PODCAST Marion Davis

3. What is a Credit Report?  A credit report is information compiled by a credit bureau from merchants, utility companies, banks, court records, and creditors about your payment history

4. What does a credit report show?  Identifying information  Example: social security number and current address  Account information  Example: when account was opened, highest amount owed on credit cards  Inquiries  Example: American Express  Public Record Information  Dispute Instructions  If you see an inaccuracy in your report this informs you how to dispute it and have it removed

5. What do you not see on a credit report?  Criminal background  Medical information  Buying habits/transaction data  Bank account information  Credit rating  Credit Score  There is no actual number included in a credit report. To obtain a score you have to put in a request and pay a fee.

6. Why should I check my credit report?  Want to be sure there are no inaccuracies  If there are inaccuracies you can take the steps to dispute them. If the inaccuracies prove to be true they will remain on your credit report for years to come  Checking your credit report annually can also reduce the risk of an unnoticed identity theft

7. How can I obtain a credit report?  Federal law requires credit bureaus to provide consumers with 1 free credit report each year.  You can obtain these reports from the three National Credit bureaus. or,

8. The best place to go  www.AnnualCreditReport.com www.AnnualCreditReport.com  This is the only site where you will get a FREE credit report  Some sites say they are free but later if you forget to cancel your membership you will be charged www.freecreditreport.com