Annual Free Credit Report.com is a website that allows you to check your credit score for free once every twelve months. Your credit history and score is used by potential lenders to determine if credit will be extended, and also used to determine the interest rate that you would have to pay on that credit or loan. It can also be used by potential employers to determine eligibility. It is important to keep an eye on your credit reports - if a credit check shows a score is low you'll want to know, so you can correct any errors and make an effort to improve a bad credit score.

The website www.annualcreditreport.com was developed by the three national credit bureaus who are responsible for reporting consumers' credit histories. These three credit reporting agencies are Experian, Equifax and Transunion, and they are required by federal law to provide a free annual credit report once every 12 months to consumers. The annual free credit reports must be requested as they will not automatically send them to you. They provide three convenient ordering methods, online, by phone or by mail.

The FTC warns against imposter and scam websites claiming that they offer free credit scores or free credit reports. There is only one website that is included in the legal mandate and authorized to provide you with a free annual credit report. The website is www.annualcreditreport.com. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm

Free Credit Report.com is one of the "scam" websites that says it offers free credit reports when it really doesn't. It is a scam because it makes you sign up for a free trial membership, and clearly states in the fine print "If not canceled in 30 days, $12.95 a month will be charged for membership."http://redtape.msnbc.com/2006/09/dont_fall_for_f.html Annual Free Credit Report.com is the only reliable place to get a FREE credit report. They are being investigated by the State of Florida Office of Attorney General.http://www.consumerfraudreporting.org/freecreditreportdotcom.php