FTC Releases Spoof Videos with a Serious Message:
AnnualCreditReport.com is the Only Authorized Source for Free Annual
Credit Reports
Despite the musical claims of
some TV commercials, the only authorized source to get your free annual
credit report under federal law is AnnualCreditReport.com. To
reinforce this message, the Federal Trade Commission is featuring two
new videos with their own catchy tunes. Both videos are available at www.ftc.gov/freereports and www.YouTube.com/FTCVideos.
The
new videos highlight the differences between AnnualCreditReport.com and
those other sites that claim to provide “free” credit reports. Other
sites require users to pay hidden fees or agree to additional services.
For example, some sites provide a free credit report if you enroll in a
new service. If you don’t cancel the service during a short trial
period, you’re likely to see membership fees on your credit card
statement.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each
of the nationwide consumer reporting companies – Experian, TransUnion,
and Equifax – to provide a free copy of your credit report, at your
request, once every 12 months from AnnualCreditReport.com, a toll-free
telephone number, or a mailing address. Details are at www.ftc.gov/freereports. Reviewing your credit report regularly is an effective way to deter and detect identity theft.
The FTC encourages people to post its videos on their own websites or
blogs, and provides tools to help them do so. The jingles also are
available as 30-second audio public service announcements at www.ftc.gov/freereports.
The
Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent,
deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to
help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or
Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant
or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into
Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than
1,500 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and
abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
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Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180
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(Free Credit Videos)
