Many people are now using the internet to obtain their credit reports. It is an easy way to do so and takes little time or effort. However, there exist chances of getting scammed. So, as a knowledgeable consumer it is important to know how to get a credit report online without being scammed.

Never fall for websites that spam you with credit report offers or phishing websites. Try and get access to the real companies and not bogus companies who offer a “free credit report" and then request you for credit card and person details and then mention in small hidden print that they will charge you after 30 days.

Get access to the major credit report generators through reliable sites like www.1888creditreport.com or http://www.annualcreditreport.com/ . The other reliable source for authentic credit reports is the Federal Trade Commission.

Tips:

•Ensure that your source for free credit reports is authentic before revealing your private information.

•Get free credit reports from the 3 major credit bureaus Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. Use the FTC website http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/freereports.htm to get details and access to the three major credit bureaus.

•You can also get reports by calling 1-877-322-8228.

Always check your credit report for inaccuracies. Never get al three credit reports at the same time. The intelligent thing to do is to ask for one credit report every four months. That way you will get a “fresh" credit report three times a year free from each of the three major credit bureaus.

In case you need to check on your rights under the FCRA and Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act log on to the link provided on the FTC website.

According to the FTC free credit reports must only be got through annualcreditreport.com and the forms are available at http://www.ftc.gov/credit/ or request for a brochure. Consumers are requested not to try and contact the credit reporting agencies directly.

If you request for a credit report online you will get it immediately and via post within 15 days. In order to get a credit report fast you must provide accurate and complete information. Make the effort of verifying the information you fill, check the facts and figures twice.

You will need to provide:

•Your name.

•Social security number.

•Credit card number.

•Bank details.

•Loan details.

•Tax return details.

Check the credit report your receive for inaccuracies and ensure that the inaccuracies are corrected.

A credit report is like your reference or guarantee so make all efforts to get and maintain a good credit report.