by 
The Curious Bag
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In 2004, Congress approved a law allowing each U.S. citizen three free credit reports per year--one report from each of the three consumer credit reporting agencies. Initially dubbed the Federal Free Credit Report Law, its official name is The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Before 2004
Before the Federal Free Credit Report Law took effect, individuals already had the right to a free credit report if they had been denied credit or were possible identity theft victims.
When It Took Effect
Though the law was passed by Congress and announced by the Federal Trade Commission in June 2004, the law rolled out over the course of nearly a year. It had taken effect in all states by September 2005.
Where to Get the Reports
According to the FTC, the only website authorized to provide access to the reports is annualcreditreport.com. You can also call (877) 322-8228 to order a report. Additional information is available on the FTC's website (see Resources).
The Agencies
Each individual is entitled to one free credit report a year from each of the three credit reporting agencies--TransUnion, Equifax and Experian.
Warning
The FTC warns that ordering a free credit report from a site other than annualcreditreport.com will most likely come with strings attached.
Source:
National Association of Tax Professionals: Federal Free Credit Report Law
More Information:
Federal Trade Commission: Your Access to Free Credit Reports
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