FREE CREDIT REPORT AVAILABLE TO ALL PENNSYLVANIANS

 HARRISBURG, AUG. 31 – State Sen. Connie Williams would like all Pennsylvanians to be aware of a new tool in the fight against identity theft – a free credit report.

 “Everyone can learn a great deal about their credit history by taking a look at their credit report, and now consumers have a method to access it free of charge,” Williams said. “I would caution people to use the federal government site and to avoid pop-up ads and e-mails promoting free credit reports. The Federal Trade Commission has only authorized one site and clearinghouse.”

 As of Sept.1^st, consumers can visit www.annualcreditreport.com to take a look at their credit history. The three credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) are providing the free credit reports as part of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act. Individuals may obtain a credit report from each bureau once a year. It is up to consumers whether they want to obtain all three reports at once, or spread them out over the one-year period. Each bureau will only offer one free credit report each year.

 “It is important to check with each of the reporting bureaus, not only will this allow you to keep a better handle on your credit, but it will allow you to find out if you have become a victim of identity theft,” Williams said. “Identity theft can happen to anyone and oftentimes you learn about it only after your credit has been severely damaged. It is better to catch the crime early.”

 As a service to her constituents, Williams has added a link from her Web site – www.pasenate.com/cwilliams -- to the free credit reporting service. Additionally, consumers can visit the FTC Web site at www.ftc.gov for information on credit reporting and what to do if you become a victim of identity theft.

 Those wishing to obtain a free credit report may also call 877-322-8228 (toll-free) or mail a form to the following address:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281