Have you ever been confused on how to pull your credit report or you thought it was going to be free and it turned out to have fees associated with it? Well if so, you were not alone.

A new law being put into place this week will require all web sites listing or advertising “free reports” direct consumers to the government approved site www.annualcreditreport.com – all TV and radio ads must comply with this as well beginning September 1, 2010.

Everyone is entitled to 1 free copy of their credit report each year from each of the credit reporting agencies ( Equifax, Experian and TransUnion )… So with no cost involved you can receive 3 copies per year! If you have been a victim of identity fraud you are eligible to receive additional copies.

Banks, debt collectors, landlords or those with “valid” interest are the only ones who may pull your credit report. Prospective employers wanting to pull credit must obtain written consent prior to pulling a report. Credit reports sent to employers do not include a date of birth or name of spouses on joint account – this is to restrict discrimination based on age or marital status.

Your credit is your own responsibility to maintain and watch! Take advantage of pulling your 3 reports a year and be aware of you credit background.