News Release August 6, 2014
Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension
Family Finance Specialist
641-512-0650
schmitt@iastate.edu
Obtaining a current copy of your credit bureau report on a regular basis is a healthy
financial practice. It allows you to look at your credit accounts and payment history for
the purpose of catching identity theft before it gets out of hand. The government
requires each of the three credit reporting companies (Experian, TransUnion and
Equifax) to allow people one free credit report each 12 months. If you space them out –
one every 4 months – you have a continuous look into your credit history. If corrections
are needed in the report, you can make them and be on your way to an “850” credit
score. Access your free credit bureau reports at www.annualcreditreport.com.
In addition to the Credit Report, The Federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has
a master list of 40 specialty reports that may also be worth your time to review. This list
is located at http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201207_cfpb_list_consumer-reportingagencies.pdf .
A few of the most useful reports to consumers include:
 The Lexis Nexis Personal Reports which is a detail of public records and other
information filed under your name including, property ownership, criminal history,
liens, insurance claims, and bankruptcy. Get a mail-in request form at
personalreports.lexisnexis.com or call 866-312-8102.
Your Check writing history can be reviewed at ChexSystems, Certgy Check
Systems and Telecheck/FirstData.
 ChexSystems- Call 800-428-9623 or online: ConsumerDebit.com
 Certgy Check Systems-Call 866-543-6315 or go to: askcertegy.com
 Telecheck/FirstData-Call 800-366-2425
For more information about reviewing information collected about your credit history and
habits, check out blogs.extension.iastate.edu/moneytips.