A “credit report” is a report of your credit history.   There are three private companies in the United States (“Credit Reporting Agencies” or “bureaus”) that track and maintain this information and a number of “furnishers” that provide these reports to businesses.

         Do you NEED to get a credit report to file bankruptcy?   No.   If you already know who you owe money to, it is not necessary.   But if you are uncertain who all you owe money to, this is an EXCELLENT place to start.   And I really do urge everyone to take a look at their credit reports, every few years.   Did you know that there are 10,000,000 people in the United States who are the victims of “identity theft?”   You may be surprised what is on your credit report!   You owe it to yourself to take a look.

         In December 2003, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) was enacted and takes effect December 1, 2004.    According to this legislation, consumers are entitled to ONE FREE copy of their credit report from EACH of the three main credit reporting agencies once every 12 months.

         If you have already received your FREE credit report within the past 12 months, you can also obtain a report from the CRA’s, directly, for approximately $9, each.   If ordering by phone, you will need a credit card.

         You will need the following information along with your request.

• Full Name (including any surnames i.e. Jr. Sr. II or III)


• Current Mailing address (and Previous Mailing address, if within the last 2 years)


• Proof of current mailing address (current utility bill or copy of your driver’s license)


• Social Security number


• Full Date of birth


• Signature



Here is the contact information for the three Credit Reporting Agencies:

                Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc. www.csccredit.com
                Automated request 800-685-1111
                Mailed request: 800-759-5979
                P.O. Box 740241
                Atlanta, GA 30374

                Trans Union Corporation: www.transunion.com
                Automated request 800-888-4213
                Address: Trans Union
                ATTN: Public Records Dept.
                555 W. Adams St.
                Chicago, IL 60661

                Experian: www.experian.com
                Phone: 888-397-3742
                Address: Profile Maintenance
                P.O. Box 9558
                Allen, TX 75013