The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) went into effect on December 1, 2004. The goal of the FACT Act is to prevent identity theft, improve the resolution of consumer disputes, improve the accuracy of consumer records and make improvements in the use of, and consumer access to, credit information.

As a result of the act, effective March 1st, 2005, all Indiana consumers may obtain a free credit report from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies every 12 months.

Equifax, Experian and Transunion launched their centralized credit report request service, Annualcreditreport.com, to process requests for a free credit file disclosure. The service allows consumers to request, view and print one, two or all three of their free credit reports in a fast and convenient way via a secure Internet site.

Not only is periodically reviewing your credit reports an effective tool in fighting identity theft, but also a tool you can use in improving your credit score.

To request a copy of your credit report visit Annualcreditreport.com. You may also request your credit report by telephone or by mail. Forms to request credit reports by mail can be printed from the site. Telephone and mail requests will be processed within 15 days of receipt.

The following is the contact information for Annualcreditreport.com: