just changing from ch 7 to 13 - noy discharged yet. What do I have to do to get free credit reports (supposedly you get one free from each CRA?) and how do I start increasing my scores?
The FACTA 'free credit report' from all national CRAs (not just the big 3), doesn't take effect until December 1, 2004. It should work similar to the opt-out system, where you make one toll-free phone call, work through the prompts, and all of the national CRAs send out your copy of your credit report with their agency. Until then, you can receive a free copy of your credit report only if you meet the pre-FACTA requirements. * Unemployed, seeking employment. * Welfare Recipient. * Adverse Reaction. (Only from the CRA which was used for the adverse reaction) * Fraud. * You live in a state which already requires a free credit report every year, or prohibits a fee for obtaining your credit report. There may be others, but those are the major ones which I can think of. If you believe that you are the victim of identity theft/fraud in any way, shape, or form, that option is available, but it does have drawbacks you need to be aware of. * 2-YEAR PRM BLOCK (no PRM/promotional inquiries) * Fraud Alert statement which appears on your credit report for anywhere from 90 DAYS-1 YEAR depending on the credit reporting agency. -- Instant credit applications will possibly be denied (pending authorization from you), or additional credit reports will be pulled.