Under a new federal law, all Illinoisans can receive free copies of their credit reports once a year from each of
the three national credit reporting agencies–Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. The annual free reports are
available only through the centralized source set up by the three credit reporting agencies. If consumers
contact the companies directly they will still be charged for their credit reports.
Please note that when you apply for your free credit reports, the credit reporting agencies will likely attempt to
sell you upgraded services for a fee. You are under no obligation to purchase any upgraded services; instead,
you may simply say no to these options and receive only your free report.
To obtain the free reports, consumers can:
9 Call 1-877-322-8228;
9 Order online at www.annualcreditreport.com; or
9 Complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form, available at www.ftc.gov/credit, and mail it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
To maximize the benefits of this new law, consumers should consider ordering one report from one agency at
a time, at four-month intervals.
Additional Free Reports for:
Victims of Identity Theft
In addition to the free reports available each year, consumers are entitled to a free report from each of the
agencies if they believe they have become the victim of identity theft. To receive the free report in these
circumstances, victims should contact each reporting agency directly and be prepared to provide a copy of a
police report.
When an Application for Credit is Denied
Consumers also are entitled to a free credit report if their applications for credit have been denied based on
information provided by a reporting agency. On these occasions, consumers must contact the reporting
agencies directly and make their requests within 30 days after the application for credit was denied.
Consumers also should be aware that www.annualcreditreport.com and the national credit reporting
companies will never send consumers e-mails asking for personal or financial information. Any e-
mail that claims to be from one of these agencies should be considered a scam.
Please visit www.IllinoisAttorneyGeneral.gov
Chicago
115 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60603
312) 814-3000
Springfield
500 South Second S
treet
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 782-1090
Carbondale
1745 Innovation Drive, Suites C & D
Carbondale, IL 62903
(618) 529-6400/6401
Spanish Language Hotline 1-866-310-8398
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities can reach us by using the 7-1-1 relay service.
The Savvy Consumer’s Checklist
How to Obtain a Free Credit Report
REV 12/23
