How can I get a copy of my credit report and credit score?

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The "free-report-by-mail" links are not prominently displayed — the credit bureaus are anxious to sell you instant access to your report and credit score online.For TransUnion, the instructions to get a free credit report by mail are available here. For Equifax, the instructions are here.

Most credit reporting agencies use name, address, social security number, and date of birth to identify who you are. The CRA can cause an error by incorrectly merging information where identifying information is similar. This happens most frequently where there is a junior/senior relationship. It also can happen when social security digits are similar within two digits. If the adult child with the same name as the parent moves home, big problems can result. There can also be problems where a recently married spouse has the same first name as a stepchild or the ex-spouse.

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Just the fact that you bothered to collect your thoughts and write formally shows that you truly are concerned with the credit errors on your report. If you need the help of an attorney or regulatory agency later, they are more likely to take note of the seriousness with which you regard the matter.