| Comment Number: | 545091-00458 |
| Received: | 10/17/2009 |
| Commenter: | Mr. Bernard Stea |
| Organization: | |
| State: | WA |
| Agency: | Federal Trade Commission |
| Rule: | 16 CFR Part 610 Amendments to Rule to Prevent Deceptive Marketing of Credit Reports and to Ensure Access to Free Annual File Disclosures |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
Equifax made an error on my credit history, and I was unable to get a credit score, even though I have a score around 760. To get a copy of my free credit report, I was directed to a sales person who told me I could sign up for a trial membership and then cancel it. I did that, but discovered that I had also been enrolled, against my consent, in another program called Privacy Matters Identity. I discovered after they withdrew two payments of $29.95 for a service I did not enroll in. They refunded my money, but it underscored some of the deceptive activities out there. No one should have to enroll in anything to get a credit report or score - and we should be able to get all three every quarter, because they often report different things and have erroneous information. Also, the process for filing for a correction should be much easier and available online. I have tried to do that, and each time the web site said it could not complete the request. I was forced to compose and send a regular letter, an added expense and use of resources. Each credit bureau should be required to a maintain web access that allows consumers to challenge erroneous information by filing online. Thank you.