The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies —for example, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide individuals with a free copy of their credit report, upon request, once every 12 months. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, has prepared a brochure, Your Access to Free Credit Reports, explaining rights under the FCRA and how to order a free annual credit report. See www.ftc.gov. A credit report includes information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you have been sued or filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or rentals.