Thanks to a federal law, you can get one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. This free credit report can be requested by phone, mail or through the Web site www.annualcreditreport.com.

You can request all three reports at one time or spread them throughout the year.

Check your reports once a year to make sure the information is accurate and up to date and to see if any identity thief is opening accounts in your name.

This free service does not entitle you to see your credit score. You can purchase your score from the three credit bureaus at any time or when you request your free credit report.