Wolf Administration Urges Consumers To Give Themselves A Gift During The Holidays: A Free Credit Report

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of Governor Wolf's new Consumer Financial Protection Initiative, the Department of Banking and Securities urges consumers to take one easy step to help protect and grow their money by giving themselves a gift this holiday season: a free credit report.

"Ensuring that the information on your credit report is accurate and up-to-date can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the term of a loan," said Secretary of Banking and Securities Robin L. Wiessmann. "Companies that offer consumers credit often use credit reports, and can charge higher interest rates and fees if the wrong information is in your report."

According to a study conducted by the Federal Trade Commission, one in five consumers has an error on at least one of their three credit reports.

According to Consumer Reports, a drop of 100 points from a 780 score to a 680 could add an additional $828 per year to a $300,000, 30-year fixed rate mortgage. Over the course of the loan, that calculates an added expense of more than $24,000.

Free credit reports are available from www.annualcreditreport.com, calling toll free at 1-877-322-8228, or mailing a request to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta GA 30348-5281. Only one website is authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit report you are entitled to under law — annualcreditreport.com. Other websites that claim to offer "free credit reports," "free credit scores," or "free credit monitoring" are not part of the legally mandated free annual credit report program.

Consumers can also call the Department of Banking and Securities consumer hotline (1-800-PA-BANKS) to learn more about credit reports, credit scores, and other financial issues.

Media contact: Ed Novak, 717-783-4721

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us