Consumers looking to monitor or review their credit reports without becoming subject to arbitration provisions preventing them from suing should do the following: Why it's safe:
This site is authorized by federal law under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), specifically 15 U.S.C. § 1681j(a), and does not require users to agree to arbitration. It's operated by the three nationwide credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) pursuant to a mandate from the FTC and CFPB.What to do:
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com and request your reports. You can do so once per week, indefinitely (as of recent CFPB guidance).Pro tip:
Avoid clicking on ads for "free credit scores" or "monitoring"-those often redirect to services that do require arbitration agreements.
2. Request Credit Reports by Mail Using the FCRAWhy it's safe:
Requesting your report by mail under the FCRA doesn't involve any clickwrap or terms of use.How:
Fill out the request form (available on AnnualCreditReport.com) and mail it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-52813. Dispute Errors via Written Correspondence (Not Online Portals)Why it's safe:
Disputing inaccuracies via online portals often requires agreement to terms-including arbitration. Writing by mail allows the consumer to preserve legal rights and avoid waiver.How:
Send a dispute letter directly to the credit bureau's mailing address listed on the credit report. Always send via certified mail and retain proof.
⚠️ Avoid These Common TrapsTrap | Why to Avoid | Credit monitoring "free trials" | These nearly always include forced arbitration clauses buried in Terms of Use. | Credit score apps (Credit Karma, Experian app, etc.) | Accessing your score or report through these often requires broad arbitration agreements. | Clicking "I Agree" to any Terms of Use | Even if you never open or read the terms, the courts (as in Austin v. Experian) may find that you agreed to arbitration. |
From an article by NC attorney Ed Boltz |
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