SEATTLE - Mindy Martin is still reeling from getting her free credit report from freecreditreport.com. It cost her $30.
"What about free credit report doesn't sound like free?
She signed up with freecreditreport.com, which really signed her up for a credit monitoring service from Experian. It cost $14.95 a month and 6 months went by before Mindy realized she was being charged.
"Watch out and make sure when you're offered something for free make sure it's really free.
The Federal Trade Commission recommends you get credit reports from one site, annualcreditreport.com. It's really free, but you only get one report a year and no credit score.
Other sites, like credit.com and creditkarma.com, offer free credit report cards and scores.
Quizzle.com, which is owned by the Quicken Loans people, gives you a report and a score, free of charge every 6 months. They make their money on advertising.
"Certainly when you get on these sites, you will be pitched other credit related products and services," Bob Schroeder said with the Federal Trade Commission in Seattle.
Schroeder didn't see a problem with these Web sites but he urges you to check them out for yourself.
"I know it's annoying to scroll through those boxes and try to read them, but you might be surprised what's in terms and conditions.
More information:
