A recent federal law says that everyone in the US is entitled to a free credit report each year. Beginning this week (3/1/05), Illinois residents can request free credit reports from the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies ? Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can make the request by phone, by mail, or online. Details are at https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp. Checking your credit report is a good way to protect against identity theft.
I used the system yesterday and found it to be quick and easy. I filled out a couple short forms on a secure website and I had my report within minutes.