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According to the Federal Trade Commission, all Virginia and Washington, DC, residents can receive a free credit report every twelve months beginning September 1, 2005. (Under state law, consumers in Maryland already have free access to their credit reports). The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up on central website, toll-free telephone number, and mailing address through which you can order your free annual report. To order after September 1, 2005, click on www.annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. The form can be printed at www.ftc.gov/credit.
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Many banks, credit reporting agencies (such as Equifax), and credit card companies are now assisting their clients with identity theft protection by monitoring their accounts for unusual activity for free or a small fee. Check with your bank, credit card company, or credit reporting agency for details.
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