FAQ: Many websites market free credit reports and scores. Are they free?

Many websites and companies market free reports with scores. While some are spam, many are legitimate sites like the major credit bureaus and Fair Isaac. However, read the fine print – in most offers, the consumer must provide a credit card and is automatically signed up for an ongoing fee-based service such as credit monitoring or ID theft protection, with a monthly or annual fee. There is often a 30-day cancellation policy, so If the consumer remembers to cancel the membership prior to the first monthly charge, they may succeed in getting a free credit report. Most consumers end up paying!