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What is a credit report?
Your credit report is not only a listing of your existing creditors but contains other personal information
• A list of present and previous addresses
• Employment history
• Payment history to your creditors for the past seven years to ten years
• A list of credit that you have applied for over the past two years
• Public records such as judgements or bankruptcy status
• Social security number
Why should I care what is on my credit report?
The information on your credit report can affect you in obtaining a car, mortgage loan, getting a job, or receiving additional credit or insurance.
How can I get a copy of my credit report?
The three major credit reporting agencies are
Equifax
(800) 685-1111
www.equifax.com
Experian
(888) 397-3742
www.experian.com
Trans Union
(800) 916-8800
www.transunion.com
There is usually a charge of $8.50 to obtain your credit report. You can receive a free copy of your credit report if you have been recently denied credit, if you are receiving public benefits or if you are unemployed but seeking a job.
How do I pay off old debts on my credit report?
The credit-reporting agency that supplied your credit report can give you phone numbers or addresses for the creditors that you owe. Contact that creditor and try to work out a payment arrangement. CCCS can also help you through a Debt Solver Program.
How can I get incorrect information off of my credit report?
You can write a letter to explain the situation or fill out the dispute form enclosed when you receive your credit report. Remember to attach copies of any documentation that you have such as a receipt of payment. The credit-reporting agency will investigate your dispute and respond back to you within 30 days.
Should I believe ads that claim to clear up my credit report or erase bad credit?
NO! Only time and effort on your part will improve your credit report. This service will cost you money and can not do anything that you can not do yourself.
• Accurate information, good or bad will stay on your credit report for seven years to ten years.
• Bankruptcy will stay on for 10 years.
• Judgements will stay on for ten years and can be renewed to stay on longer.
Remember
if you have questions or concerns a credit counselor
at CCCS will be happy to sit down and review your
credit report. We will help you devise the most productive
way to pay off old debts and reestablish your credit.
Please contact our offices at 1-888-755-2227 to schedule
a free and confidential appointment or you may email
us at debtdoc@familyservice-piedmont.org.
You can also receive counseling
online. 
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