FreeCreditReport.com's ad may spell the company's name correctly, but Consumer Reports says that going there doesn't necessarily spell savings for consumers.

"If you click on FreeCreditReport.com's Web site to order your credit report, you're automatically billed $14.95 a month for a credit monitoring service after a free trial," said Amanda Walker of Consumer Reports ShopSmart. "So essentially your free credit report costs you about 180 dollars a year."

The site is just one of many credit report Web sites with free in their name that are trying to entice consumers. ShopSmart says avoid them.

"It's money you don't have to spend," said Walker. "You're already entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every year."

To get those, go to www.annualcreditreport.com. It's the only Web site where each year you can get free credit reports, no strings attached, from all the three major agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can also call 877-322-8228.

"It's a good idea to stagger your requests," said Walker. "You can order one of your reports about every four months, and that way it gives you an opportunity to check up on your credit throughout the year."

Once you have your credit report, Consumer Reports says check it for accuracy and possible fraud. If you find errors, you can get advice on what to do here.

(Copyright © 2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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