Complaint Rating:

In May 2007, I went to the Experian website to request a free credit report. Annually, each American is entitled to 3 free credit reports from the three main credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax , and TransUnion. Apparently what happen through the request exchange is that Freecreditreport.com interceded somehow and captured my credit card information. The web page that requested the credit card information was cleverly manipulated into the free credit report request process. As I recall, the request for my credit card information was described as further due diggilence to ascertain my identity. Shortly thereafter, I received my credit card statement that showed a $12.95 charge. After calling the credit card company and being referred back to freecreditreport.com to manage the dispute, I have learned more about how this scam works. By the way, the 12.95 CIC Triple Advantage charge is not a one time charge but rather an ongoing membership that auto bills your credit card number.

Things to do:

1. Call Freecreditreport.com and cancel your membership and request a credit be issued to the card company. Make sure the credit covers current and future billings.

2. Request a membership cancellation number from Freecreditreport.com.

3. Contact the 'Disputes Resolution' department with your card issuer and insure that your dispute is noted in your file. Write a letter too and reference the membership cancellation.

4. Request that your card issuer refuses any further charges from Freecreditreport.com to your account.

5. Continue to monitor your statements for fraudulent charges.

6. Write a letter addressed to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion notifying them of the use of their website by Freecreditreport.com.

7. Reference the Complaints Board in all communications with the card issuer and Freecreditreport.com

I have requested free credit reports from the major bureaus in the past and have never encountered this type of negative, ethical behavior.