Free Annual Credit Report

Once per year consumers are entitled to receive a free copy of each of the three major credit reports.  Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.  To receive your report go to AnnualCreditReport.com; find the U.S. Mail request, print, complete and mail.  DO NOT sign up for the online version as when you click the ubiquitous "I Agree" button, contained in that small print is a waiver of your right to a jury trial and an agreement to submit to binding arbitration.  If a cause of action arises from your credit reports, you do not want it decided by arbitration.

Opting out of debt

The FACTA law permits individuals to "opt out" of unsolicited offers for new debt, sales and junkmail generally, much like the "do not call" list we should all be on. The link https://www.optoutprescreen.com allows you to opt out for five years from all solicitations including credit cards.