As of March 1, 2005 the Midwest has been able to get a free credit report. The report is available once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Monitoring and periodically reviewing your credit report is an effective tool in fighting identity theft.

To get your free report, go to AnnualCreditReport.com and follow these steps:

1. Select your state
2. Enter your personal information
3. Click on a credit provider (SCSB uses Equifax)
4. Answer specific questions based on your credit to prove your identity
5. You're given the option to pay $6.95 for a credit score by clicking on "Yes! Add to my order" (recommended) or you can select "No thanks-Just want credit report"
6. A new window should open with your credit report. If not, simply print the pdf version of the request form and mail it to the following address:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
PO Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281