Now that you can get a copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three major credit-reporting agencies at no cost, be aware that some companies have already geared up to sell you services you may not need. The free reports won't include your credit (FICO) score, which may cost from $4 to $8. If you plan to apply for credit or a mortgage, the score--which determines your interest rate--is good to know. But if you only want to guard against errors, fraud or ID theft, just order the free report and save money. The only authorized source where you can get free credit reports is annualcreditreport.com, or call (877) 322-8228.

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