[Archived] City of Alexandria’s Office of Consumer Affairs Advises Consumers to Check Their Credit Reports At Least Twice a Year

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	April 25, 2006 PIO# 092-06/rdo	Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

City of Alexandria’s Office of Consumer Affairs
Advises Consumers to Check Their Credit Reports At Least Twice a Year

The Alexandria Office of Consumer Affairs investigates unfair, deceptive, or illegal retail business practices and mediates complaints that consumers have been unable to resolve with merchants. Recently, the Office of Consumer Affairs assisted an individual with a complaint regarding an alleged unpaid debt amounting to $20,000 dollars on the consumer's credit report. This item negatively affected the consumer's credit score, and was impeding the purchase of a home within the City. The Office of Consumer Affairs worked with the consumer and the credit reporting agency to investigate and dispute the item in question with the creditor. The credit reporting agency found the item to be erroneously reported, and subsequently corrected the consumer's credit report by deleting it. Once the credit report and rating were restored to good standing, the consumer was able to continue with the home purchase process without delay.

The Office of Consumer Affairs advises consumers to check their credit reports at least twice a year, and to take advantage of the free annual credit report offered by visiting the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Web site at ftc.gov and following the link to the only FTC-approved Web site in which consumers may obtain their free credit reports from the three major credit reporting agencies. Consumers are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their credit reports by regularly checking them for errors and investigating discrepancies. The presence of unfamiliar accounts and debts should always be investigated because these are indicators of possible identity theft.

Consumer Affairs staff members are available to talk to individuals, clubs, or groups about consumer issues. Persons who have a problem with a business transaction they are unable to resolve on their own, or would like a staff member to meet with their organization can call the Office of Consumer Affairs at 703.838.4350 or visit alexandriava.gov/city/citizen_assistance/consumer_affairs_home.html.

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