Frequently Asked Questions

Credit Scores

What is a credit score?
What is a credit score?
Your credit score is a number that represents your overall credit worthiness. How high - or low - your score is tells a potential lender how likely you are to pay back the loan you are applying for. Your credit score can affect a lender's decision to lend your money, or can even determine the interest rate of your loan. Knowing your credit scores lets you know where you stand with your own credit, and can help you make more informed financial decisions.
How are my credit scores calculated?
How are my credit scores calculated?
The credit scores provided with your FreeScoresAndMore membership are developed by VantageScore®, Inc., an independent credit scoring company using advanced statistical techniques and sophisticated analytical methods. These credit scores are based on your data from the three major credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Although different from the scores lender use, they use the same credit bureau data and are intended to reflect common credit scoring practices.
What is considered a good score?
What is considered a good score?
Credit scores typically range from 350 to 850, and your score could differ from bureau to bureau, as creditors do not always report to all three. Generally, a good score is 750 or higher.
How often will my credit scores be updated?
How often will my credit scores be updated?
With FreeScoresAndMore, your credit scores are automatically refreshed every 30 days. Some credit score monitoring services provide just a single viewing of your scores, with refresh limited to quarterly or annually. It's important you check your scores at least once a month, as negative changes could indicate a problem with your credit standing. 
Do I really need to check all 3 credit scores?
Do I really need to check all 3 credit scores?
It is important that you know all 3 of your credit scores as they can vary widely. Checking your 3 scores based on your information from the top 3 credit bureaus can help you better understand your credit before applying for loans, jobs and insurance.
Will checking my own credit lower my credit score?
Will checking my own credit lower my credit score?
No, you may check your own scores as often as you like with no impact to your credit. It's a quick, easy way to stay on top of your credit based on the information at the 3 major credit bureaus.
Shouldn't my credit scores be the same or close?
Shouldn't my credit scores be the same or close?
Not necessarily. That's why checking all 3 of your scores is so important to managing your credit effectively. Since your information can be different across the bureaus, your scores can vary as well.

Credit Monitoring & Alerts

What is triple-bureau credit monitoring?
What is triple-bureau credit monitoring?
This valuable service is your first line of defense against credit fraud and identity theft. We monitor your credit files at the three major bureaus 24/7 to look for certain changes in your credit. Because information in your files can change day to day, vigilant daily monitoring of your credit files offers the best way to spot inaccuracies and fraud at the earliest possible moment.
Are there certain changes that monitoring looks for?
Are there certain changes that monitoring looks for?
FreeScoresAndMore will inform you of new inquiries into your credit files, new accounts opened in your name, public records added to your credit file like bankruptcies or judgments, change of address or other certain changes picked up in your credit files across the primary bureaus.
What is a credit alert?
What is a credit alert?
If daily monitoring spots certain changes to your credit files across the 3 major bureaus, then FreeScoresAndMore will notify you immediately. Alerts can be configured for text, email or phone.
What should I do when I get an alert?
What should I do when I get an alert?
You can receive an alert that is not necessarily a sign of fraud or ID theft. For example, you are applying for a loan and that inquiry into your credit file triggered the alert. You need do nothing in that case. However, if you receive an alert that indicates a change you are not aware of, you can call our toll-free Credit Information Hotline. One of our credit expert representatives will provide you with the support you need to assess the change and take action, if necessary.
Can I change how I receive my alerts?
Can I change how I receive my alerts?
Of course! Simply log into your account and click on "Credit Center". You can activate and manage your alerts in the "Daily Credit Monitoring" section.

Privacy and Security

How safe is it to enroll in FreeScoresAndMore with the online form?
How safe is it to enroll in FreeScoresAndMore with the online form?
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, the FreeScoresAndMore website runs on a highly secure web server. Also, the SSL connection scrambles or encrypts data on pages where secure information is transmitted, further safeguarding your information while it passes through cyberspace. In addition, FreeScoresAndMore meets the requirements of both the VeriSign and Cybertrust security seals. If you prefer to join over the telephone, you can call toll-free 1-877-787-9002.
Why do you need my Social Security Number?
Why do you need my Social Security Number?
In order to access your credit files and confirm your identity at the credit bureaus, your Social Security Number is required in the enrollment process. Your SSN and other personal information are securely transmitted to the credit agencies.
What is the "authentication process"?
What is the "authentication process"?
The authentication process is required to complete your enrollment and verify your identity. You will be asked several short security questions before you can access your credit scores. Once your identity is confirmed, you'll receive a welcome email with your member information.
Why do I need to supply a credit card for my free trial?
Why do I need to supply a credit card for my free trial?
Your free trial is for the first 14 days of your membership. If you do not cancel after that time, all your benefits will continue and you will be charged $19.99 every 30 days thereafter. In order to process your order, a valid credit card is required so that your benefits are not interrupted in the event you do not cancel during your trial.

Membership

How does my free trial work?
How does my free trial work?
Just complete this easy online enrollment and you will receive a confirmation email with your member # and log-in information.  You can get your scores, set up credit monitoring and alerts, and much more.  After your trial concludes, you will automatically be billed just $19.99 a month until you cancel to continue protecting and managing your credit. You'll also have access to your credit scores that are updated every 30 days, tracking and more.
How do I access my account once I enroll?
How do I access my account once I enroll?
You will receive a welcome email after successfully enrolling in PrivacyGuard. It will have all the information you need to log into your account. You can also log-in from the order confirmation page. We also suggest that you bookmark our website to access your account via the "Member Login" button at the top right of the page.
I want to update my email address. How do I do that?
I want to update my email address. How do I do that?
It's important that we have your current email address to send you periodic communication about your membership, as well as credit alerts if that is your delivery preference. To change your email, simply log into your account and then click on "Your Account" at the top of the page.
Is my spouse included in my membership?
Is my spouse included in my membership?
No. If your spouse would like the same credit protection benefits, then a separate membership is required.
What happens if I forget my user name or password?
What happens if I forget my user name or password?
Don't worry! Simply click on the "Member Login" button and then click on the "forgot password" or "forgot username" link.
I have more questions. Who can help me?
I have more questions. Who can help me?
Our credit representatives are standing by to answer your questions and provide support. You can speak to a live representative with the toll-free Credit Information Hotline at 1-877-787-9002, or email us at service@freescoresandmore.com.
How do I cancel my membership?
How do I cancel my membership?
To cancel, call the toll-free number 1-877-787-9002 or email service@freescoresandmore.com or go to www. freescoresandmore.com

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Credit Scores and General Credit Information � The Facts You Need To Know

What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and how does it affect me?
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of information in the files of consumer reporting agencies such as Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. There are many types of consumer reporting agencies, including credit bureaus and specialty agencies (such as agencies that sell information about check writing histories, medical records, and rental history records). You must be told if information in your file has been used against you. Anyone who uses a credit report or another type of consumer report to deny your application for credit, insurance, or employment � or to take another adverse action against you � must tell you, and must give you the name, address, and phone number of the agency that provided the information. >> Learn more

What are credit scores and why are they so important?
A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your total credit picture based on information contained in your credit files � including how respo nsible you have been paying your debts and bills, and the likelihood that you will meet your credit obligations. Your credit scores are based on many factors including your personal credit history, credit card accounts, and financial public records. Your scores are derived based on the credit information at the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Your credit score is important because it tells a potential lender what kind of credit risk you are, which is why it�s important to know and understand all three of your scores. >> Learn more about your credit scores

What is a good credit score?
Credit scores typically range from 300 to 800 (depending on the scoring system), and your score could differ from bureau to bureau (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax), as creditors do not always report to all three. Typically, a good score is 720 or higher � meaning a lender will consider that person a low credit-risk in repaying a loan. You want the highest score possible to better secure a loan or a favorable interest rate. It is important to monitor your credit scores periodically. Checking your own scores will not lower your credit rating. >> Learn more about credit score ratings

Will my credit score be the same at each of the three primary credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax)?
Not necessarily. Your credit score at each of the bureaus can vary, sometimes considerably (e.g. around 100 points). This can make the difference between being approved or denied for a loan, job, or new credit card. You never know which score a lender is going to check. This is why it�s important to know and understand your credit score and rating at each of the primary credit bureaus. If one of your scores is significantly different � either through error or omission of information � understanding the problem will enable you to address it directly with the bureaus (or bureaus) at hand. >> Learn more about the credit bureaus

Why should I monitor my credit scores?
Early signs of credit fraud and identity theft can often be spotted in your credit profile. The problem is that unless you check your credit information regularly, you may not be aware that someone opened a credit card in your name, or used your personal information to apply for a loan. That's why automatic monitoring of your credit files provides an ideal "early warning" system, immediately alerting you to new inquiries, just-opened accounts and certain information. By monitoring your credit files, you could find out about these types of changes quickly, and take action as necessary. >> Learn more about credit monitoring

What is identity theft, and how can reviewing my credit scores help prevent it?
Unexpected changes to your credit score and information can indicate identity theft or credit fraud. According to the FTC website: Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information like your name, Social Security number or credit card number without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. Once an identity thief gets a hold of your credit card information for example, they can open another card for their use, even changing the billing address so that you might not know for months that they're racking up charges. Understanding changes to your credit scores � based on data at Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax � can help you identify and guard against potential identity theft and fraud. Significant changes to your scores can indicate signs of fraud and theft. >> Learn more about identity theft

1 Your credit scores are provided by VantageScore Solutions LLC. and indicate your relative credit risk level for educational purposes. They may vary between bureaus and are not the scores used by lenders. Your scores may not be identical or similar to scores you receive directly from credit agencies or other sources.

2 Daily monitoring will notify you of certain new inquiries and derogatory information, accounts, public records, or change of address that have been added to your credit reports as reported by one of the major credit reporting agencies. If no information has been added or changed, then you will receive a monthly notification stating that no information has changed within their credit file.

3 Score Tracker displays your VantageScore credit score. Lenders may use different scores and standards to evaluate a person's creditworthiness, so we cannot determine your qualification for a loan. Your score is calculated using a specific algorithm and is based on information from the files at Experian. Your VantageScore score may not be identical to scores you receive directly from Experian or from other sources.

3Identity Theft Insurance is underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc., under group policy # 7077733 for non-New York State Insureds and # 1423212 for New York State Insureds. All exclusions and limitations of the master policy apply. See the Benefit Summary for details regarding such exclusions and limitations. Availability of coverage is subject to underwriting qualifications and state laws and regulations. Coverage is subject to actual policy language.

The Identity Theft Insurance benefits are provided to all members, along with all other benefits afforded as part of PrivacyGuard , through Alliance Marketing Association (the "Association"). Upon enrollment in the PrivacyGuard service, you will automatically be admitted as a member of the Association. The Identity Theft Insurance is underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc., (collectively, the �Company�) under group policy # 7077733 and 1423212. The Benefit Summary under the master policy issued by the Company with respect to such insurance will be available to you upon enrollment in PrivacyGuard . The summary of policy benefits, terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of coverage set forth in the Benefit Summary are subject to the terms of the master policy.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: YOUR LIABILITY FOR UNAUTHORIZED USE UNDER FEDERAL LAW: For credit cards: If the card issuer has notified you of your maximum potential liability, has provided a means for you to notify the card issuer of credit card loss, and if the credit card contains a means of identifying the cardholder or authorized user, then your liability for unauthorized use of your card before the card issuer is notified is no more than $50.00 on each card. For debit and cash machine (ATM) cards: Your liability for unauthorized use of your card is no more than $50.00 if you notify the card issuer of card loss within two business days after you learn of the loss of the card. After that, your liability is up to $500.00, provided that the card issuer establishes that the unauthorized charges would not have occurred if you had notified the card issuer within the two business day period. In addition, if you do not notify the card issuer within 60 days after a periodic statement showing unauthorized transfers is sent to you, then you will also be liable for the amount of unauthorized transfers that occurred after the 60-day period and before notice to the card issuer, provided that the card issuer establishes that the unauthorized charges would not have occurred if you had notified the card issuer within the 60 day period. Your card issuer's liability policy may provide for lesser liability amounts than indicated above. Consult your card issuer's terms and conditions for specific details. The policy of many card issuers is not to hold cardholders liable. Nothing set forth in your membership materials alters any rights or liability you may have under federal or state law with respect to unauthorized or erroneous transactions on your card or bank accounts. You are not required to have this service to maintain your credit, debit, or ATM cards.

4 The federal Fair Credit Billing Act gives you the right to dispute billing errors, such as unauthorized charges, on your credit card by notifying your credit card company in writing within 60 days after the first bill containing the error was sent to you. The credit card company must resolve the dispute within two billing cycles (not to exceed 90 days) after receiving your notification. You may withhold payment on the disputed amount (and related charges) during the investigation. You must pay the amount not in dispute. You will be informed in writing whether your bill is correct or contains an error. If your bill contains an error, it will be corrected. Your liability for unauthorized charges is limited to $50.00 per credit card. You are not required to enroll in PrivacyGuard to maintain your credit card.

PrivacyGuard is a service of Trilegiant Corporation. Any part of the PrivacyGuard service may be modified or improved at any time and without prior notice. PrivacyGuard is not available to residents of Rhode Island. PrivacyGuard is a service mark of Affinion Publishing LLC.