THE CREDIT BUREAUS

Credit bureaus, also known as consumer reporting agencies, are private companies that compile and maintain personal and financial information on individual consumers.

Most creditors voluntarily report to one or more of the three national credit bureaus or to a local bureau that is usually affiliated with one of the national bureaus.

The credit bureaus sell the information to creditors, insurers, employers, landlords and other businesses that have a legitimate interest in your credit history.

There are three main credit bureaus in the United States:

• Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc.
  P.O. Box 740241
  Atlanta, GA 30374
  (800) 203-7843
• TransUnion Corporation
  P.O. Box 34012
  Fullerton, CA 92834
  (800) 916-8800 (Press 3 to speak with a representative.)
• Experian Information Solutions, Inc.
  P.O. Box 2002
  Allen, TX 75013
  (888) 397-3742
  (714) 830-7000