Although the FTC said it recognized the potential for confusion from such marketing, it initially chose not to restrict it. Now the agency is trying to rectify that mistake.
The FTC is proposing that any advertising or marketing for products or services through the centralized source be delayed until after consumers have obtained their reports either through telephone, mail or Internet requests.
The agency is also proposing that the credit bureaus remove the hyperlinks to their specific Web sites from annualcreditreport.com.
On the official site, there is language in bold red lettering that says "Start Here to view and print your credit report now." However, some people assume they should click on the credit bureau links below that wording. If they do, they are navigated away from the free site. Consumers who mistakenly click on the links then open a page with products and services offered by the bureaus.
Another proposed rule would require that companies prominently inform consumers they haven't landed on the official free credit report site. For example, the FTC says if a Web site advertises a free credit report, the site must send the consumer to a separate landing page with the required disclosure: "This is not the free credit report provided for by federal law."
One amendment would require audio disclosures about the official free reports to be delivered in a slow and deliberate manner.
To read the text of the Federal Register Notice with all the proposed changes, go to www.ftc.gov. Comments must be received on or before Nov. 30.
To submit your comments electronically go to this website. Comments on paper should be mailed or delivered to: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, Room H-135 (Annex T), 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20580.
The one thing the FTC should do is remove all advertising and marketing by the credit bureaus before, during and even after the process of getting a free credit report. It's a pain to have to worry about identity theft or mistakes when checking your credit report. People should be able to get their reports and exit the Web site without having to go through a gauntlet of sales pitches. Why give the bureaus a commercial crack at all?
If the FTC really wants to end consumer confusion, annualcreditreport.com should be completely commercial-free. Right?
If you're with me, let the FTC know.