Credit Scores and Credit Reports: How the System Really Works, What You Can Do »

Since 1981, Evan Hendricks has been editor/publisher and founder of Privacy Times, a newsletter based in the Washington, D.C. area. Through the newsletter alone, he has published nearly 3,000 pages covering a wide range of privacy and information law subjects, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Mr. Hendricks regularly testifies before Congress, and he is a regular presenter at Federal Trade Commission workshops.

Credit Scores and Credit Reports provides the first thorough examination of the all-important, but little understood, credit scoring and credit reporting systems. The Third Edition of this highly-acclaimed book enables consumers to understand how both of these systems actually work, what they can do to improve their FICO scores, and to ensure their credit reports are accurate.

Introduction     1
Credit Score Basics     15
Credit Scores - Advanced     26
Re-Scoring     53
Obtaining Your Credit Report     67
Reading Your Credit Report     89
Disputing Errors     99
Identity Theft Basics     117
Making & Mixing Credit Reports     145
Reinvestigations (or not)     165
History     183
Credit Repair     213
Debt Collection     229
Auto Insurance     235
Homeowners Insurance     257
Mortgage Insurance     267
The Color of Credit Scores     271
Special Challenges     283
Opting Out     299
Impermissible Access     311
Damage & Damages     319
The 2003 FACTA Battle     345
Missing Credit Limits     374
Conclusion     391