Congressman Peter T. King (R-Seaford) informs residents that under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - are required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, once every 12 months.

"Obtaining your credit report is a great way to make sure that your information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date before applying for a loan for a major purchase like a house or car, buying insurance, or applying for a job," King said. "To avoid problems associated with identity theft, you can also monitor your credit report for delinquent accounts resulting from credit thieves using your information to open new credit cards."

According to King, the three nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up a central website, a toll-free telephone number, and a mailing address through which you can order your free annual report. To order, visit www.annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30-348-5281. You can obtain an Annual Credit Report Request Form at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/credit.

"To get your free credit report you will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth," King stated. "To maintain the security of your file you may be asked for some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment."

King noted that only the www.annualcreditreport.com website is authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit report you are entitled to under law. Other "imposter" websites that claim to offer "free credit reports," "free credit scores," or "free credit monitoring" are not part of the legally mandated free annual credit report program.

Congressman Peter King (R-Seaford) is reminding residents that if you're having problems with federal agencies, he is available to help.

"As your Congressman, my job is to represent you in Washington and respond to your needs in New York," King said. "When constituents write to me requesting specific assistance with individual issues, I make it a priority to take action."

King stated that during 16 years in Congress, his office has helped countless constituents of the 3rd Congressional District cut through the red tape at federal agencies.

"Anyone who's ever dealt with a government bureaucracy knows how frustrating and intimidating it can be," King noted. "If you cannot get an answer from a federal agency in a reasonable time or if you have been treated unfairly, I will do everything I can to help resolve your problem or get you the information you need.

"While I cannot always guarantee a favorable outcome, I will do my best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem," King continued.

According to Congressman King, any constituent in need of his assistance must submit a written request to his Massapequa District Office, 1003 Park Boulevard, Massapequa Park, NY 11762.

"Whether it's Social Security, veteran's benefits, Medicare, passport issues or immigration, I am here to help in any way I can," King added.