Complain about a product or service

ConsumerInfo.com

One City Blvd West Suite 401
Orange CA 92868
Phone: (888) 888-8553, Fax: (714) 978-0059

Also known as:
CIC Credit Monitor SVC; Consumer Info; Consumer Information;
creditmatters.com; freecreditreport.com; homeradar.com;
I Place; I Play Innings; QSpace.com

Your Credit • CreditReport.com • Free Credit Reports • Equifax • Experian • Trans Union • Consumerinfo • Freecreditreports.com • Certegy • Chexsystems --- News • Feds Spoof Bogus Credit Report Offers • FreeCreditReport.Com Is Far From "Free" • Equifax Settles Consumer Protection Charges in Indiana • Washington Improves Credit Freeze Law • Should You Place A Freeze On Your Credit Report? • How Are You at Managing Your Credit Score? • Consumer Understanding of Credit Scores Remains Poor • TransUnion to Provide Credit Scores to Millions • Class Actions Challenge LifeLock • FreeCreditReport.com Can Get Expensive • Children Becoming Prime Identity Theft Targets • Study: Seniors Not Familiar With Credit Freezes • Feds Propose New Rules for Credit Bureaus • Experian To Offer Credit Freezes To Consumers • Two Credit Bureaus Offer Consumers Credit Freeze in 50 States • No 'Free' Lunch on Credit Report Sites • Insurer Unlawfully Poached Consumers' Credit Reports • ConsumerInfo.Com Settles FTC Charges • Rep. Frank Promises Hearings On Credit Bureaus • PayPal, Equifax Team Up To Offer "Free" Credit Monitoring • Free Credit Reports Available Nationwide Starting Sept. 1 • Marketer of "Free Credit Reports" Settles FTC Charges • Credit Bureaus: Biggest Threat to Your Identity • Escape From Plastic Prison • Experian, ConsumerInfo.Com Named in Class Action Suit • Free Annual Credit Reports Required by Next Year • Big 3 Charged • Trans Union Ordered to Stop Selling Consumer Data • Equifax in Trouble Again

Things haven't been going quite as well for Consumerinfo.com since the Federal Trade Commission caught up with them.

Many reports are similar to this one ...

April of Virginia Beach VA (4/19/03):
I was charged the $79.95 for the so called "free credit" report without warning or receiving an email about the upcoming charge. I realized the trial period was coming upon me, but I could not find the internet address for "CIC." I was charged the $79.95 without prior notification of the upcoming charge. It screwed up my bank account and would have made me bounce several checks if I had not caught the charge on my own.

Unfortunately, April's experience is a common one. ConsumerInfo.com is owned by Experian, one of the three major credit reporting agencies in the United States. It in turn is owned by GUS PLC, a giant British retailer who at last report was pleased as punch at Experian's 18 percent increase in North American sales during the first quarter of 2003. A large part of that increase came from ConsumerInfo.com, which GUS Finance Director David Tyler said was one of the company's "best ever acquisitions."

Experian and the other two major credit bureaus are, of course, required to provide a free credit report to anyone who asks for one after being turned down for a credit application based on information in the report. However, as the complaints below illustrate, Experian and its subsidiary are quite skilled at getting money out of consumers who in many cases have little to spare. (More about credit reports).

Jennifer of Washington, DC (03/18/08)
I had to get a credit report because Experian completely messed up my report. Unbeknownst to me I signed up for a 30-day free trial and have been charged 15 for the past four months. They claim that they have now canceled it, but they refused to refund the money.

I am planning to sue them in small claims court, but I am an attorney and realize that not everyone has the ability to do this.

Tabbitha of Mesquite, TX March 17, 2008

Tabbitha of Mesquite TX (03/17/08)
CIC*CE CREDIT REPORT 8003888725 CA is what the details of the 12.95 charge to my credit card read. I've never signed up for anything regarding credit reports, online or otherwise. I have no idea how or why this amount was charged to my card, or how to get it back. I'm told by my bank that the only way to avoid it happening again is to have the card disabled, which I am in the process of doing as I type this now. I want that 12.95 back, and I plan to do that, if it takes me a year to do it. I never asked for a copy of my credit report, never gave my credit card number to any credit agency or otherwise affiliated reporting agency; and in lieu of this, that 12.95 will be reported as a fraudulent charge and possible identity theft. I will not rest until the company that originated this charge to my account pays it back and is criminally charged for the unauthorized withdrawal of funds from my account!

I've had to pay 12.95 for a service I never requested, nor received. I have had to cancel my debit card, order a replacement, and borrow money from friends to cover my expenses until my new card is received. Not to mention, I have wasted a lot of precious working hours on trying to get this charge removed or credited, to no avail.

Halli of Grand Rapids, MI March 11, 2008

Halli of Grand Rapids MI (03/11/08)
All circuits are busy indefinitely. I have been charged 9.95 every month for nothing. I cannot get hold of anyone, and I want this stopped. Will get a lawyer if necessary.

They caused an overdraft and expenses that are used for a struggling family. I am angry and motivated to pursue legal action.

Grant of Chico, CA February 29, 2008

Grant of Chico CA (02/29/08)
Several years ago I applied for a 2nd mortgage. I went to this companies web site to get a free credit report. The web site was confusing and said I could cancel on line, but I saw no way to do that. I have been paying 11.95 per month ever since. When I call to cancel, I am placed on hold forever!

This has meant a loss to me of over 200 each year with no end in sight.

Leonard.hazel of Ramona, CA February 29, 2008

Leonard of Ramona CA (02/29/08)
They keep charging my bank account without my authorization or knowledge and permission.

I'm starting to get mad. I'm in the military, and every little bit of money I need. I work hard to have money--not for them to take it away.

Amy of Greeley, CO February 20, 2008

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