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).

Joan of Sebastian FL (03/04/06)
We were in the process of purchasing a home around November 2005. I went on line and for 9.95 this company said they would alert us of any inquiries on us. I cancelled this service and after I called they did credit my account with the 9.95. Now this month it happened again only this time I got my bank involved and they will handle it. If it happens agin next month the only other choice I have is to close the account and open another as the bank is well aware of companies like this.

There was not any damage because I keep a close watch on my accounts. But why give a company 119.40 when I can use this for groceries or a nice dinner out with my husband.

Bethany of Wilsonville, OR February 27, 2006

Bethany of Wilsonville OR (02/27/06)
I signed up for my "free" credit report and the site said that if I didn't cancel within 30 days they would automatically sign me up for additional services. I DID cancel within 30 days and they STILL started charging me 12/month. The worst part is that they are charging 12/month for NOTHING - I cannot use any of their online "services". I can't find an address or ph# for these people and emails are completely ignored - I have sent them an email a month for the last 6 mos. How is it that they can get away with this?

So far, I'm out almost 100. I'm on a tight budget and this does actually impact me.

Gerald of Murfreesboro, TN February 20, 2006

Gerald of Murfreesboro TN (02/20/06)
We got suckered too. They pop us 12.00 a month and can't stop it. Tried to cancel. To no avail.

Jeanne of Newton, WI February 20, 2006

Jeanne of Newton WI (02/20/06)
Registered for a free credit report and credit score and they charged to my charge card, 3 different charges for this service. These charges amounted to 34.95, so why did they say they were free.

Franklin of Lebanon, OR February 17, 2006

Franklin of Lebanon OR (02/17/06)
I have been charged 9.95/month for this service I did not realize I had. After calling I did get to cancel and they said you needed to cancel within the first 30 days for no charges. I wasn't aware of this and would of done so if I had known. They also asked for mothers maiden name which I did not give.

Have been charged the 9.95/month for the past year without benefits as far as I know.

Tammy of Rolla, MO February 14, 2006

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