The Blonde Diaries

They aren’t always what they seem now are they?

That’s a little bit of a tongue twisting title I admit but I wanted to get my point across and that old cliche seemed to fit the bill just perfectly. So what am I talking about? The FreeCreditReport.com commercials - you know the ones with the catchy tune and the handsome singing guy talking about his financial woe due to identity theft but now with FreeCreditReport.com he is all ok. Well there are a few little things that FreeCreditReport has failed to disclose to their viewers that make them seem a little less appealing now. Yes that is the auditor in me coming out. So let’s take a look shall we…

For starters, did you know the FreeCreditReport.com isn’t actually free? Nope, they are owned by Experian (the credit agency) and in order to get your report and actual score you have to give them your credit card number. Why? So that they can start charging you $15 a month to “monitor” your credit. Usually, you won’t realize you have been hit with at least one month’s charge until you receive your credit card statement and by then you are already halfway into month two. Doesn’t seem fair or right now does it?

Next, let’s talk about that singer. I’m well aware that most commercials have hired actors and actresses playing parts. But… the only thing this actor has in common with the character he is playing is that he can play a guitar - nothing else. He is single, can’t sing, and Canadian. I have nothing wrong with Canadians but c’mon. This is an American company targeting American consumers. The commercial doesn’t even air in Canada. Are there no starving American actors/actresses that they could possibly hire?

I would feel like this company was at least looking out for me if they had used a real person with a real story than a made up story with a made up identity. Take lifelock for example. The CEO of the company is willing to use his real name and real social security number in all of their advertisements. I feel a little more comfortable with their services and that they are in touch with the average joe than this FreeCreditReport.com “company”. I think the next time I need help with my credit monitoring and credit report information I will give lifelock a visit. For more information on “FreeCreditReport’s” lack of a free credit report check out this article by New York Times Best Selling author Bob Sullivan written two years ago, Don’t Fall for FreeCreditReport.com, which discusses the problems with this company and where to find a truly free credit report without worry.