In response to a long standing class action lawsuit, TransUnion has agreed to offer their credit monitoring service free of charge to more than 160 million people. If you had a credit card, a credit line, a car loan, mortgage or student loan between January 1, 1987 and May 28, 2008, then you are eligible for this free service. That covers just about everyone.

TransUnion is offering this service as a way to compensate consumers for its alleged violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The lawsuit alleges that TransUnion illegally sold lists containing consumers personal and financial information to companies who used them for marketing purposes. TransUnion has since discontinued this practice.

The deadline for signing up for this free service is fast approaching. To register for the free service visit www.listclassaction.com before September 24, 2008. When you sign up you will have 2 options:

1. Option 1: Six months of free credit monitoring, which includes 24 hour online access to TransUnion’s copy of your credit report and credit score as well as email notifications of any significant changes to your credit report. The retail value of this option is $59.75. This option leaves open the possibility of a cash settlement, if there is a cash distribution as a result of the lawsuit.
2. Option 2: Nine months of “enhanced services”, which include everything offered in option 1 as well as a suite of scores calculated by insurance companies, plus a mortgage simulator to show how lenders would rate you. This is a great option if you are currently shopping for a new home. The retail value is $115.50. The catch with option 2 is that you are not eligible for a cash settlement if there is one, and you have to waive your right to file a lawsuit against TransUnion.

Whichever option you choose, the services are totally free of charge and TransUnion is forbidden from charging you for services after the initial period ends unless you specifically request it.

This is a great opportunity for all you DIY Credit Report readers. You can do-it-yourself and not spend a dime. Enjoy!

DIY Credit Report is your source of free information designed to empower the consumer to take control of their financial lives. Now more than ever, our financial status, as portrayed in our credit report and score can make amazing opportunities possible or close many doors.

A poor credit report and score is more costly than ever in the current financial climate. Visit this site often for great tips and techniques to help you achieve a high credit score that can make all the difference over your lifetime.