You can get a free credit report from each of the reporting services. I think that's only available once a year. It will not affect your credit score either. Trans Union, Equifax and Experian are the companies that report credit. If you want one of them to monitor your credit on a regular basis, you need to pay for that service, but I'm not sure it's worth it, Mike. Youc an go directly to one of them (like Experian.) But the report isn't going to warn you when you run across a scam. Sorry you got taken, but the only way to check out a place like that is to use a lot of search engines. There are sites like scambusters, urban legends and blogs in general. The FTC also warns people about such scams and might have a list if you ask. Try the FTC web site. I know the worst thing a person can do is to kick someone when he's down, so I assure you I'm not trying to do that, Mike. However, you've mentioned a few times that you've had trouble getting a credit card, so when some unfamiliar company comes along and offers you a deal "but just send $200" an alarm should go off in your head. We all goof & make mistakes under stress, so you are just like the rest of us. But be aware in the future of the "too good to be true" offers. I hope 2008 is a better year for you. Be well and God Bless you and your beautiful family.

FYI, I know someone who fell for a scam like that where you did not have to pay. They called and offered him a credit card and got all his information and forwarded it to a legitimate company. He got the card and did not suspect a thing until the card company called him and asked if he was charging things at Wal Mart stores all over the world.

Sorry that happened to you.

Gee, after reading the other comments, I sound as if I was criticizing, but you asked for info on finding services to monitor credit and I was just providing the information requested. I am truly sorry that happened to you. Regarding what Think wrote, don't ever take an offer over the phone. Obviously that person he mentioned was a victim of identity theft. I'll stop answering blogs. I was only trying to be helpful. Take care.

thanks everyone....justxploring you can post in my blog anytime.i didn't think you were criticizing.everything is cool.