Frequently Asked Questions about Consumer Credit Is there really such a thing as credit repair, and is the information offered in your book legal? How do I order my credit reports, and why do I need separate credit reports from each credit bureau? Although my father and I have the same name (causing some of his credit information to appear on my credit report), we have different Social Security numbers. Why don't you match credit information by SSNs instead of names? Why is a credit card I haven't used in years still listed as "current" on my credit report? And why does it count against me when I apply for credit? Doesn't the law allow me to add a statement to my credit report that tells my side of the story and explains the situation that prevented me from paying my bills? I keep hearing about risk scores being used to make loan decisions. What exactly is a risk score? I moved back to the United States after living overseas for many years. Why is it so difficult for me to get credit now? Does this book apply to Canada? I read that Experian no longer offers free credit reports to consumers. Is that true?