A federal law allows every consumer get a free credit report from each of the three agencies every year, but it may not be that easy.

"I want to know what's on there, and I think it's important to know," consumer Bobbi Jensen said.

Jensen, of West Milwaukee, wasted no time in getting free copies of her credit report.

"I recently applied for some credit and was told my score was much lower than I thought it would be. So I was concerned," Jensen said.

And it turns out she reason to be concerned. She found a number of problems in her reports.

"They have all of my personal information incorrect," Jensen said.

Jensen was able to quickly report the problems to two of the three credit agencies, but had difficulty in contacting one of them, Equifax.

"Round and round in circles we went," Jensen said.

Just getting the free credit report might be frustrating for a lot a people.

It seems easy. There's a toll-free phone number and a Web site, annualcreditreport.com, but it's a complicated process. You may be asked to answer questions about loans or mortgages you've had in order to confirm your identity.

Then you'll choose which agencies you want to provide the free report, but you won't get a copy of your actual credit score -- at least not free. That would cost you up to $7.

The companies may also try to sell you other services, but you don't have to pay for the credit report. Jensen said she's glad she got hers.

"I assumed everything was OK, and I was wrong, and I'm really glad that I know now," Jensen said.

You can get your free credit reports online at annualcreditreport.com or by phone at (877) 322-8228.

When you get it, here is what to do:

Check for any errors.. Make sure that all of your personal information is correct and that no one has mistaken you for another consumer.
Look for outdated information.. Make sure that the report shows that bills have been paid off or accounts that have been closed.
If you find any mistakes, contact the credit reporting agencies and have them investigate.

You can learn all about your credit report rights by visiting www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/credit/ycr_free_reports.htm

There is no deadline for ordering free reports. You can get one copy from each of the three agencies each. You can space them out and get one report every four months if you choose.

The three main credit report agencies are:

Equifax
Experian
Transunion.com