A List of Freebies

Too often, companies charge consumers for services they can do on their own for free. The cost becomes part of the deceptive marketing pitch as consumers are steered toward paid options without being clearly informed that a free or cheaper alternative exists, or advertised “free” services turn out to have hidden costs.

This list aims to tip the scales back in consumers’ favor by highlighting services you don’t actually need to pay for (click on each topic to learn more about the deceptive marketing campaign).

• Passport applications: Whether you’re applying for a new passport, renewing an old one or reporting a passport as lost or stolen, all the required forms are available for free on the State Department’s website.
• Filing taxes: If your adjusted gross income is $89,000 or less, you may be able to file your taxes for free using tax prep software the IRS provides through its Free File program.
• Credit reports: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumers are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
• Identity theft protection: Consumers can place credit freezes and fraud alerts on their accounts at no cost under federal law.
• Student loan debt relief: Certain borrowers – such as teachers, public service workers, nonprofit employees and individuals with disabilities – may qualify for free student loan forgiveness through the government.
• Home title monitoring: You can check your property records for free through your state’s land records office, and some areas offer alert systems for changes to your title.

This is why consumer education matters. Understanding your rights and recognizing deceptive marketing can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and make more informed choices.