TransUnion provides additional free credit monitoring

As first reported here last month, millions of borrowers are eligible for up to nine months of free credit monitoring from credit bureau TransUnion thanks to the settlement of a class action suit against the firm. But under the terms of another settlement reached in 2007, an additional group of consumers are eligible for even more freebies from the credit bureau -- if they act soon.

While the 2007 settlement benefits a smaller number of borrowers who used TransUnion's services during a shorter window of time compared to the settlement reached last month, the end result is still credit monitoring for every consumer's favorite price -- free.

"If you purchased, you or a third party paid for, and you received a credit score, credit monitoring, or other offering from a TransUnion or TrueLink Web site between Dec. 1, 1999, and April 16, 2007, you are eligible to receive a benefit from the Robert V. Townes, IV v. TransUnion, LLC and TrueLink, Inc. Settlement," reads the overview on the Townes Settlement Web site. TrueLink's Web site describes it as a "TransUnion Company." 

The settlement, approved on Sept. 11, 2007, resolved claims that TransUnion and TrueLink violated the federal Credit Repair Organizations Act and state law, with the defendants denying liability.

Consumers who want to take advantage of the free credit monitoring available under this settlement need to submit an authentication form electronically or via regular mail no later than July 22, 2008.