Catchy jingles and handsome curly-haired front-man aside…the truth is, they’re selling some crappy website membership that you would never otherwise buy…

…but Wait, it gets even better:

 Testing was completed for both of the two heavy-hitters who are buying the most TV time;  FreeCreditReport.com and FreeTripleScore.com  and the results are the same for both scammers…While they only market the shiny apple-on-a-stick that is already yours for the asking (if you know where to go…), they will cram your creditcard (required) purchase with useless and pointless junk (for a continuous monthly “membership” fee)  in exchange for telling you where to get the free report.

*(”Cramming” your card is an old scam with many variations, and this is just an up-dated version of that scam.)

NOW,  Here’s the Real skinny on the Free Credit Reports:

Not long ago the feds passed legislation that allows every American citizen to collect and view their credit report from each of the Big 3 reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion…for free.

This new legislation began taking effect in 2004, and was phased-in here on the East coast around December of 2005.

 This is precisely why and when the scammers started bombarding us with non-stop ads for a “Free” credit report…when in fact, the only thing you get for free is the report you are already entitled to…but only when you subscribe to their useless membership sites…and then they will tell you where the free website is to collect your free annual credit report.

The feds didn’t advertise this new legislation…there’s no money in the FTC’s budget for marketing…and the scammers are counting on your continued ignorance to push websites full of useless, out-dated advice in exchange for enlightening you.

Once annually, you can go to:
http://AnnualCreditReport.com and collect (view and print, if desired) a free copy of your credit report from each of the major bureaus, in just a few minutes.

This website was created as a direct result of the newly-created FACT act and revisions to the Fair Credit Reporting Act,  both of which fall under the jurisdiction of the Fed’s consumer watchdog division commonly known as the Federal Trade Commission (aka: the FTC).

 You will find a link to this same site on the FTC’s website along with a warning very similar to the information provided above.

http://FTC.gov

*You can also request a free copy by phone or by mail…be prepared to verify your identity…by mail, this means a copy of your SS card, drivers license, and/or state ID.

Downtown Toronto Condos: You’ll come across fewer of the “spread-out-in-all-directions ” mansion designs as buyers prefer smaller homes with excellent and efficient designs for a living. The upscale features such as granite countertops, marble spa bathrooms, stainless steel appliances and walk-in closet should still be present. Just about everything a person living in Toronto would want in a dwelling, you can enjoy by getting a condo instead. Why?
Here, let me give you some mind-boggling answers WHY.

1. AFFORDABILITY
Condos remain the most affordable ownership option for city-like living. More families are opting for condos as the price of single detached homes continue to climb up which basically makes it almost impossible for starters to own a home.

2. ACCESSIBILITY & LOCATION
Comfort and tranquility after stressful hours of work and other activities is what you always look forward to at the end of the day. Most condos in Toronto, if not all , are situated within the heart of the city. So that means you can shop and dine all you want without worrying if you’re already running late to go home. Who cares about travel time if home is just a stones throw away from almost everything.

3. LESS MAINTENANCE
Less maintenance means lesser responsibility and lesser expenses. I say lesser expenses because condo fees are very minimal but it offers tons of entertainment, relaxation and recreational facilities. Most condos offers endless amenities like swimming pools, health and fitness spas, sports areas, library, party rooms, etc. plus it would cover the essentials, cable services, electricity, air conditioning, heating and the likes. Lesser headache, limitless activities that you can do.

4. SECURITY
The most important thing is security. Which is by the way, still covered by your minimal condo fee. When looking for homes we easily get so entice with the designs and the amenities that we forget about the security. While security might be the last thing on a buyer’s mind when looking at houses or condos,it’s usually one of the main reasons a buyer would want to leave. Aside from the peace of mind that it will give you, for having a guard on duty for 24 hours, most condos have alarm system set up, lighting, doors and window locks set up by security experts.

Condos are the image of luxury and style. Not only will you need not to walk far from malls, coffee shops, schools and offices, the luxurious facilities and services available in condos should make it worth your your stay in the place that you regard to as Home.

In totality, the prospect for the future of Condo market stays positive and condo sales should continue to outperform the housing market.The changing population will continue to create a sound demand for Toronto Condos. So start shopping for one now!

Calvin Weinfeld is a Real Estate Agent who helps people find condos in downtown Toronto.

Read timely hints in the topic of free traffic - your individual tips store.