Acquiring your free credit report is relatively simple: Just remember to visit AnnualCreditReport.com [1] for up to three reports each year, not tricky FreeCreditReport.com [2].

Unfortunately, getting your free credit score isn't as direct. There are certain little loopholes [3] that can get you a complimentary score, but there also a handful of legitimate circumstances that grant you a free credit score — no slick loopholes required. Find out four situations which entitle you to a free score when you .

1. Identity theft: If your identity has been stolen or you have reason to believe it's been compromised, contact the credit bureaus about getting a free report and score.
2. Denied credit: Contact the agency which reported your score to the creditor that denied your application and request a free score and report.
3. Unemployment: As long as you're planning on job hunting within three months, you're entitled to a free report and score from each agency.
4. Welfare: You won't be charged for your credit score if you're receiving welfare.

Source [4]