Yeah, that is a pretty raggedy deal, Smoke. I've seen the commercials (better commercials before they changed the band, IMO) and I didn't realize it was a scam either.
But hey, if you want a (truly) free credit report, here's what you could do: apply for a JPMorgan Palladium card. If you get turned down (which is likely for about 99% of the population, including yours truly), they have to supply you with the credit report(s) that they used to determine your eligibility... for FREE! And hey, who does not like free?!
But now... if you don't get turned down, I'm thinking that you and your new best friend (that being me) should take a celebratory trip to Vegas for the weekend. No wives. No girlfriends. Just two dudes on the town... in a couple of suites at the Bellagio. I'll be "Johnny Drama". You can be "Vinny Chase" - ya know, since you're footing the bill for both of us. :shy:
Seriously, it may be a hassle, but if you apply for credit anywhere in the U.S., if you get turned down, by law you have to be supplied with a copy of the report(s) used to determine your creditworthiness.