CREDIT RATER OFFERS FREE LOOK AT RATINGS.(Living)

Byline: Rick Karlin Staff writer

In a move hailed by consumer advocates, TRW Corp., the giant credit-rating service, has decided to offer consumers a free annual look at their credit ratings. Under the program started this month consumers will get free credit reports by writing to the company.

It's an encouraging policy, especially in light of how important a person's credit rating is when it comes to getting things such as car or home loans, said Shirley L. Rooker, president of Call for Action, a Washington, D.C.-based group that follows telemarketing and credit issues.

Rooker offered some caveats, however. She said consumers should not simply rush …