Most Pennsylvanians will be entitled to a free version of their credit score under a proposed settlement of a class-action lawsuit against the national credit bureau TransUnion.

The settlement, which stems from allegations that TransUnion sold consumers' personal information without their permission in the 1990s, covers people who had an open credit account or line of credit between Jan. 1, 1987, and May 28, 2008. That includes anyone with a car loan, credit card, student loan, mortgage or other form of credit during that time -- an estimated 160 million consumers.

Under federal law, consumers are each entitled to a free copy of his or her credit report once a year from each of the three main credit bureaus. But the bureaus are allowed to charge a fee for a credit score.

Credit scores are used by lenders, insurers and others to judge how risky it is to do business with you. Typically, the higher the score, the lower the rate will be for a mortgage, credit card or other form of credit.

Under the TransUnion agreement, consumers may choose to receive six months of free credit monitoring services and access to a credit score, or nine months of "enhanced" credit monitoring services and access to a credit score.

People who choose the enhanced option give up their right to a possible cash payment if money remains in a $75 million settlement fund and forfeit the right to sue TransUnion individually. People who eventually receive a cash payment also forfeit their right to sue.

The settlement is expected to be approved in September. Consumers can review the terms and submit a claim now by visiting www.listclassaction.com or calling 1-866-416-3470.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett yesterday urged Pennsylvanians to review terms of the TransUnion settlement and consider participating.

He added that all consumers should exercise their right to get free annual credit reports.

"These reports provide valuable information about your credit history and can also help identify possible instances of identity theft."

For information on obtaining free credit reports visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.