Received declination of credit from a credit card I attempted to open. Rejection letter stated Experian 's phone number as well as " Report Access '' link and include a XXXX digit " reference number ''. When attempting to receive complimentary copy of my report that resulted in this decision, tried both Experian 's phone number and website link. 
After carefully entering my ( correct ) information, Experian 's phone system said they could not retrieve my data and I must submit my request in writing. There was no way to access an actual operator to provide them with the Reference Number ( which presumably should have made finding my report quite easy ). Instead, it simply repeated the mailing address and necessary supporting documents. When going through the experian.com/reportaccess site, I also received the same denial of accessing it through their online system, and was told to submit my request in writing to the same address. 
It 's ironic to note that Experian does not accept mailed credit card statements as proof of address ; given how many people are using electronic statements only in this day and age, it 's not always easy to find XXXX of their accepted forms of mail. 

I will note that I have ALWAYS received this type of complication from Experian, also while trying to claim my free annual credit report as required by law. 

I assert that Experian purposely makes their " Free '' system hard to retrieve reports from, in an attempt to get people to purchase their reports instead. I have no doubt that if I signed up for their credit monitoring service for a hefty fee, they would somehow " magically '' locate my report. They are simply trying to leverage the laws in place for consumer protection to grow their business.