I've gotten free Experian and TU reports (in the past) using the "official" free report route: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action. [I was able to download the reports to my computer.]
I just tried to get my Equifax report via the official site, after answer their "security" questions (which I know I answered correctly), I got the message: "for your protection, you cannot get your report on-line. Mail your request + 200 (actually only 3 or 4) supporting documents."--too much of a pita. I found this issue discussed on other boards; it seems if you are willing to pay to get your report, you can get it on-line.
[To use the backdoor route (post #1 in this thread), you must indicate some fraudulent activity against the report requester.]
Is Equifax pulling a scam?