Credit Report
Access
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) outlines specifically who can see your credit
profile. Businesses must have a "legitimate business need," and a
"permissible purpose," as stated in the federal law to obtain your credit file.
Otherwise, only you, and only those who you give written permission, can access your
credit files. Your neighbors, friends, co-workers, and even your family members cannot
have access to your credit profile unless you authorize it.
Some examples of those who can access your credit files are:
Credit grantors
Collection agencies
Insurance companies
Employers
Any company that receives a copy of your credit profile will be listed under the
"Inquiry" section of your report.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is the federal law regulating credit reporting
companies like Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. It has been in effect since 1971. A
revised FCRA became effective October 1, 1997. This law protects
consumers' rights, such as the right to review and contest information in their
credit profiles. It also specifically defines who can access the information
in a credit profile, and how you are notified of this activity. |
Your Credit
How Mary Ann can Help
Mortgage Loans and
Credit
ABC's of Mortgage Credit
Credit Guide Scoring
Credit Reporting
Agencies
How to Correct Errors
Credit Profiles
Credit Report Access
Credit Questions &
Answers |
