Can my employer get my report?

Only if you say it's okay. A CRA may not supply information about you to your employer, or a prospective employer, without your consent.

Can creditors, employers, or insurers get a report that contains medical information about me?

Not without your approval.

What should I know about investigative consumer reports?

Investigative consumer reports are detailed reports that involve interviews with your neighbors and acquaintances about your lifestyle, character, and reputation. They may be used in connection with insurance and employment applications; you'll be notified in writing when a company orders such a report. The notice will explain your right to request certain information about the report from the company to which you applied. If your application is rejected, you may get additional information from the CRA; however, the CRA does not have to reveal the sources of the information.

How long can a CRA report negative information?

Seven years. There are certain exceptions:

• Information about criminal convictions may be reported without any time limitations.
• Bankruptcy information may be reported for 10 years.
• Information reported in response to an application for a job with a salary of more than $75,000 has no time limit.
• Information reported because of an application for more than $150,000 worth of credit or life insurance has no time limit.
• Information about a lawsuit or an unpaid judgment against you can be reported for seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out, whichever is longer .

Can anyone get a copy of my report?

No. Only people with a legitimate business need, as recognized by the FCRA. For example, a company is allowed to get your report if you apply for credit, insurance, employment, or to rent an apartment.

How can I stop a CRA from including me on lists for unsolicited credit and insurance offers?

Creditors and insurers may use CRA file information as a basis for sending you unsolicited offers. These offers must include a toll-free number for you to call if you want to remove your name and address from lists for two years; completing a form that the CRA provides for this purpose will keep your name off the lists permanently.

Do I have the right to sue for damages?

You may sue a CRA, a user or, in some cases, a provider of CRA data in state or federal court for most violations of the FCRA. If you win, the defendant will have to pay damages and reimburse you for attorney fees to the extent ordered by the court.

Are there other laws I should know about?

Yes. If your credit application was denied, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act requires creditors to specify why, if you ask. For example, the creditor must tell you whether you were denied because you have "no credit file" with a CRA or because the CRA says you have "delinquent obligations." The ECOA also requires creditors to consider additional information you might supply about your credit history. You may want to find out why the creditor denied your application before you contact the CRA.

Where should I report violations of the law?

Although the FTC can't act as your lawyer in private disputes, information about your experiences and concerns is vital to the enforcement of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Send your questions or complaints to:

Consumer Response Center -- FCRA
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580

Additional Information

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers identify, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, call toll-free:  1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or use the complaint form at www.ftc.gov. The FTC enters internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Federal Trade Commission
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Office of Consumer and Business Education

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