Index | NCLC Digital Library

ACCESS TO INFORMATION: see also DISCLOSURE; Dodd-Frank Act, under, 3.3.11; FCRA, under, 3.3
ACCIDENT REPORTING BUREAUS: see also DRIVING RECORDS; FCRA, application, 2.7.9
ACCOMMODATION PARTIES: see COSIGNERS
ACCOUNTANTS: see also TAX PREPARATION SERVICES; GLBA, application, 18.4.1.3
ACCOUNT NUMBERS: see also CREDIT ACCOUNTS; FINANCIAL INFORMATION; FINANCIAL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES; data brokers, “pretexting” to obtain, 18.4.2.3; sharing for marketing purposes, 18.4.1.9; truncation for identity theft protection, 9.2.5.1
ACCOUNTS: see also ACCOUNT NUMBERS; bank accounts, see FINANCIAL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES; credit accounts, see CREDIT ACCOUNTS
ACCURACY: see also INACCURATE INFORMATION; affiliate information sharing, 6.4.5; bankruptcy reporting, 4.3.2.4.5, 4.4.6.10; billing errors, see BILLING ERRORS; CRA obligations, 4.1.1, 4.2; liability, 4.4; credit scores, 16.8; definition, 4.2.1, 6.4.3.3; furnisher obligations, 4.2.1.4, 6.4; liability, 6.4.1, 6.4.4, 6.5.1; guidelines, 6.4.3; investigative consumer reports, 15.6.1; management policies discouraging, 4.4.6.1; Metro 2 Format, 6.3.3.2, 6.3.3.8, 6.4.2.5; missing information, 4.3.2, 4.4.6.9, 14.6.9, 16.8.2.3; public record information, 4.4.6.5; reinvestigations; CRA, see REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); directly by furnisher, see DIRECT REINVESTIGATIONS (FURNISHERS); reseller liability, 4.4.4; standards; affiliate information sharing, 6.4.5; applies to report not later explanation, 4.2.2; CRAs, 4.2, 4.4.5; furnisher accuracy and integrity guidelines, 6.4.3; furnishers of information, 4.2.1.4, 6.4.2; legislative history, 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.4.6, 1.4.9.2, 4.1.2; reasonable procedures, 4.4.4, 4.4.5, 4.4.6, 6.4.3.2; reinvestigations, 4.5.3; resellers, 4.4.4; studies and reports, 4.1.3; consumer groups, 4.1.3.2; FTC studies, 4.1.3.3; industry studies, 4.1.3.5; internal CRA analyses, 4.1.3.6; other government studies, 4.1.3.4; prevalence of errors shown, 4.1.3.1; technically accurate reports, 4.2.4; unrelated information, 4.2.5; verification, 4.2.6; violations, see INACCURATE INFORMATION
ACTIONS: see also DISCOVERY; JURY TRIALS; LEGAL PROCEEDINGS; LITIGATION; PLEADINGS; burden of proof, see BURDEN OF PROOF; case selection, 11.3; civil rights, see CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIONS; class actions, see CLASS ACTIONS; collection suits, see COLLECTION SUITS; credit repair violations; CROA violations, 17.2.8.2.1; state law violations, 17.3.6; telemarketing statutes, 17.4; damages, see DAMAGES; defamation, see DEFAMATION; defenses, see DEFENSES; evidence, see EVIDENCE; FCRA violations, see FCRA CLAIMS; identity theft, 9.5; invasion of privacy, see INVASION OF PRIVACY; jurisdiction, see JURISDICTION; liability, see LIABILITY; libel, see DEFAMATION; limitations, see STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS; negligence, see NEGLIGENCE; parties, see PARTIES; reporting, see PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; RESPA violations, 10.3; state law, see STATE CLAIMS; successful action, defined, 12.7.1.4; tort claims, see TORT CLAIMS
ACTIVE MILITARY ALERTS: see MILITARY DUTY ALERTS
ACTS: see STATUTES
ACTUAL DAMAGES: see DAMAGES, ACTUAL
ADDRESS VERIFICATION SYSTEMS (AVS): FCRA, application, 2.3.4.2.1
ADDRESSES: consumers; changes resulting in mismatched files, 4.3.3.6; credit card change of notice, 9.2.6.4; discrepancies, notice to user, 8.17.3, 9.2.6.3; furnishers of information, error notification, 6.4.4; investigating agencies, disclosure, 15.4.1.6; major credit reporting agencies, 3.4.2.2; Medical Information Bureau, 3.4.2.3; update reports, consumer report status, 2.3.4.2.1
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS: child support enforcement, permissible use, 7.2.3.4.3; FCRA enforcement, examples, Appx. L
ADMINISTRATIVE SUMMONS OR SUBPOENAS: consumer reports, obtaining, 7.2.1
ADOPTION AGENCIES: see also GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.6, 2.5.2
ADVERSE ACTION: account reviews, 8.5.4.3.9; affiliates, by, 3.3.1.3.4; auto financing, 8.6.1.4.1; check-writing denial, status, 8.5.4.6.2; consumer-initiated transactions, 8.5.4.6.1; consumer report, basis, 3.3.1.3, 7.1.9, 8.5.4; credit score provision, 3.3.1.3.5; free report, 3.3.1.3.1, 3.3.6; insufficient information, 8.5.4.1.2; investigation of information, 8.6.1.4.4; user disclosure, see ADVERSE ACTION NOTICE; cosigner’s credit history, 8.6.1.4.3; counteroffer acceptance, status, 8.5.4.3.5; credit card authorizations, 2.4.5; credit denial; consumer reports, use, 7.2.3.2, 8.5.4.3; definition, 8.5.4.3.3; evidentiary issues, 12.1.7.4; notice to consumer, see ADVERSE ACTION NOTICE; reasons, disclosure, 8.5.2.1; definition, 8.5.4.2, 8.5.4.3.1; ECOA obligations; notice requirements, 8.5.6, Appx. C.10; reasons for action, 8.5.2.1; record retention, 12.1.5; employment purposes, 8.11.1.1.2; employment report, disclosures prior to, 3.3.1.3.2, 7.2.4.3.3; employee misconduct exemption, 7.2.4.4, 15.2.4.2; government benefits and licenses, 8.5.4.5; impermissible purpose situations, 7.1.9; information other than consumer report, 3.3.1.3.3, 8.6; insurance purposes, 7.2.5, 8.5.4.4; investigative reports, 15.4.1.6; lease denial, status, 8.5.4.6.3, 8.6.1.2; loan information, verification, 8.6.1.4.2; notice, see ADVERSE ACTION NOTICE; prescreening exclusion, 8.5.4.3.8; price quotes, status, 8.5.4.3.6; property sale, 8.5.4.6.4; reporting by creditor, status as consumer report, 2.7.2; risk-based pricing, 8.5.4.3.4, 8.7, 16.7.2; state law preemption, 10.7; third party credit requests, 2.4.6; third party information, 8.6
ADVERSE ACTION NOTICE: see also ADVERSE ACTION; accepted counteroffers, 8.5.4.3.5; account reviews, 8.5.4.3.9; affiliate information sharing, 3.3.1.3.4, 8.6.2; catchall provision, 8.5.4.3.1, 8.5.4.6.1; check-writing denial, 8.5.4.6.1, 8.5.4.6.2; consumer-initiated transactions, 8.5.4.6.1; content, 8.5.2; affiliate sharing notice, 8.6.2.1; credit scoring information, 8.5.2.4; identification of action and actor, 8.5.2.2; identification of CRA, 8.5.2.3; overview, 8.5.2.1; third party information notice, 8.6.1.1; cosigners, 8.5.4.3.7, 8.6.1.4.3; credit denial, 8.5.4.3; credit score, inclusion, 1.4.11, 3.3.1.3.5, 8.4.2, 16.4.4; ECOA notice; comparison with FCRA notice, 8.5.6; model form, 8.5.6, Appx. C.9; reasons to be given, 8.5.2.1; record retention, 12.1.5; employee misconduct investigations, 8.11.1.2.1, 15.2.4.2; employment reports, 3.3.1.3.2, 7.2.4.3.3, 8.11.1.1; employment agency exemption, 8.11.1.2.4; national security exemption, 8.11.1.2.3; post-adverse action, 8.11.4; pre-adverse action, 8.11.3; enforcement of notice right, 8.5.5; affiliate sharing notice, 8.6.2.2; third party information, 8.6.1.5; entitlement to notice, 8.5.4; affiliate sharing, 8.6.2.1; generally, 8.5.4.1; third party information, 8.6.1.1; failure to send, 12.5.2.2.2; government benefits, 8.5.4.5; importance and role, 8.5.1.1; information other than consumer report, 3.3.1.3.3, 8.6; affiliate sharing, 8.6.2; third party information, 8.6.1; insurance purposes, 7.2.5, 8.5.4.4; investment opportunities, 8.5.4.6.1; lease denial, 8.5.4.6.1, 8.5.4.6.3, 8.6.1.2, 14.7.3; manner of giving notice, 8.5.3; third party information, 8.6.1.3; model form, 8.5.6; prescreening offers, 8.5.4.3.8; price quotes, 8.5.4.3.6; provision of notice, requirements, 8.5.3.1; risk-based pricing, 8.5.4.3.4, 8.7, 16.7.2; role, 8.1.1; sale of property, 8.5.4.6.1, 8.5.4.6.4; third party information use, 3.3.1.3.3, 8.6.1
ADVERSE INFORMATION: affiliate sharing, 3.3.1.3.4; checks as basis for, identification, 3.5.4.4; concealment; identity alteration, 17.2.7.3; misstatements, 17.2.7.2; consumer reporting agency obligations; investigative reports, 15.6.2; obsolete information, see OBSOLETE INFORMATION; cosigners, 5.6.2, 5.6.3; credit record, protecting when settling disputes, 14.6.4; credit repair organizations, concealing, 17.2.7.2; deletion before obsolete, 5.2.2.2; disputed debts, 6.5.3; ECOA restrictions, 5.7.2, 14.4.8; explanations, 4.8.3; financial institutions, reporting by, 6.9, 8.9; fraudulent, blocking, 9.2.4; home mortgages, guidelines, 14.7.2.1; identifying information as, 7.2.10.2; inaccurate, see INACCURATE INFORMATION; investigative reports, verification, 15.6.2.2; management policies encouraging, 4.4.6.1; military personnel, 5.7.1; notice; cosigners, 5.6.3; financial institutions, 6.9, 8.9; model notices, proper use, 6.9; public record information, 8.11.5; state law, 5.6.3; student loans, 14.4.5; obsolete information, see OBSOLETE INFORMATION; other than consumer report, 3.3.1.3.3, 8.6; public record information, see PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; settlements, reporting in violation of, 10.7.3.6, 14.6.4.3; source, disclosure, 3.3.1.3.3, 3.3.1.3.4; student loans, 14.4.5; theft-related debts, blocking, 9.2.4; third party, obtaining from, 3.3.1.3.3, 8.6; updating, 4.4.6.9.4; use, see ADVERSE ACTION; verification, reasonable procedures, 7.5.3
ADVERSE USE: see ADVERSE ACTION
ADVERTISEMENTS: centralized source, restrictions, 3.3.2.3; credit repair, 17.2.2.2.4, 17.2.2.7; fraud or deception, 17.2.7.5; misrepresentations, 17.2.7.4; free credit reports; annual free report, accompanying, 3.3.2.3; promotions offering, 3.3.3
AFFILIATE SHARING OF INFORMATION: see also AFFILIATES; accuracy standards, 6.4.5; adverse action, notice, 3.3.1.3.4, 8.6.2; consumer opt-out rights, 2.4.3.2, 8.12.1.1; financial information, 8.12.1.2, 18.4.1.6.2; marketing purposes, 2.4.3.2.3, 8.12.3; model notice, Appx. C.11; notice to consumer, 2.4.3.2.2, 8.12.3.3; third party information, 2.4.3.2.2; disputed debts, 6.4.5; FCRA application, 2.4.3, 6.2.2.1, 8.12.1.1; financial institutions, 8.12.1.2, 18.4.1.6.2; legislative history, 1.4.6; marketing information, 2.4.3.2.3, 8.12.3; medical information, 5.4.4; notice to consumers, 8.12; adverse action, 3.3.1.3.4, 8.6.2; exclusion notice, 8.12.2; marketing information sharing, 2.4.3.2.3, 8.12.3, Appx. C.11; use of information, 2.4.3.2.2, 8.12; state law preemption, 2.4.3.2.4, 10.7.5; types of affiliate sharing, 8.12.1.1
AFFILIATES: adverse action, 3.3.1.3.4, 8.6.2; debt collectors affiliated with reporting agencies, 3.3.7; defined, 18.4.1.6.2; disputing debts with, 6.4.5; information sharing, see AFFILIATE SHARING OF INFORMATION; nationwide reporting agencies, reinvestigation, 4.5.2.6
AGE: prescreened lists, 7.3.3.1.2; reports containing, consumer report status, 2.3.4.2.1
AGENCIES: adoption, see ADOPTION AGENCIES; child support, see CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; credit reporting, see CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; federal, see FEDERAL AGENCIES; government, generally, see GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; law enforcement, see LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; local government, see LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; state, see STATE AGENCIES; welfare, see WELFARE AGENCIES
AGENTS: consumer reports, obtaining, 7.1.6; power of attorney, 3.4.4
AGREEMENTS: see also CONTRACTS; arbitration agreements, see ARBITRATION CLAUSES; repayment plans, see REPAYMENT AGREEMENTS; settlement of disputes, see SETTLEMENT
ALERTS: see also IDENTITY THEFT; active military service, see MILITARY DUTY ALERTS; fraud alerts, see FRAUD ALERTS
ALIMONY: see also CHILD SUPPORT; DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS; consumer reports, use, 7.4.2, 14.2.4
ALTERNATIVE CREDIT BUREAUS: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; SPECIALTY AGENCIES; credit scoring, 16.9.1; FCRA, application, 2.7.11
APARTMENT LEASES: see RESIDENTIAL LEASES
APARTMENT MANAGERS: consumer reports, obtaining, 7.1.6
APPLICATIONS FOR CREDIT: see CREDIT APPLICATIONS
ARBITRATION CLAUSES: credit score purchases, 3.3.4.6; enforceability, 12.4; application to dispute, 12.4.3.1; class-wide arbitration, 12.4.5.1; consumer reporting agencies, by, 12.4.2.2, 12.4.2.2; credit repair organizations, 17.2.8.4; debt collectors, by, 12.4.2.5, 12.4.2.4; determination of arbitrability, 12.4.4; existence of agreement, 12.4.2; formation of agreement, 12.4.3.2; home mortgage loans, 12.4.2.3; manufactured home loans, 12.4.2.3; military personnel, 12.4.2.3; NAF as forum, 12.4.3.5; punitive damages, 12.4.5.2; report users, by, 12.4.2.4; state insurance restrictions, 12.4.2.3; unconscionability, 12.4.3.4; waiver, 12.4.3.3
ARRESTS: see PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION
ASSEMBLING OF INFORMATION: consumer reporting agency status, 2.5.3.2
ASSIGNEES: CROA, application, 17.2.2.7, 17.2.2.2.6
ASSOCIATED CREDIT BUREAUS, INC.: see CONSUMER DATA INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, INC. (CDIA)
ATTORNEY FEES AND COSTS: CROA claims, 17.2.8.5.1, 17.2.8.6; FCRA claims; bad faith, 12.7.1.2; costs, 12.7.1.5; mandatory award, 12.7.1.3; maximizing awards, 11.1, 12.7.3; prevailing party, 12.7.1.4; right to, 12.7.1.1; settlements, 12.7.4; standards, 12.7.2; federal fee shifting standards, 12.7.2.2; lodestar approach, 12.7.2.2; Rule 68, 12.7.5; settled cases, 12.7.4; settlement breach, 14.6.4.3; successful action, 12.7.1.4; tort claims, 12.7.3
ATTORNEYS: advising regarding credit reporting, 14.1; consumer files; power of attorney disclosures, 3.4.4; reinvestigation requests, 4.5.2.5; consumer reports; certification of permissible use, 7.5.2.2; impermissible use, 7.4.4; obtaining, 7.1.6, 7.2.1, 12.1.3.10; permissible user, 7.2.3.4.1; prospective clients, 7.4.4; credit scores, considerations, 16.10; creditor status, 1.4.12.1, 2.3.6.3.1; CROA, application, 17.2.2.5; credit repair organization status, 17.2.2.4, 17.2.2.5; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.3.1, 2.7.8; fees, see ATTORNEY FEES AND COSTS; practice aids, see PRACTICE AIDS; Red Flag Guidelines, application, 1.4.12.1, 2.3.6.3.1, 9.2.6.2.2; reinvestigation requests, 4.5.2.5; subpoenas issued by, court order status, 7.2.1, 12.1.3.10
AUDIT TRAIL: consumer files, disclosure, 3.5.5.2
AUTHORIZED USERS: reporting of debts, 5.6.2
AUTOMATED CONSUMER DISPUTE VERIFICATIONS (ACDVs): see also CONSUMER DISPUTE VERIFICATION (CDV) FORM; challenging system, 4.5.3.4.4; dispute codes, 4.5.6.2; electronic processing of, 4.5.6.1, 6.10.1.2; reinvestigation notice, 4.5.4.2, 4.5.6.1, 6.10.3.2; reinvestigation results, 6.10.6.6; sample form, Appx. I.3
AUTOMATED REINVESTIGATION SYSTEM: see also E-OSCAR; nationwide reporting agencies, 4.6.4, 6.10.1.2; problems with, 6.10.1.2, 6.10.4.2.3; use by furnishers, 6.10.6.4, 6.10.6.6
AUTOMATED UNIVERSAL DATA FORMS (AUDFs): see also UNIVERSAL DATA FORM; e-OSCAR processing system, 4.5.6.1, 6.10.1.2
AUTOMOBILE DEALERS: see also DEALER PAPER; credit repair laws, application; CROA, 17.2.2.7; state law, 17.3.4; disclosure obligations, 8.6.1.4.1; FCRA enforcement authority, 13.2.5; FTC regulations, Appx. B.3.2; GLBA, application, 18.4.1.3
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE: see INSURANCE
AUTOMOBILE LEASES: see also PERSONAL PROPERTY LEASES; blemished credit record, impact, 14.7.1; fraud lists, 14.7.7; return of car, advertised rewards, bad debt list exemption, 14.2.3
AUTOMOBILE LOANS: blemished credit record, impact, 14.7.1
BACKGROUND CHECK DATABASES: accuracy requirements, 4.3.5.1; file contents, 3.2.4; mismerged information, 4.4.6.6
BAD CHECK LISTS: see CHECK CASHING LISTS
BAD DEBT LISTS: see also CONSUMER LISTS; publication, 14.2.3
BAD DEBTS: see CHARGED-OFF ACCOUNTS; DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS
BAD DRIVING LISTS: see also CONSUMER LISTS; specialized agencies, 3.2.4
BANKING REGULATORS: credit unions, see NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION (NCUA); FCRA enforcement, 13.2.3, 13.2.6; FCRA regulatory powers, 1.3.3.1; citations, Appx. B.4; summary of current regulations,1.3.3.1.2; FRB, see FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD (FRB); GLBA enforcement powers, 18.4.1.2; identity theft, red flag guidelines, 9.2.6.2; national banks, see OFFICE OF COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY (OCC); state-chartered banks, see FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (FDIC)
BANKRUPTCY: advantages, 14.6.8; cosigner, reporting, 5.6.2; discharged debts, reporting; improper reporting, 4.3.2.4, 4.4.6.10.2; time limit, 14.7.2.2; FCRA claims; jurisdiction, 11.4.1; relationship, 12.3.1.9; Metro 2 Format reporting, 6.3.3.13; mortgage applications, impact, 14.7.2.2; reporting inaccuracies, 4.4.6.10; discharged debts, 4.3.2.4, 4.4.6.10.2; erroneous report, 4.4.6.10.3; other issues, 4.4.6.10.4; sample complaint, Appx. J.2.5; time limits, 5.2.3.8; risk scoring, 16.2.2.4; spouses, 4.4.6.10.3; Metro 2 reporting, 6.3.3.13.2; stay violations, 10.3; student loans, impact, 14.6.5, 14.7.8; updating files after, 4.3.2.4; utility services, effect, 14.7.4
BANKS: see also CREDITORS; DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS; FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS; accounts; see also FINANCIAL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES; number sharing, 18.4.1.9; pretexting, 18.4.2.1, 18.4.2.3; credit denial, see ADVERSE ACTION; CROA exemption, 17.2.2.3.4; FCRA enforcement authority over, 13.2.2, 13.2.3, 13.7.2; financial information, see FINANCIAL INFORMATION; GLBA, application, 18.4.1; regulatory authorities, see BANKING REGULATORS
BENEFITS: see GOVERNMENT BENEFITS; INSURANCE BENEFITS
BILLING ERRORS: see also CREDIT DISPUTES; DISPUTED INFORMATION; claims re, 10.3; definition, 5.3.4; FCBA, regulation, 5.3.4; home mortgages, 5.3.5; notification address, 6.4.4; open-end credit, 5.3.4
BOUNCED CHECKS: see DISHONORED CHECKS
BROKERS: data brokers, see DATA BROKERS; information brokers, see RESELLERS; loan brokers, see LOAN BROKERS; real estate brokers, see REAL ESTATE AGENTS
BULK SALES: consumer files, 7.1.7
BULLETINS: see LAW ENFORCEMENT BULLETINS
BURDEN OF PROOF: see also EVIDENCE; FCRA violations; actual damages, 12.5.2.1; attorney fees, 12.7.2.2; punitive damages, 12.5.4.1.1; reasonable procedure violations, 4.4.5.1.2, 6.10.4.3; reasonable procedures as defense, 12.3.1.2; willful noncompliance, 12.5.3.2; tort claims, 10.4.6.1
BUSINESS CREDIT: see also COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS; CREDIT; consumer reports; impermissible use, 7.1.9; permissible use, 7.2.3.1.3; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.2, 2.3.6.3.1; reports for, see COMMERCIAL REPORTS
BUSINESS DEBTS: collection, consumer report use, 7.2.3.1.3
BUSINESS HISTORIES: consumer report status, 2.3.3.3, 2.3.6.2
BUSINESS INSURANCE: see also INSURANCE; consumer reports use, 7.2.5
BUSINESS PURPOSES: see BUSINESS CREDIT; COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS
BUSINESS REPORTS: see COMMERCIAL REPORTS
BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS: see also BUSINESSES; commercial purposes, see COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS; consumer report, permissible purpose, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.8.2; eligibility determination, necessity, 7.2.8.2.2.3; examples, 7.2.8.2.2.2; initiated by consumer, 7.2.8.2.3; legitimate business need, 7.2.8.2.4; personal, family, or household purposes, 7.2.8.2.2.1; definition, 7.2.8.2.2.2
BUSINESSES: see also CORPORATIONS; PARTNERSHIPS; SOLE PROPRIETORSHIPS; affiliated, see AFFILIATES; credit for, see BUSINESS CREDIT; FCRA, application, 2.3.3.3, 2.3.6.2, 2.3.6.8, 2.3.6.3.1, 7.2.8; insurance, see BUSINESS INSURANCE; legitimate need for information, consumer report use; account review, 7.2.8.3; impermissible use, 7.4.11; insurance benefit issuance, 2.3.6.5.2; permissible use, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.8; transactions initiated by consumer, 7.2.8.2.4; reports on, see COMMERCIAL REPORTS; transactions; commercial purpose, see COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS; involving consumers, see BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS
CDIA: see CONSUMER DATA INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, INC. (CDIA)
CDV: see CONSUMER DISPUTE VERIFICATION (CDV) FORM
CENTRALIZED SOURCE: free annual credit reports, 3.3.2.3
CERTIFICATION: see also VERIFICATION; consumer reports, permissible use; blanket certification, 4.9.1, 7.5.2.2; child support purposes, 7.2.9; continuing reports, 7.5.2.3; counterterrorism, 7.2.10.5; electronic communication, 7.5.4; employment reports, 7.2.4.3.1; generally, 7.5.2; obsolete information, 5.2.5.4; resellers, 2.6.3.3; verification of certifying user, 7.5.3; investigative reports, 15.4.1.5; reinsertion of information, 4.7.2.3
CHARGED-OFF ACCOUNTS: see also DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS; date of charge-off, duty to provide, 5.2.3.4.3; nature of charge-offs, 5.2.3.4.2; reporting restrictions, 5.2.3.4
CHARGES: see FEES
CHECK APPROVAL COMPANIES: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; SPECIALTY AGENCIES; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.3.2; GLBA, application, 18.4.1.3; identity theft, blocking of information, 9.2.4.1.5; information found in databases, 3.2.4; lists issued by, see CHECK CASHING LISTS; nationwide agencies, 2.6.2
CHECK CASHING LISTS: see also CHECK APPROVAL COMPANIES; CONSUMER LISTS; adverse use, notice, 8.5.4.6.1, 8.5.4.6.2; blemished credit record, implications, 14.7.7; coding requirement, 14.7.7; consumer report status, 2.3.4.1, 2.3.6.3.2
CHECK CASHING REPORTS: see CHECK CASHING LISTS
CHECK GUARANTEE BUSINESSES: see CHECK APPROVAL COMPANIES; CHECK CASHING LISTS
CHECKS: see also CHECK APPROVAL COMPANIES; CHECK CASHING LISTS; adverse characterizations, identification disclosure, 3.5.4.4; credit, status as, 7.2.3.1.2; payment by; consumer report, permissible use, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.3.1.2, 7.2.8.2.2.1; denial, notice requirements, 8.5.4.6.2; returned checks, see DISHONORED CHECKS
CHEXSYSTEMS: see CHECK APPROVAL COMPANIES
CHILD CUSTODY: see CHILD SUPPORT; DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS
CHILD IDENTITY THEFT: problem of, 9.4.5
CHILD SUPPORT: see also DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS; consumer report; impermissible uses, 7.2.3.4.3, 14.2.4; permissible uses, 2.3.6.9, 7.2.3.4.3, 7.2.9, 7.4.2; enforcement, see CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; FAST Act amendments, 1.4.12.2; overdue, inclusion in consumer report, 5.8.2, 7.4.2
CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: see also CHILD SUPPORT; computer linkups with reporting agencies, 7.5.4; consumer reports, permissible users, 7.2.3.4.3, 7.4.2; determination of support levels, 2.3.6.9, 7.2.9; disclosure notice; content and nature, 8.13.2; reporting of debts, 5.8.2, 7.4.2
CHILDREN’S ONLINE PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT: scope, 18.4.2.1
CHOICEPOINT: see DATA BROKERS
CIVIL PENALTIES: furnishers, against, 13.3.4, 13.7.3
CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIONS: credit reporting abuses, 10.3; privacy from governmental intrusion, 18.2
CIVIL SUITS: see ACTIONS; COLLECTION SUITS; FCRA CLAIMS; LITIGATION
CLASS ACTIONS: class-wide arbitration, 12.4.5.1; credit repair violations, 17.2.8.7; class arbitration bans, 17.2.8.4.4; credit reporting violations, 11.2.3; attorney fee awards, 12.7.2.2; challenges to, 11.2.3.3; discharged debts, 4.4.6.10.2.4; discovery of class members, 12.1.4.2; examples, 11.2.3.2; generally, 11.2.3.1; offers of judgment, 11.2.3.3.8; superiority, 11.2.3.3.4; settlements, 11.2.3.4
CLUE: see DATA BROKERS
CODED LISTS: see also CONSUMER LISTS; check cashing lists, 14.7.7; consumer report status, 2.3.3.2
CODING SCHEMES: bankruptcy reporting, 4.3.2.4.7; check cashing lists, 14.7.7; medical furnisher information, 5.4.3; reinvestigations, 4.5.6.2
COLLECTION AGENCIES: see DEBT COLLECTORS
COLLECTION OF INFORMATION: consumer reporting agency status, 2.5.3.2
COLLECTION SUITS: see also CREDITORS; consumer reports, use, 14.2.4; court orders covering reporting issues, 14.6.4.5; credit accounts, 7.2.3.4; reporting limitations, 5.2.3.5; settlement, resolving reporting issues, 14.6.4, 16.6.2.5
COLLEGE PLACEMENT OFFICES: FCRA, application, 2.7.7
COMMERCIAL REPORTS: consumer report status, 2.3.3.3, 2.3.5.2, 2.3.5.4, 2.3.6.2; false pretenses, obtaining under, 7.7.4; litigation, use, 7.4.4
COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS: see also BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS; consumer reports, impermissible use, discovering, 7.1.9; credit transactions, see BUSINESS CREDIT; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.2, 2.3.6.3.1, 7.2.3.1.3, 7.2.8.2.2.1; insurance transactions, see BUSINESS INSURANCE; reports in connection with, see COMMERCIAL REPORTS
COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION (CFTC): FCRA regulatory and enforcement authority, 1.3.3.1.2, 13.2.5; GLBA regulatory authority, 18.4.1.2; identity theft, red flag guidelines, 9.2.6.2.1
COMMON LAW: privacy protections, 18.3, 18.5; torts, see TORT CLAIMS
COMPANIES: affiliated, see AFFILIATES; businesses, see BUSINESSES; check approval companies, see CHECK APPROVAL COMPANIES; consumer reporting companies, see CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; corporations, see CORPORATIONS; credit reporting companies, see CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; tenant screening, see TENANT SCREENING COMPANIES
COMPLAINTS: see CONSUMER COMPLAINTS; PLEADINGS
COMPUTER DATING SERVICES: see DATING SERVICES
COMPUTER ERRORS: see also ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION; consumer files; data retrieval, 4.4.6.8; legislative response, 1.4.3; mismerged files, 4.3.3, 4.4.6.6; transcription errors, 4.4.6.8; Metro 2 Format, 6.3.3.8; public record information, 4.3.5.2
COMPUTER FRAUD AND ABUSE ACT: see also COMPUTER FRAUD LAWS; claims under, 10.3; criminal sanctions, 13.6; financial information, protections, 18.4.2.1
COMPUTER FRAUD LAWS: civil claims, 10.3; criminal penalties, 13.6; federal statute, see COMPUTER FRAUD AND ABUSE ACT; financial information, protections, 18.4.2.1
COMPUTER HOOKUPS: see ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
CONDITIONAL PRIVILEGE: see QUALIFIED PRIVILEGE
CONFIDENTIALITY: see also PRIVACY; consumer files, legislative history, 1.4.2, 1.4.3; credit score calculations, 16.5.4; discovery requests and, 12.1.3.8; financial information, 18.5; investigative reports, sources, 15.4.2.3, 15.4.4; Metro 2 Format, 6.3.3.1; purpose of FCRA, 7.1.1
CONSENT: see also WAIVER; consumer reports; consumer’s, effect, 7.2.2; employment reports, requirement, 7.2.4.3.2, 15.5.1; insurance report, business purpose, 7.2.5; medical information, inclusion, 5.4.2; employee agency communications, 2.4.4.2.5; FCRA disclosures; form of disclosure, 3.6.1, 3.6.2; presence of another person, 3.6.2
CONSOLIDATION SERVICES: see RESELLERS
CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES: DPPA restrictions, 18.4.2.4; FCRA class statutory damages, 12.3.1.5; FCRA identity theft provisions, 9.2.5.1.4; FCRA restrictions on obsolete information, 5.2.1.2, 12.3.1.5; security freeze laws, 9.4.4.5
CONSUMER: see CONSUMERS
CONSUMER COMPLAINTS: CFPB referral process, 13.3.5; credit disputes, complaint address, 6.4.4, 14.6.2.3; identity theft, 9.1.3; inaccurate information; complaints to furnisher, 6.5.2; complaints to reporting agency, 4.5, 6.10; complaints to regulators, 4.1.3.4
CONSUMER CREDIT INFORMATION: see CONSUMER REPORTS
CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION ACT (CCPA): see also EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT (ECOA); FAIR CREDIT BILLING ACT (FCBA); FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT (FCRA); FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT (FDCPA); Dodd-Frank amendments, 1.4.11; rights under, exercise, discrimination, 5.7.2, 14.4.8
CONSUMER CREDIT TRANSACTIONS: see CREDIT TRANSACTIONS
CONSUMER DATA INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, INC. (CDIA): accuracy studies, 4.1.3.5; e-OSCAR, creation, 6.10.1.2; Metro 2; creation, 6.3.1; information regarding, 6.3.2.1; professional liability insurance, 12.1.3.11
CONSUMER DISPUTE VERIFICATION (CDV) FORM: electronic (ACDV) communication, 6.10.3.2, 6.10.6.6; on-line processing system, 6.10.1.2; problems with, 6.10.4.2.3; notification of furnisher, 6.10.3.2; problems with, 6.10.1.2, 6.10.3.2; use, circumstances, 6.3.2.5
CONSUMER DISPUTES: see CREDIT DISPUTES; DISPUTED INFORMATION
CONSUMER FILES: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; CREDIT RECORD; access rights, 3.3; adverse action, 3.3.6; affiliated debt collector communications, 3.3.7; contents of disclosure, 3.5; credit repair organizations, disclosure, 17.2.3; credit scores, 3.3.4, 3.5.5.1; fee payment, 3.3.10; fraud, 3.3.5; free annual disclosure, 3.3.2, 3.4.2.1; identity theft, 3.3.5; location of information irrelevant, 3.5.3; mechanics of exercising, 3.4; representative of consumer, 3.4.4; time limits, 3.3.10.3; users, from, 3.3.1; additional information; consumer rights, 4.8, 14.6.9; updated information, 4.4.6.9.4, 4.4.6.9.5; adverse information, see ADVERSE INFORMATION; alerts, 4.8.2, 9.2.2; active military duty, see MILITARY DUTY ALERTS; fraud alerts, see FRAUD ALERTS; audit trail, 3.5.5.2; authorized users, 5.6.2, 16.8.3; bankruptcy, effect, 14.6.8; “big three” nationwide agencies, 3.2.3, 3.4.1; building by reporting agency, 4.3.3.2.1; bulk sales, 7.1.7; business reports, commingling, 2.3.5.4; cleaning up, 14.6, 16.6.2.4; computer access, 7.5.4; consumer report distinguished, 2.3.1.2; contents, 3.2; disclosure, see DISCLOSURE; “big three” nationwide agencies, 3.2.3.2, 3.4.1; obsolete information, see OBSOLETE INFORMATION; restrictions, 3.2.2; right to dispute, 4.5.1; specialized agencies, 3.2.4; third party’s information, 3.5.1.6, 4.3.3.1; corrections; automated reinvestigation system, 4.6.4, 6.10.6.4, 6.10.6.6; expedited dispute resolution, 4.5.5.2, 14.6.2.2; following reinvestigations, 4.6.2; monitoring, 4.6.4, 4.7.1, 14.6.4.7; credit account information, 3.2.3.2.3; credit limits, missing, 4.3.2.3, 16.8.2.2; credit scores, see CREDIT SCORES; dating of information, 5.2.5.3; defined, 3.2.2, 5.6.1; deletion of information; accurate information, 6.4.2.7; agency rights, 5.2.2.2; expedited dispute resolution, 4.5.5.2, 14.6.2.2; following reinvestigation, 4.6.2; furnisher rights, 6.4.2.7; obsolete information, see OBSOLETE INFORMATION; “pay for deletion,” 6.4.2.7; reinsertion, see REINSERTION OF INFORMATION; reporting, 4.9.1; soft-deletes, 4.6.2, 4.7.1.2, 14.6.4.3; disclosure distinguished from consumer report, 4.4.3; disclosure requests, see; disclosure rights, 3.3, 3.5, 15.4.4; disputed information; cleaning up after resolution, 14.6.4.6; cloaking, 4.6.2; correction, 4.6.2, 6.5.4, 14.6.4.5; date conformity reviews, 6.10.4.2.3; expedited dispute resolution, 4.5.5.2; missing accounts, 4.4.6.9.2, 14.6.9; monitoring after resolution, 14.6.4.7; notation on file, 4.8.1, 4.8.2, 6.6, 8.17.4, 14.4.7; past users, notification, 4.9, 8.17.4; public record information, 14.6.3; reinsertion after deletion, see REINSERTION OF INFORMATION; reinvestigation, see REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); removal, 14.6.4.1; right to dispute, 4.5.1; soft-deletes, 4.6.2, 4.7.1.2, 14.6.4.3; employment agencies, 2.4.4.2.5; errors, see INACCURATE INFORMATION; examining; importance of, 3.1.2; mechanics of, 3.4; practice tips, 3.7; right to, 3.3, 3.5; explanations, inclusion, 4.8.3; favorable information, 5.2.2.1, 5.2.2.2; flat file system, 4.3.3.2.1; fraud alerts, see FRAUD ALERTS; “header” information, 2.3.4.2, 3.2.3.2.2, 3.7.1; identifying information, 3.2.3.2.2; altering to confuse reporting agency, 14.5.5, 17.2.7.3; furnishing to government agencies, 7.2.10.2; theft of, see IDENTITY THEFT; identity theft related information, blocking, 9.2.4; illogical files, 4.4.6.3; inaccurate, see INACCURATE INFORMATION; incomplete files, see INACCURATE INFORMATION; inconsistencies, 4.4.6.3; information collected, purpose, 2.3.5; inquiries, 3.2.3.2.4; see also INQUIRY ACTIVITY; insurance purposes, segregation, 14.7.5; investigative report materials, 3.2.1; location of information, 3.5.3; matching of data, errors, 4.3.3; matching procedures, 4.3.3.2; medical information, see MEDICAL INFORMATION; mismerged/mixed files, 4.3.3, 4.4.6.6; fragmentary files, 4.3.3.9; identity theft and, 4.3.3.7; reason for, 4.3.3.2.2, 4.3.3.3; sample complaint, Appx. J.2.3; studies on, 4.3.3.3; missing accounts; see also INACCURATE INFORMATION; adding, 4.4.6.9.2, 4.8.4, 14.6.9; adverse action based on, 8.5.4.1.2; nationwide agencies, 3.2.3; negative information, see ADVERSE INFORMATION; new files or information, 4.4.6.9.2, 4.8.4; obsolete information, see OBSOLETE INFORMATION; OFAC list, 3.5.1.4; overview, 3.1.1; PINing, 4.3.3.2.1; prescreened inquiries, see PRESCREENED REPORTS; prior use, effect, 2.3.5.2; public record information, see PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; reinsertion of information, see REINSERTION OF INFORMATION; reinvestigation of information, see REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); repayment schedules, reporting, 14.6.7.3; reports on, see CONSUMER REPORTS; retrieval errors, 4.3.3.10, 4.4.6.8; sales between agencies, 2.3.1, 7.1.7; security freezes, 9.4.4, 14.6.6.2; segregation techniques, 14.5.5, 17.2.7.3; insurance purposes, 14.7.5; settled disputes, 14.6.4; monitoring file, 14.6.4.7; sources of information; see also FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; disclosure, 3.5.4.2; inaccurate sources, 4.4.6.4; nationwide agencies, 3.2.3.3; specialized agencies, 2.7.3, 3.2.4; spouses; ECOA requirements, 5.6.1, 14.6.9; FCRA restrictions, 5.6.1; standards, legislative history, 1.4.2; statement of dispute, inclusion, 4.8.1, 8.17.4, 14.4.7; supplementing information, 14.6.9; tenant screening companies, 14.7.3; third party information in, 3.5.1.6, 4.3.3.1; “tradeline” information, 3.2.3.2.3; transcription errors, 4.4.6.8; updating, 4.4.6.9.4, 4.4.6.9.5; after dispute settlement, 14.6.4.6, 14.6.4.7; furnishers, 6.5; variation, 3.4.1; withdrawing information, 14.6.4.1
CONSUMER FINANCIAL MARKETS: see FINANCIAL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU (CFPB): bulletins, 1.3.3.2.3; compliant reports, 1.3.3.2.3; consumer complaint referral process, 13.3.5; consumer reporting, definition, 2.3.1.1, 2.5.1, 13.2.4.5; CRA annual report to, 9.2.1.3; creation by Dodd-Frank Act, 1.3.3.1.1, 1.4.11; credit score study, 3.3.4.3, 16.4.5.1; “larger participants” rule, 13.2.4.5, Appx. B.2.3; rulemaking and enforcement authority, 1.4.11; depository institutions and credit unions, 13.2.2; enforcement powers, 13.3.2; examples of enforcement actions, 13.4; exclusions, 13.2.5; FCRA, 1.3.3.1, 13.2, 13.3.2; GLBA, 18.4.1.2; nondepository covered persons, 13.2.4; regulations and interpretations, 1.3.3.1, 13.2.7; summary of current regulations, 1.3.3.1.2; supervisory authority, 13.2.8; supervisory highlights, 1.3.3.2.3
CONSUMER LISTS: address updates, 2.3.4.2.1; bad debts, see BAD DEBT LISTS; blemished record, implications, 14.7.7; check cashing, see CHECK CASHING LISTS; coded lists, 2.3.3.2, 14.7.7; consumer report status, 2.3.3.2, 2.3.4.2.1, 2.3.4.2.3, 2.3.4.2.4, 7.3.2; FCRA, application, 2.3.3.2, 2.3.4.2.3, 2.3.4.2.4, 7.3.2.1; fraud lists, use by banks, 14.7.7; identifying information, consumer report status, 2.3.4.2.1, 7.2.10.2; impermissible use, 7.4.8; insurance claims, see INSURANCE CLAIM LISTS; judgment debtors, 14.2.3; law enforcement agencies, see LAW ENFORCEMENT BULLETINS; mailing lists, see MAILING LISTS; permissible uses, 7.3; prescreened, see PRESCREENED REPORTS; skip tracing, 2.3.6.3.2; specialized lists, 3.2.4; targeted marketing, see TARGETED MARKETING LISTS; trigger lists, see TRIGGER LISTS; younger consumers, 7.3.3.1.2
CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES: see also CREDIT BUREAUS; INSPECTION BUREAUS; RESELLERS; arbitration requirements, enforcement, 12.4.2.2, 12.4.2.2; accident reporting bureaus, status, 2.7.9; account numbers, information sharing, 18.4.1.9; accuracy standards, 4.1.1; see also ACCURACY; INACCURATE INFORMATION; internal studies, 4.1.3.5, 4.1.3.6; address discrepancies, monitoring, 8.17.3.1, 9.2.6.3; affiliated collection agencies, 3.3.7; agents, status, 7.1.6; alternative agencies, see ALTERNATIVE CREDIT BUREAUS; assembly of information, 2.5.3.2; purpose of assembly, 2.5.4; attorneys, status, 2.7.8; bad debt lists, publication, 14.2.3; big three, see NATIONWIDE REPORTING AGENCIES; blocking procedures, 9.2.4.1, 12.1.3.2.10, 14.6.6.1; business reporting, 2.3.6.2; CFPB terminology, 2.5.1, 13.2.4.5; check approval companies, status, 2.3.6.3.2, 2.6.2.2; see also CHECK APPROVAL COMPANIES; collection agencies, status, 2.7.4; college placement offices, status, 2.7.7; complaint referral from CFPB, 13.3.5; consumer reports; see also CONSUMER REPORTS; discretion to provide, 7.1.2.1, 7.1.6, 7.2.2; interdependence, 2.3.2, 2.5.1; purpose of reporting agency, 2.5.4; refusal to provide, 4.3.7, 7.1.2, 12.1.3.10; release for improper purpose, 13.6; requests, response time, 3.3.10.3; consumer’s guide, Appx. M; consumer’s written instructions, effect, 7.2.2; cooperative loan exchanges, status, 2.5.5; credit bureau collection departments, status, 2.7.4; credit bureaus, status, 2.7.1; see also CREDIT BUREAUS; credit header information, disclosure, 2.3.4.2.2; credit repair organizations; abuses by, 17.1.1; misstatements by, 17.2.7.2; credit scores; credit risk scores, 16.2.2.2; disclosure requirements, 3.3.4, 16.4; creditors, receipt of information, see CONSUMER REPORTS; creditors, status, 2.5.5, 2.7.2; creditors, supply of information, see FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; data brokers, status, 2.7.5; data mining companies, status, 2.7.13; definition, 2.1.1, 2.5, 6.4.3.3; detective agencies, status, 2.7.6; disclosure in adverse action notice, 8.5.2.3; disclosure obligations, 15.4.4; consumer assistance, 3.6.3; file information, 3.3, 3.5; office hours, 3.6.2; discovery; formal, 12.1.3.2; informal, 12.1.2; disputed information; see also REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); deletion, 4.5.2.1, 4.5.3.1, 4.5.5.2, 4.6.2; expedited dispute resolution, 4.5.5.2, 14.6.2.2; formal dispute process, 6.10; notice from furnisher, 6.5.2.6; notice to furnisher, 6.10.2.2, 6.10.3; reporting restrictions, 5.3.2.1; electronic communications, 6.3.1, 7.5.4; Metro 2 Format, 6.3.2, 6.3.3; see also METRO 2 FORMAT; electronic processing systems, 4.5.6.1, 6.10.1.2; employees; criminal liability, 7.6; disclosure assistance, 3.6.3; dispute processing, procedures, 4.5.6.4; reasonable procedures, following, 4.4.5.1.4; employers, status, 2.7.6; employment agencies, status, 2.3.6.4.2, 2.7.6; employment purpose information, see EMPLOYMENT REPORTS; Equifax, see EQUIFAX; errors; see also INACCURATE INFORMATION; duty to correct, 4.5.2.5; mismatched files, 4.3.3, 4.4.6.6; prevalence, 4.1.3; retrieval errors, 4.3.3.10, 4.4.6.6, 4.4.6.8; transcription errors, 4.4.6.8; evaluation of information, 2.5.3.2; purpose of evaluation, 2.5.4; examples, 2.7; exceptions; conveyers of credit decisions, 2.4.6; federal government agencies, 2.5.7; joint lenders and users, 2.5.6; Experian, see EXPERIAN (TRW); FBI security clearances, 7.2.10.4; FCRA application, 2.1.1, 2.5; FCRA definition, 2.5.1; FCRA enforcement authority, 13.2.4.5; FCRA rights notice, employment purposes, 7.2.4.3.3, 8.11.3.1; FCRA violations; civil actions, see FCRA CLAIMS; criminal sanctions, 13.6; generally, 7.5.1; impermissible reports, 7.5.1, 7.6; inaccurate reports, 4.1.1; per se UDAP violation, 10.6.2; reasonable procedures, failure to maintain, 7.5.1; testers, use, 12.1.2; federal agencies, status, 2.5.7; fees, see FEES; files, see CONSUMER FILES; financial institution status, 2.3.4.2.2; FTC enforcement orders, Appx. L; furnishers of information to, see FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; furnishing of information by, see CONSUMER REPORTS; GLBA, application, 2.3.4.2.2, 18.4.1.3, 18.4.1.6.3, 18.4.1.9; government agencies, status, 2.5.7, 2.5.8; identification requests, 7.5.3; identity theft; address discrepancy notice, 9.2.6.3; alerts, implementation, 9.2.2; blocking of information, 9.2.4.1, 12.1.3.2.10, 14.6.6.1; notice of refusal to block, 9.2.4.1.3, 8.10.4; inaccurate information, see INACCURATE INFORMATION; independent contractors, status, 2.5.5; information collected by, see CONSUMER FILES; information furnished by, see CONSUMER REPORTS; INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS; information furnished to, see FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; information sources, reliance on, 4.2.1.3, 4.4.6.4, 4.5.4.1; inquiries, reporting, 2.3.4.2.4; inspection bureaus, status, 2.7.1; see also INSPECTION BUREAUS; insurance claim compilers, status, 2.7.9; insurance claim exchanges, status, 2.3.6.5.2; investigative reports; see also INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS; disclosure obligations, 15.4.4; preparation, 15.1; joint lenders or users, status, 2.4.6, 2.5.6; liability, see under LIABILITY; limited qualified immunity, 10.4; listing of, Appx. O; local government agencies, status, 2.5.8; management policies, improper, 4.4.6.1; medical information, see MEDICAL INFORMATION; medical information agencies, status, 2.6.2.2; see also MEDICAL INFORMATION AGENCIES; missing accounts, obligations, 4.4.6.9.2, 4.8.4, 14.6.9; misstatements to, 17.2.7.2; motor vehicle departments (state), status, 2.5.8, 2.7.9; nationwide agencies, see NATIONWIDE REPORTING AGENCIES; notice obligations; address discrepancies, 8.17.3, 9.2.6.3; corrections following reinvestigation, 4.6.2; employment reports, 4.4.7.2; expedited dispute resolution, 4.5.5.2; fraud alerts, 9.2.2.3.3; frivolous disputes, 4.5.2.7.4, 8.14.1; identity theft block refusal, 9.2.4.1.3, 8.10.4; inaccurate information received, 6.4.2.2; prescreening opt-out, 7.3.3.4; public record information, 4.4.7.2, 8.11.5; reinsertion of information, 4.7.2.4, 8.10.2; reinvestigation request, 4.5.4.2, 6.10.3; reinvestigation results, 4.6.1, 6.10.6.4, 8.10.1; notice of dispute, receipt, 4.5.2, 8.15; notice of inaccurate information from furnisher, 6.5.2.6; obsolete information, see OBSOLETE INFORMATION; overview of industry, 1.2.2; police departments, status, 2.7.9; prescreening, see PRESCREENED REPORTS; public record information, reporting, 4.4.7, 8.11.5; purpose requirement, 2.5.4; qualified immunity, 10.4, 18.3.2; reasonable procedures, see REASONABLE PROCEDURES; record retention, 12.1.5; preservation for litigation purposes, 12.1.3.6; request records, 7.5.5; refusal to issue report, 4.3.7; impermissible purpose, 7.1.2; refusal to provide report to litigant, 12.1.3.10; regularly engages, 2.5.3.1; regulation, 1.3.1; reinsertion of deleted information, 4.7; certification from furnisher, 4.7.2.3; notice, 4.7.2.4; standards, 4.7.2.2; reinvestigation of information, see REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); reports, see CONSUMER REPORTS; resellers, status, 1.2.2, 2.6.3.2; see also RESELLERS; retailer database services, status, 2.7.12; security procedures, 4.4.6.8; sheriff’s departments, status, 2.7.9; social service agencies, status, 2.5.2; specialized agencies, 2.6.2, 2.7.3, 3.2.4; see also SPECIALTY AGENCIES; state agencies, status, 2.5.8; state law, application, 10.6.1; federal preemption, 10.7.3.3, 10.7.8.2; statements of dispute, obligations, 4.8.1.2; student loan defaults, report receipt, 14.4.5; suits against, 11.2.2; Summary of Consumer Rights, provision, 3.5.4.1, 8.2.2; employment reports, 7.2.4.3.3, 8.11.3.1; telephone companies, status, 2.7.10; tenant screening companies, status, 2.6.2.2; see also TENANT SCREENING COMPANIES; terminology, use, 1.2.1; third parties, reporting to, 2.5.5; TransUnion, see TRANSUNION; trigger lists, 2.3.4.2.4; trucker database services, status, 2.6.4; TRW, see EXPERIAN (TRW); types, 2.6, 2.7; UDAP violations, 10.6.2; Universal Data Form, see UNIVERSAL DATA FORM; unsolicited reports, 7.1.2.1; unverifiable information, reporting, 4.2.6; updating procedures, 4.4.6.9.4, 4.4.6.9.5
CONSUMER REPORTING MARKET: see also CREDIT REPORTING; consumer reporting, defined, 2.3.1.1, 2.5.1, 13.2.4.5; larger participants, defined, 13.2.4.5, Appx. B.2.3
CONSUMER REPORTS: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; CONSUMER FILES; access, see; accuracy concerns, 4.1.3; see also INACCURATE INFORMATION; consumer complaints, 4.1.3.4; consumer groups, 4.1.3.2; FCRA intent to combat, 4.1.2; FTC studies, 4.1.3.3; internal CRA analyses, 4.1.3.6; other government studies, 4.1.3.4; prevalence of inaccurate reports, 4.1.3.1; active military alerts, 9.2.2.4; additional information, 14.6.9; administrative summons, 7.2.1; adverse information, see ADVERSE INFORMATION; adverse use, see ADVERSE ACTION; affiliate information sharing, status, 2.4.3; agents, obtaining, 7.1.6; bankruptcy, special procedures, 4.4.6.10.2; between agencies, 7.1.7; “big three” nationwide agencies, contents, 3.2.3.2; blemished, implications, 14.7; business reports, status, 2.3.3.3, 2.3.5.2, 2.3.5.4, 2.3.6.2; CFPB terminology, 2.3.1.1, 13.2.4.5; child support debts, inclusion, 1.4.12.2, 5.8.2, 7.4.2; closed accounts, voluntary, 6.8; commercial reports, status, 2.3.3.3, 2.3.5.2, 2.3.5.4, 2.3.6.2; confidentiality, 7.1.1; consent of consumer; business purposes, 7.2.5; employment purposes, 7.2.4.3.2, 15.5.1; medical information, 5.4.2; written instructions, 7.2.2; consumer lists, status, 2.3.4.2.1, 7.3.2; check cashing lists, 2.3.6.3.2; coded lists, 2.3.3.2; prescreening lists, 2.3.4.2.3; consumer reporting agencies, interdependence, 2.3.2, 2.5.1; consumer’s file, distinguished, 2.3.1.2, 4.4.3; consumer’s guide, Appx. M; consumer’s right to free report, see FREE CONSUMER REPORTS; contents, restrictions, 5.1, 5.2.2.1; obsolete information, see OBSOLETE INFORMATION; continuing reports, 7.5.2.3; copies, see; corrections; disputed debts, 4.6.1.2, 4.6.2, 14.6.4.7; notification of previous users, 4.9; cosigners, 5.6.2; court orders, 7.2.1; credit card accounts, 5.3.4; credit card authorizations, status, 2.4.5; credit headers, status, 2.3.4.2.1; credit purposes, 2.3.6.3; credit scores; see also CREDIT SCORES; inclusion in report, 3.2.3.2.6; status as, 2.3.1.2, 16.2.3.1; definition, 2.1.1, 2.3; denial of credit, see ADVERSE ACTION; different to consumer than creditor, 3.3.4.3, 3.7.2.2, 16.4.1.4, 16.4.5.1; directories, status, 2.3.4.2.1, 2.3.5.3; disclaimers, effect, 2.3.5.1, 2.5.4.3; disclosure distinguished, 4.4.3; disclosure re, see DISCLOSURE; disposal regulations, 9.2.5.3; disputed information; direct dispute with furnisher, 6.5.2; notation, 4.8.1, 4.8.2, 8.17.4, 14.4.7; notice to past users, 4.9; restrictions, 5.3; right to dispute, 4.5.1; distinguished from consumer’s file, 2.3.1.2; distinguished from file disclosure, 4.4.3; driving records, status, 2.3.4.1; electronic communication, 7.5.4; employment reports; see also EMPLOYMENT REPORTS; status as consumer report, 2.3.4.1, 2.3.6.4, 2.4.4, 7.2.4.4; erroneous information, see INACCURATE INFORMATION; evidentiary issues, 12.1.3.9, 12.1.7.3; permissible purpose, 7.4.4, 12.3.1.7; examining; assistance from reporting agency, 3.6.3; first considerations, 14.6.1; mechanics of obtaining, 3.4; practice tips, 3.7; exemptions, 2.4; employee misconduct investigations, 2.4.4.1, 7.2.4.4, 15.2.4.2; explanation from consumer; giving to creditor, 14.6.9; inclusion, 4.8.3; FACTA amendments; application, 5.4.3; key provisions, 1.4.9.2; factors bearing on, 2.3.4; false pretenses, obtaining under, 7.2.2, 7.7.3, 7.7.4, 13.6; favorable information, 5.2.2.1; FBI access, 1.4.8, 7.2.1, 7.2.10.4; FCRA definition, 2.3.1.1; FCRA enforcement authorities, subpoenas, 7.2.1; FCRA scope, 2.1.1, 2.3, 2.4; FDIC, use by, 2.3.6.10, 7.2.10.6; fees, 3.3.10.2; see also FREE CONSUMER REPORTS; file, distinguished, 2.3.1; first-hand experience, 2.4.2; follow-up reports, 7.5.2.3; form, 3.6; fraud alerts, 9.2.2.2, 9.2.2.3.3; fraudulent information, blocking, 9.2.4; free reports, see FREE CONSUMER REPORTS; FTC subpoenas, 7.2.1; furnishers of, see CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; GLBA exemption, 2.3.4.2.2, 18.4.1.6.3; governmental use, 14.7.9; grand jury subpoenas, 7.2.1; guarantors, 5.6.2; home mortgages, use, 7.2.7, 14.7.2.2; identifiable person, necessity, 2.3.3; identifying information, status, 2.3.4.2, 7.2.10.2; identity theft issues, see IDENTITY THEFT; impermissible purposes, see IMPERMISSIBLE PURPOSES; inaccurate, see INACCURATE INFORMATION; incomplete, 4.3.2.2, 4.3.2.3, 4.4.6.9, 14.6.9; industry overview, 1.2.2; information about another, 5.6; information based on interviews, 5.5; information gathered for, see CONSUMER FILES; insurance reports; see also INSURANCE REPORTS; status as consumer report, 2.3.6.5, 2.7.9; intended purpose, effect, 2.3.5; investigative reports, see INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS; IRS summons, 7.2.1; joint accounts, 7.4.6.4; law enforcement bulletins, status, 2.3.5.3; law enforcement requests, 7.2.1, 7.2.10.4; legislative history, 2.3.6.1, 2.3.6.2; lists of consumers, status, 7.3.2, 7.3.3.2; marketing data, status, 2.7.13; medical information, inclusion, 5.4.2, 7.4.9; military personnel, 5.7.1; active military alerts, 9.2.2.4; misidentification, 4.3.3, 4.3.3.10; see also IDENTITY THEFT; misleading, 4.2.4, 5.2.2.2; monitoring services, see CREDIT MONITORING SERVICES; NCUA, use by, 2.3.6.10, 7.2.10.6; neutral information, 5.2.2.1; notice requirements, see NOTICE; obsolete information, see OBSOLETE INFORMATION; obtaining; agency time response, 3.3.10.3; consumer’s representative, 3.4.4; contents of report, 3.5; deciding from which agency, 3.4.1; Dodd-Frank Act, under, 3.3.11; enforceability of rights, 3.3.12; examining report, 3.7; fee payment, 3.3.10, 3.4.2.3; form of report, 3.6; free reports, see FREE CONSUMER REPORTS; identification, 3.4.3; mechanics of obtaining, 3.4; model form, Appx. C.2; requesting a report, 3.4.2; subpoenas, 12.1.3.10; unreasonable preconditions, 3.4.5; users, from, 3.3.1; open-end account customers, 5.3.4; permissible purposes, see PERMISSIBLE PURPOSES; personal interviews, restrictions, 5.5; prescreened reports, see PRESCREENED REPORTS; previous recipients or inquiries; activity reports, 2.3.4.2.4; disclosure to consumer, 5.2.3.9, 7.5.5; prescreened lists, disclosure, 5.2.3.9; record retention, 7.5.5; prior report, partial use, 2.3.5.2; public record information, status, 2.3.4.1, 2.3.4.2.1; purpose requirement, 2.5.4; reading, 3.7.2.3, 14.6.1; refusal by agency to provide report, 4.3.7; impermissible purpose, 7.1.2; release; agent of user, 7.1.6; between agencies, 7.1.7; criminal liability, 13.6; discovering impermissible use, 7.1.9; FCRA violations, 7.5.1; impermissible purpose, effect, 7.1.8; impermissible purposes, see IMPERMISSIBLE PURPOSES; objection, effect, 7.1.3; permissible purpose only, 7.1.2, 7.1.4; permissible purposes, see PERMISSIBLE PURPOSES; reasonable procedures, see REASONABLE PROCEDURES; refusal, 4.3.7, 7.1.2; restrictions, 7.1.2, 7.1.4; written instructions of consumer, 7.2.2; request records, disclosure; prescreened inquiries, 5.2.3.9; record retention, 7.5.5; trigger lists, 2.3.4.2.4; requests for, see; resellers, see RESELLERS; restriction on information in, 5.1, 5.2.2.1; obsolete information, see OBSOLETE INFORMATION; sample reports, Appx. I.1; scope, 2.3, 2.3.6.1; settlement negotiations; impermissible purpose, 7.4.4; issues, resolving, 14.6.4; snapshot in time, 3.7.2.1; spouses of consumers, restrictions, 5.6.1, 7.4.6; state law preemption, 5.8.1, 10.7; state law restrictions, 5.8; state law summaries, Appx. H; statement of dispute, inclusion, 4.8.1.2, 8.17.4, 14.4.7; statutory exemptions, 2.4; student loans, 14.6.5; subpoenas; attorneys, 12.1.3.10; court orders, 7.2.1; enforcement authorities, 7.2.10.3; targeted marketing lists, 7.3.2.2; technically accurate, 4.2.4; tenant screening reports, status, 2.3.6.3.3; terminology, use, 1.2.1; third party credit requests, exemption, 2.4.6; tort claims, 10.4, 10.5; “trimerge” reports, 12.1.2; understanding, assistance to consumers, 3.6.3; unfavorable, policies encouraging, 4.4.6.1; unsolicited, restrictions, 7.1.2.1; unverifiable information, 4.2.6; updated information only, 4.4.6.9.4, 4.4.6.9.5; use; actual use, 2.3.5.2, 7.1.9; adverse use, see ADVERSE ACTION; business purposes, effect, 2.3.5.4, 2.3.6.2; disclosure, see DISCLOSURE; NOTICE; expected use, 2.3.5.3; impermissible, see IMPERMISSIBLE PURPOSES; landlords, 14.7.3; mortgage lenders, 14.7.2.2; permissible purpose only, 7.1.2, 7.1.4; permissible uses, see PERMISSIBLE PURPOSES; prior use, 2.3.5.2; reasonable procedures, see REASONABLE PROCEDURES; restrictions, 7.1.2, 7.1.4; utilities, 14.7.4; users, see USERS OF REPORTS; variations; between agencies, 3.4.1; between consumer and users, 3.7.2.2; withdrawal by creditor, 14.6.4.2.3
CONSUMER RIGHTS SUMMARY: see SUMMARY OF CONSUMER RIGHTS
CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS: see also CONSUMERS; CREDIT TRANSACTIONS; family purposes, see FAMILY PURPOSE TRANSACTIONS; household purposes, see HOUSEHOLD PURPOSE TRANSACTIONS; legitimate business need for information, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.8.2; personal purposes, see PERSONAL PURPOSE TRANSACTIONS
CONSUMERS: see also CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS; advising, 14.1; business histories, 2.3.3.3, 2.3.6.2; business transactions involving, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.8.2; initiated by consumer, 7.2.8.2.3; consumer reports, obtaining; mechanisms of, 3.4; rights, 3.3; credit record, see CREDIT RECORD; credit reporting rights, generally, 1.3.1; debts, see DEBTS; definition, 2.2, 2.3.3; CROA, 17.2.2.2.6; GLBA, 18.4.1.4; disclosure rights, see DISCLOSURE; NOTICE; disputing debts, 14.6.2; see also CREDIT DISPUTES; directly with creditor, see DIRECT REINVESTIGATIONS (FURNISHERS); importance of, 14.6.2.1; through CRA, see REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); FCRA, application, 2.2; FCRA rights summary, see SUMMARY OF CONSUMER RIGHTS; files on, see CONSUMER FILES; GLBA, application, 18.4.1.4; guides to credit reporting, 14.1, Appx. M; identification; see also IDENTIFYING INFORMATION; alteration, 17.2.7.3; consumer report, obtaining, 3.4.3; identity theft, see IDENTITY THEFT; information on, see CONSUMER REPORTS; INFORMATION ON CONSUMERS; medical information, see MEDICAL INFORMATION; power of attorney, 3.4.4; prescreening, see; spouses, see SPOUSES; summary of rights, see SUMMARY OF CONSUMER RIGHTS; younger consumers, credit card marketing, 7.3.3.1.2
CONTRACTS: arbitration clauses, see ARBITRATION CLAUSES; credit repair organizations; arbitration clauses, 17.2.8.4; disclosure requirements, 17.2.3; required terms, 17.2.4; state regulation, 17.3; void contracts, 17.2.8.1, 17.3.6; waiver of FCRA rights, 12.3.1.10
CONVICTIONS: see PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION
COOPERATIVE LOAN EXCHANGES: FCRA, application, 2.5.5
CORPORATIONS: see also BUSINESSES; affiliated, see AFFILIATES; credit applications, see BUSINESS CREDIT; employees, reports on, see EMPLOYMENT REPORTS; FCRA, application, 2.3.3.3; reports on, see COMMERCIAL REPORTS
COSIGNERS: adverse action notice, 8.5.4.3.7, 8.6.1.4.3; adverse information reporting, 5.6.2, 5.6.3; business credit, consumer report, use, 7.2.3.1.3
COSTS: see ATTORNEY FEES AND COSTS
COUNTERCLAIMS: FCRA claims, to, 12.3.2
COUNTERTERRORISM: see also NATIONAL SECURITY; SECURITY CLEARANCES; permissible purpose, 7.2.10.5; FBI access, 7.2.10.4
COURT ORDERS: see also COURTS; PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; attorney-issued subpoenas, status, 7.2.1, 12.1.3.10; consumer reports, permissible purpose, 7.2.1, 7.4.5, 12.1.3.10; disputed debts; reporting issues, 14.6.4.5; settlement approval, 14.6.4.4; grand jury subpoenas, status, 7.2.1; law enforcement agencies, consumer report requirement, 7.2.1
COURT RECORDS: see PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION
COURTS: credit reporting claims, selection, 11.4; federal, see FEDERAL COURTS; jurisdiction, see JURISDICTION; orders, see COURT ORDERS; state, see STATE COURTS
CREDIT: see also CREDIT TRANSACTIONS; accounts, see CREDIT ACCOUNTS; adverse action, see ADVERSE ACTION; applications for, see CREDIT APPLICATIONS; business credit, see BUSINESS CREDIT; cards, see CREDIT CARDS; checks, status, 7.2.3.1.2; consumer reports, permissible uses, 7.2.3; collections, 7.2.3.4.1; extension of credit, 7.2.3.2; generally, 7.2.3.1; prescreened reports, 7.3.3; review of accounts, 7.2.3.3, 7.2.8.3; risk assessment, 2.3.6.7, 7.2.7; definition, 2.3.6.3.1, 7.2.3.1.2, 8.5.4.3.2; CROA, 17.2.2.2.6; denial; see also ADVERSE ACTION; consumer reports, use, 7.2.3.2; definition, 8.5.4.3.3; evidentiary issues, 12.1.7.4; reasons, disclosure, 8.5.2.1; disputes, see CREDIT DISPUTES; extension; see also CREDIT TRANSACTIONS; consumer report, permissible use, 7.2.3.2; FCBA, application, 5.3.4; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.3; information, see CONSUMER REPORTS; offers, see CREDIT OFFERS; public utility credit, see PUBLIC UTILITY CREDIT; purposes, prescreened reports, 7.3.3.1.1; reporting agencies, see CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; residential leases, status, 8.6.1.2; risk-based pricing, 16.7.2; notice requirements, 8.5.4.3.4
CREDIT ACCOUNTS: see also CREDIT CARDS; OPEN-END CREDIT; account numbers, information sharing, 18.4.1.9; applications for, see CREDIT APPLICATIONS; authorized users, reporting restrictions, 5.6.2; billing errors, see BILLING ERRORS; charged-off, see CHARGED-OFF ACCOUNTS; closed accounts; review by creditor, 7.2.3.3; voluntarily closed, reporting, 6.8; delinquent, see DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS; disputes, see CREDIT DISPUTES; missing from consumer file, adding, 4.4.6.9.2, 4.8.4, 14.6.9; new accounts, establishing, 14.5.4; permissible purposes; account reviews, 7.2.3.3, 7.2.8.3; collections, 7.2.3.4.1; risk assessment, 2.3.6.7, 7.2.7; placed for collection, see COLLECTION SUITS; DEBT COLLECTORS; review by creditor, 7.2.3.3, 7.2.8.3; adverse action notice, 8.5.4.3.9; closed accounts, 7.2.3.3; spouses, designation, 14.6.9
CREDIT AND DEBIT CARD TRUNCATION CLARIFICATION ACT: retroactive immunity, 1.4.10.2, 9.2.5.1.2
CREDIT APPLICATIONS: see also CREDIT TRANSACTIONS; automated underwriting systems, 16.2.2.5; home mortgages, 14.7.2; credit score notice, 8.4.3.1.3; misstatements, 17.2.7.2; rejection see ADVERSE ACTION; CREDIT; DENIAL; scoring systems, 16.2.2.5
CREDIT BUREAUS: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; NATIONWIDE REPORTING AGENCIES; alternative bureaus, see ALTERNATIVE CREDIT BUREAUS; “Big Three” bureaus, 1.2.1, 1.2.2; CRA status, 2.7.1; collection departments, 2.7.4; Equifax, see EQUIFAX; Experian, see EXPERIAN (TRW); files, see CONSUMER FILES; overview of industry, 1.2.2; examples of credit bureaus, 2.7.1; reports, see CONSUMER REPORTS; terminology, use, 1.2.1; TransUnion, see TRANSUNION; TRW, see EXPERIAN (TRW)
CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLOSURES (CARD) ACT: FCRA amendments, 1.4.10.3
CREDIT CARDS: see also CREDIT ACCOUNTS; authorized users, 5.6.2, 14.7.6; piggybacking, 16.6.2.7, 16.8.3; billing errors, 5.3.4; blemished credit record, implications, 14.7.6; disputed amounts, 5.3.4; withholding payment, 14.4.2; FCBA, application, 5.3.4, 14.4.2; government-sponsored charge cards, 7.2.3.6; identity theft prevention; see also IDENTITY THEFT; change of address regulations, 9.2.6.4; number truncation, 9.2.5.1; red flag guidelines, 9.2.6.2; retroactive immunity, 1.4.10.2, 9.2.5.1.2; immigrants, 14.8; issuers, use of credit scores, 16.3; limits, importance to credit scores, 16.6.2.3, 16.6.2.6, 16.8.2.2; no-limit credit cards, 16.8.2.2; number truncation, 9.2.5.1; obtaining, 14.7.6; secured credit cards, 14.7.6; state law preemption, 10.7.8.6; transaction authorizations, FCRA, application, 2.4.5; using to build credit history, 14.5.4; younger consumers, 7.3.3.1.2
CREDIT CLINICS: see CREDIT REPAIR ORGANIZATIONS
CREDIT COUNSELORS: contacting, 14.6.7.3; CROA, application, 17.2.2.2.1, 17.2.2.2.4, 17.2.2.2.5; impact on credit scores, 14.6.7.3, 16.8.6; repair organizations, see CREDIT REPAIR ORGANIZATIONS; use to improve credit record, 14.5.2
CREDIT DISPUTES: see also DISPUTED INFORMATION; arbitration of, see ARBITRATION CLAUSES; billing errors, see BILLING ERRORS; collection of disputed debts, 5.3.3; complaint address, 6.4.4, 14.6.2.3; court orders covering reporting issues, 14.6.4.5; CRA obligations, 4.5, 14.6.2.2; credit card accounts, 5.3.4, 14.4.2; credit repair organizations, using, 17.1.1; credit scores and, 16.7.3; dealing directly with creditor, 6.5.2, 6.10.1.1, 14.6.2.3; expedited dispute resolution, 4.5.5.2, 14.6.2.2; FCBA, application, 5.3.4; FCRA violations, inaccuracy, necessity, 4.5.3.2; frivolous disputes, 4.5.2.7, 6.5.2.5; notice of frivolous dispute, 8.14.1; furnishers; address to notify, effect, 6.4.4; notice of formal dispute, 4.5.4.2, 6.10.2.2, 6.10.3; notice of inaccuracies, 6.5.2, 6.10.1.1, 14.6.2.3; obligations, 4.5.4, 6.5.2.6, 6.10.1, 6.10.4, 14.6.2.2; reporting restrictions, 6.4.4, 6.5.3; home equity loans and mortgages, 14.4.4; identity theft related, see IDENTITY THEFT; inaccurate information; correcting, 4.5.2.5, 6.5, 14.6.2; direct dispute rights, 6.5.2; formal dispute process, 4.5, 6.10; notification address, 6.4.4; investigations into; CRA, see REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); direct requests to creditor, see DIRECT REINVESTIGATIONS (FURNISHERS); irrelevant disputes, 4.5.2.7, 6.5.2.5, 8.14.1; litigation aids, 14.6.4; notation of dispute; by consumer, 4.8.1, 8.17.4, 14.4.7; by furnisher, 4.8.2, 6.6; notice of dispute, 4.5.2, 6.5.2.3, 14.6.2.1; identity theft, Appx. C.5; open-end credit, 5.3.4; procedures; disputing with agency, 4.5, 6.10, 14.6.2.1, 14.6.2.2; disputing with creditor, 6.5.2, 14.6.2.3; disputing with reseller, 4.5.2.6; formal process, see REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); reporting of disputed information, restrictions, 5.3; settlement; breach of agreement, 14.6.4.3; cleaning up file after, 14.6.4.6; court approval, 14.6.4.4; monitoring file after, 14.6.4.7; negotiating, 14.6.4.2; resolving credit reporting issues, 14.6.4.1; selecting correct language, 14.6.4.3, Appx. K; statement of dispute, 4.8.1; telephone charges, 14.4.3; utility charges, 14.4.3; withholding payment, effect, 14.4
CREDIT FILES: see CONSUMER FILES
CREDIT HEADER INFORMATION: consumer file, inclusion, 3.2.3.2.2; consumer report status, 2.3.4.2.1; examining, 3.7.1; FCRA, application, 2.3.4.2.1; GLBA, disclosure restrictions, 2.3.4.2.2
CREDIT HISTORY: see CREDIT RECORD
CREDIT INFORMATION: see CONSUMER REPORTS; CREDIT RECORD; FINANCIAL INFORMATION; INFORMATION ON CONSUMERS
CREDIT INSURANCE: consumer report, permissible purpose, 7.2.3.5
CREDIT LIMITS: furnishers, failure to report, 4.3.2.3, 16.8.2.2; importance to credit score, 16.8.2.2
CREDIT MONITORING SERVICES: abuses, 3.3.3.1.2; credit reporting agencies, 2.3.1, 2.6.1.4, 4.4.6.7; consumer disclosures, 2.3.1, 2.6.1.4, 3.3.3.1.3; overview, 3.3.3.1.1
CREDIT OFFERS: “firm offers,” 7.3.4.3; prescreened lists, 7.3.3
CREDIT PURPOSES: see also CREDIT TRANSACTIONS; prescreening, 7.3.3.1
CREDIT RATING: see CREDIT RECORD; CREDIT SCORES
CREDIT RECORD: see also CONSUMER FILES; bankruptcy, impact, 14.6.8; blemished records; automobile loans and leases, impact, 14.7.1; banking and check cashing, impact, 14.7.7; credit card applications, impact, 14.7.6; explaining with additional information, 14.6.9; first considerations, 14.6.1; home mortgages, impact, 14.7.2; identifying, 14.6.1; implications, 14.7; improving, right way, 14.6; improving, wrong way, 14.5; insurance, impact, 14.7.5; repair agencies, see CREDIT REPAIR ORGANIZATIONS; residential leases, impact, 14.7.3; spouses, impact, 14.2.5; student loans and grants, impact, 14.7.8; utility service, impact, 14.7.4; building, 14.5.4; contents, see CONSUMER FILES; court orders, 14.6.4.5; disputing, see CREDIT DISPUTES; REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); ECOA, application, 5.6.1, 7.4.6.2, 14.2.5, 14.6.9; examining, see CREDIT REPORTS; first considerations, 14.6.1; identity theft cleanup, 14.6.6; immigrants, 14.8; impermissible purposes, see IMPERMISSIBLE PURPOSES; improving; right way, 14.6; wrong way, 14.5; inaccurate, see INACCURATE INFORMATION; incomplete, providing additional information, 14.6.9; insufficient; adding missing accounts, 4.4.6.9.2, 4.8.4, 14.6.9; establishing new accounts, 14.5.4; joint accounts, 5.6, 7.4.6.4; publication in the community, 14.2.2, 14.2.3; rating, see CREDIT SCORES; recent delinquencies, removing, 14.6.7; repair agencies, see CREDIT REPAIR ORGANIZATIONS; settlement negotiations, protecting, 14.6.4; sample language, Appx. K; spouses; ECOA reporting requirements, 5.6.1, 14.6.9; effect on consumer, 7.4.6.1, 14.2.5; explanation to creditor, 14.6.9; requests to consider, 14.6.9; use by creditor, 7.4.6, 14.2.5; student loan defaults, 14.6.5; threats to damage, 14.3; withholding of payments, effect, 14.4
CREDIT REPAIR ORGANIZATIONS: ancillary services, status, 17.2.2.4; attorneys, status, 17.2.2.5; cancellation rights, 17.2.4; concerns with, 14.5.1, 17.1.1; contract terms, 17.2.4; arbitration clauses, 17.2.8.4; non-complying contracts void, 17.2.8.1; three-day right to cancel, 17.2.5; creditors restructuring debt, status, 17.2.2.3.3; CROA; application, 17.2.2; exemptions, 17.2.2.3; violations, 17.2.8, 17.2.11; debt collectors, status, 17.2.2.7; defined, 17.2.2.2; exemptions, 17.2.2.3; disclosure requirements, 17.2.3; depository institutions, status, 17.2.2.3.4; federal law, see CREDIT REPAIR ORGANIZATIONS ACT (CROA); fees, 17.2.2.2.2; advance payment, 17.2.6, 17.3.5; state law requirements, 17.3.4.2; fraud and deception, 17.2.7.5; FTC Telemarketing Rule, application, 17.4.1; misrepresentations regarding services, 17.2.7.4; misstatements to reporting agencies or creditors, 17.2.7.2; non-profit organizations, status, 17.2.2.3.2; overview, 17.1; credit repair laws, 17.1.2, 17.1.3, 17.2.1; nature of credit repair organizations, 17.1.1; regulation, 17.2; reinvestigation requests, 4.5.2.7.2; state law, see STATE CREDIT SERVICES (REPAIR) STATUTES; suits against, 17.2.8; class actions, 17.2.8.7; damages, 17.2.8.5; jurisdiction, 17.2.8.8; jury trials, 17.2.8.11; standing, 17.2.8.2.1; state law violations, 17.3.6; statute of limitations, 17.2.8.10; Telephone Consumer Protection Act, application, 17.4.2
CREDIT REPAIR ORGANIZATIONS ACT (CROA): see also CREDIT REPAIR ORGANIZATIONS; advance payments, prohibition, 17.2.6; ancillary services, application, 17.2.2.4; attorneys, application, 17.2.2.5; contract terms, 17.2.4; arbitration clauses, validity, 17.2.8.4; cancellation right, 17.2.5; debt collectors, application, 17.2.2.7; deceptive practices, prohibition, 17.2.7; definitions; credit repair organization, 17.2.2.2; other definitions, 17.2.2.2.6; disclosure requirements, 17.2.3; enforcement; federal and state agencies, 17.2.11; private enforcement, 17.2.8; exemptions, 17.2.2.3; overview, 17.1.2, 17.2.1; private remedies, 17.2.8; arbitration clauses, application, 17.2.8.4; attorney fees, 17.2.8.6; damages, 17.2.8.5; jurisdiction, 17.2.8.8; jury trials, 17.2.8.11; pleading, 17.2.8.9; scope, 17.2.8.3; standing, 17.2.8.2.1; statute of limitations, 17.2.8.10; voiding of contract, 17.2.8.1; prohibited practices, 17.2.7; scope, 17.2.2; persons, 17.2.7.1; surprising reach, 17.1.3; state law relationship, 17.2.10; text, Appx. F; violations, 17.2.8; damages formula, 17.2.8.5.1; liability, 17.2.8.3; pleading, 17.2.8.9; statute of limitations, 17.2.8.10; waiver of rights under, 17.2.9
CREDIT REPORTING: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; CONSUMER REPORTS; consumer guides, Appx. M; federal legislation, see FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT (FCRA); FTC studies, 1.3.3.2.4; legislative history, see LEGISLATIVE HISTORY OF FCRA; market, see CONSUMER REPORTING MARKET; NCLC treatise, using, 1.1; online version, 1.1.1, 1.1.3.3; scope of FCRA, 2.1; structure of treatise, 1.1.3; supplemental materials, 1.1.3.3; terminology, 1.2.1; updates, 1.1.1; NCLC web-based text searches, 1.1.3; overview, 1.2; industry overview, 1.2.2; regulation, 1.3.1; state law summaries, Appx. H; see also STATE CREDIT REPORTING STATUTES; terminology and convention, 1.2.1; CFPB terminology, 2.3.1.1, 2.5.1, 13.2.4.5
CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES: see CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; CREDIT BUREAUS
CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCES GUIDE: Metro 2 manual, 6.3.2.1
CREDIT REPORTS: see also CONSUMER REPORTS; terminology, use, 1.2.1
CREDIT SCORES: see also CONSUMER REPORTS; CREDIT RECORD; accuracy concerns, 16.8; account type, 16.8.2.6; disputed debts, 16.7.3; duplicate accounts, 16.8.2.5; inaccurate information, 16.8.1, 16.8.2; lack of validation and re-validation, 16.8.4.1; lender misuse, 16.8.5; missing credit limits, 16.8.2.2; obsolete information, 16.8.2.7; unreported information, 16.8.2.3; actual damages calculations, use, 12.5.2.2.2; adverse action notice, inclusion, 3.3.1.3.5, 16.4.4; automated underwriting systems, 16.2.2.5; basic concept, 16.2.1.1; calculations, 16.5; black box, 16.5.1; confidentiality, 16.5.4; FICO scores, 16.5.2; Freddie Mac, 16.5.3; concerns with; accuracy concerns, 16.8; discrimination, 16.9; lender misuse, 16.8.5; reliability during recession, 16.8.4.2; scoring systems, 16.7, 16.8.4.1; consumer’s guide, Appx. M; credit applications, 16.2.2.5; credit limits, importance, 16.6.2.3, 16.6.2.6, 16.8.2.2; credit risk scores, 16.2.2.2; consumer report status, 2.3.1.2, 16.2.3.1; consumer reports, inclusion in, 3.2.3.2.6; credit reporting agencies, 16.2.2.2; custom versus generic, 16.2.2.3; debt management plans, effect, 16.8.6; definition, 16.2.3; ECOA, 16.2.3.2; FCRA, 16.2.3.1; disclosure, 3.3.1.3.5, 3.3.4, 3.5.5.1, 16.4; different from what creditor receives, 3.3.4.3, 3.7.2.2, 16.4.1.4, 16.4.5.1; fees, 3.3.4.5; generic scores, 3.3.4.3, 16.4.1; mortgage transactions, 3.3.1.4, 8.4.3, 16.4.3; notices, accompanying, 8.4.3, 8.5.2.4, 8.7.3, 16.4.4; obtaining, 3.3.4, 8.4.1, 8.4.2.1, 16.4.1.5; preemption of state law, 10.7.6; required disclosure, 3.3.4, 8.4.2.1, 16.4.1.2, 16.4.1.4; variations between agencies, 16.4.5.1; discovery relating to, 12.1.3.2.11; discrimination, 16.9; disparate impact, 16.9.1, 16.11; growing credit score gap, 16.9.2; disputed debts, effect, 16.7.3; fees, 3.3.4.5, 16.4.1.3; FICO scores, 16.2.2.2, 16.4.5.3, 16.5.2; fraud alerts, 9.2.2.3.3; generic scores, 3.3.4.3, 16.2.2.3, 16.4.1; improving; additional advice, 16.6.2; industry advice, 16.6.1; organizations assisting, see CREDIT REPAIR ORGANIZATIONS; re-scoring, 16.6.3; ways to improve, 14.6; in-house educational scores, 16.4.5.2; insurance scores, 16.11; missing information, 16.8.2.3; credit limits, 4.3.2.3, 16.8.2.2; models; “alternative” models, 16.9.1; concerns with, 16.7; development, 16.2.2.2, 16.5.1; FICO, 16.2.2.2, 16.4.5.3, 16.5.2; in-house educational scores, 16.4.5.2; misuse by creditors, 16.8.5; notice of model used, 8.4.2.1, 8.4.3.1; validation, 16.8.4.1; VantageScore, 16.4.5.2; mortgage lenders, use, 3.3.1.4, 14.7.2.2, 16.4.3; mortgage scoring notice, 8.4.3; notice of preparation and scoring model, 8.4; adverse action, 8.5.2.4; enforcement of notice right, 8.4.2.2, 8.4.3.3; entitlement, 8.4.2.1, 8.4.3.1.1; fee payment, 8.4.2.1; mortgage transactions, 8.4.3; nature and content, 8.4.2.1, 8.4.3.1; risk-based pricing, 8.7.3; time and manner, 8.4.2.2, 8.4.3.2; objective standard, 6.3.3.2; obtaining, 3.3.4, 16.4.1.5; fees, 3.3.4.5, 16.4.1.3; overview, 16.1; “piggybacking,” 16.6.2.7, 16.8.3; policy concerns, 16.7; conflicts with FCRA, 16.7.3; lack of flexibility, 16.7.1; risk-based pricing, 16.7.2; practice concerns, 16.10; predictiveness, 16.8.4; problems with, 16.2.1.2; public utilities, use, 16.12; risk-based pricing notice, inclusion, 3.3.1.3.5, 8.7.3.2, 16.4.4; risk scores, 16.2.2.2; specialty scores, 16.2.2.4; student loan deferments, effect, 16.8.2.4; VantageScore, 16.4.5.2; variations, 3.4.1, 16.2.2, 16.4.5; between agencies, 16.4.5.1; between creditor vs. consumer, 3.3.4.3, 16.4.1.4, 16.4.5.1; different types of scores, 16.2.2; effect on consumers, 16.4.5.1; FICO variations, 16.4.5.3; in-house educational scores, 16.4.5.2; VantageScore, 16.4.5.2; widespread use, 16.3; voluntary provision, 16.4.2
CREDIT SELLERS: information on consumers, see CONSUMER REPORTS
CREDIT SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS: see CREDIT REPAIR ORGANIZATIONS
CREDIT SOLICITATIONS: see CREDIT OFFERS
CREDIT TRANSACTIONS: see also CREDIT APPLICATIONS; accepted counteroffers, 8.5.4.3.5; adverse action, see ADVERSE ACTION; commercial transactions, see BUSINESS CREDIT; consumer reports; see also CONSUMER REPORTS; obsolete information, 5.2.4; permissible use, 7.2.3; spouses, 7.4.6.2; credit scores, use, 16.3; defined, 7.2.3.1.2; CROA, 17.2.2.2.6; ECOA, application, 5.7.2, 14.4.8; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.3; information concerning, see CONSUMER REPORTS; residential lease, status, 8.6.1.2
CREDIT UNIONS: see also DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS; FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS; CROA exemption, 17.2.2.3.4; FCRA enforcement, 13.2.2, 13.2.3
CREDITORS: see also FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; account reviews, 7.2.3.3, 7.2.8.3; adverse action notice, 8.5.4.3.9; address for error complaints, 6.4.4, 14.6.2.3; affiliates, see AFFILIATES; billing errors, see BILLING ERRORS; consumer reports, permissible use, 2.3.6, 7.2.3, 7.2.7, 7.2.8.3, 14.2.4; credit card transactions, 2.4.5; credit denial, see ADVERSE ACTION; credit limits, failure to report, 4.3.2.3, 16.8.2.2; credit reporting agency status, 2.5.5, 2.7.2; credit scoring systems, misuse, 16.8.5; CROA, application, 17.2.2.3.3; dealer paper sales, notice obligations, 8.6.1.4.1; dealing directly with, 6.5.2, 6.10.1.1, 14.6.2.3; definition, 2.3.6.3.1, 17.2.2.3.3; red flag purposes, 1.4.12.1, 2.3.6.3.1; discrimination prohibited, 5.7.2; disputed debts, see CREDIT DISPUTES; DISPUTED INFORMATION; ECOA application, 2.4.5, 2.4.6, 5.7.2, 14.4.8; FCRA application, 2.3.6.3, 2.5.5, 2.7.2, 6.2.2.2; FCRA enforcement authority, 13.2.4; first-hand experience, 2.4.2, 2.5.5; direct selling of information, 6.2.2.2; social media, 2.4.2; friendly, use as testers, 12.1.2; identity theft obligations, 6.12, 9.2; address discrepancies, 9.2.6.3; change of address verification, 9.2.6.4; data security breach, 9.6; duty of care, 9.5.2; number truncation, 9.2.5; red flag guidelines, 1.4.12.1, 9.2.6.2; inaccurate information, see INACCURATE INFORMATION; information obtained from non-reporting agency, 2.3.2, 3.3.1.3.3, 8.6; information obtained from reporting agency, see CONSUMER REPORTS; information supply to reporting agency, see FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; joint lenders, FCRA, application, 2.4.6, 2.5.6; judgment creditors, see JUDGMENT CREDITORS; landlords, status, 15.3.3; law suits, see COLLECTION SUITS; medical information restrictions, 5.4.5, 7.4.9; misstatements to, 17.2.7.2; mortgage lenders see HOME MORTGAGES; negotiating repayment plans with, 14.6.7.3, 16.8.6; non-furnishing of information, 4.3.2.2, 4.3.2.3, 16.8.2.2, 16.8.2.3; notice obligations; adverse action, 2.4.5, 2.4.6, 8.5, 8.6; affiliate information sharing, 8.12; disputes, 4.8.2, 6.6; risk-based pricing, 8.7; prospective creditors, alerting to unreported history, 14.6.9; record retention, 12.1.5; Red Flag Guidelines, application, 1.4.12.1, 9.2.6.2.2; retaliation prohibited, 5.7.2; third party credit requests, 2.4.6; threats to report debt, 14.3; tort liability, 10.4, 10.5; use of consumer reports, see USERS OF REPORTS
CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS: see CRIMINAL RECORDS; PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION
CRIMINAL OFFENSES: alleged criminals lists, see LAW ENFORCEMENT BULLETINS; arrests, see PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 13.6, 18.4.2.1; consumer information, unauthorized obtaining, 7.7.4, 13.6; convictions, see CRIMINAL RECORDS; PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; FCRA violations, 13.6; Financial Information Privacy Act, 18.4.2.2; identity theft; Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, 9.3; state law, 9.4.1; indictments, see PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; investigations, consumer reports, use, 7.4.5; prosecutions, see PROSECUTIONS
CRIMINAL RECORDS: see also CRIMINAL OFFENSES; PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; assemblers of information, 2.5.3.2, 2.7.1; background check databases, see BACKGROUND CHECK DATABASES; reporting limitations, 5.2.3.7
DAC SERVICES: consumer reporting agency status, 2.6.4
DAMAGES: see also ATTORNEY FEES AND COSTS; actual, see DAMAGES, ACTUAL; class actions, 11.2.3; CROA claims, 17.2.8.5; FCRA claims, 12.5; class actions, 11.2.3.3.2, 11.2.3.3.3; maximizing, 11.1; multiple, see DAMAGES, MULTIPLE; nominal, see DAMAGES, NOMINAL; published awards, quick reference, 12.8; punitive, see DAMAGES, PUNITIVE; reasonable procedures claims, 4.4.5.3; state claims; credit repair, 17.3.6; credit reporting, 11.1; statutory, see DAMAGES, STATUTORY; Telephone Consumer Protection Act, 17.4.2
DAMAGES, ACTUAL: see also DAMAGES; class actions, 11.2.3; CROA violations, 17.2.8.5.2; definition, 12.5.2.1; FCRA violations, 12.5.2; generally, 12.5.2.1; intangible damages, 12.5.2.3; mitigation, 12.5.2.2.6; negligent violations, 11.1; pecuniary loss, 12.5.2.2; reasonable procedures violations, 4.4.5.3; willful violations, necessity, 4.4.5.3, 12.5.4.1.2; nominal damages alternative, 12.5.2.4; published awards, quick reference, 12.8; punitive damages prerequisite, 12.5.4.1.2; tort claims, 11.1, 12.5.2.1
DAMAGES, MULTIPLE: see also DAMAGES; credit reporting claims, 12.5.3.3
DAMAGES, NOMINAL: recovering, 12.5.2.4
DAMAGES, PUNITIVE: see also DAMAGES; class actions, 11.2.3, 12.4.5.2; CROA violations, 17.2.8.5.3; FCRA violations; actual damages, no need, 12.5.4.1.2; amount, determination, 12.5.4.2; determination by judge or jury, 12.5.4.2.1; prerequisites, 12.5.4.1; purpose, 12.5.4.1.1; willful noncompliance, 12.5.4.1.1; financial standing of defendant, discovery, 12.1.3; jury trials, 12.5.4.2.1, 12.2; obsolete information reporting, 5.2.5.1; published awards, quick reference, 12.8; reasonable procedures violations, 4.4.5.3; tort claims, 12.5.4.1.1
DAMAGES, STATUTORY: see also DAMAGES; credit reporting violations; FBI provision, 7.2.10.4; FCRA claims, 12.5.3; state law claims, 12.5.3.3; willful violations, 4.4.5.3, 12.5.3.3
DATABASE SERVICES: see DATA BROKERS
DATA BROKERS: see also SPECIALTY AGENCIES; background checks, see BACKGROUND CHECK DATABASES; check approval companies, see CHECK APPROVAL COMPANIES; employment-related, 2.7.6; FCRA, application, 2.7.5; file contents, 3.2.4; FTC enforcement order, Appx. L.5; listing of, Appx. O; marketing services, 2.7.13; obtaining reports from, 3.4.2.3; “pretexting” to obtain financial information, 18.4.2.3; public record information, 4.3.5.1; retail services, 2.7.12; sources of information, 2.7.5, 3.2.4; trucker services, 2.6.4
DATA COMMUNICATION: electronic, see ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION; preservation for litigation purposes, 12.1.3.6; reasonable procedures, 4.4.6.8; universal form, see UNIVERSAL DATA FORM
DATA MANAGEMENT COMPANIES: use by creditors, 6.3.1
DATA MINING AND MARKETING COMPANIES: see DATA BROKERS
DATA SAFEGUARD: financial information, 18.4.1.10; FTC rules, Appx. G
DATING SERVICES: consumer report use, 7.2.8.2.2.2, 7.4.10
DEALER PAPER: see also AUTOMOBILE DEALERS; sales, disclosure requirements, 8.6.1.4.1
DEALERS: see AUTOMOBILE DEALERS; CREDITORS; MERCHANTS
DEBIT CARDS: credit card alternative, 14.7.6; identity theft prevention; see also IDENTITY THEFT; change of address regulations, 9.2.6.4; number truncation, 9.2.5.1; red flag guidelines, 9.2.6.2; retroactive immunity, 1.4.10.2, 9.2.5.1.2; state law preemption, 10.7.8.6
DEBT BUYERS: FDCPA requirements, 14.4.6
DEBT COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT ACT: reporting of federal government debts, 14.4.5
DEBT COLLECTORS: see also COLLECTION SUITS; accounts placed with, reporting, 5.2.3.4; creditor’s delinquency date, using, 5.2.3.4.6; re-aging of delinquency date, 5.2.3.4.5, 6.7; affiliated collectors, communications giving rise to free report, 3.3.7; arbitration clauses, enforcement, 12.4.2.5, 12.4.2.4; bad debt lists, publication, 14.2.3; consumer reports, permissible user, 7.2.3.4; CRA status, 6.13; CROA, application, 17.2.2.4, 17.2.2.7; disputed debts, reporting and collection restrictions, 5.2.3.4.6, 5.3.3, 6.13, 14.4.6; false threats or information, 5.2.3.4.7, 14.3; FCRA, application, 2.7.4, 6.13; FDCPA requirements, 5.3.3, 6.13, 14.4.6; furnishers, as, 6.13; identity theft information, obligations, 9.2.3.2; Metro 2 Format, use, 6.3.3.9; re-aging of accounts, 5.2.3.4.5, 6.7; creditor’s delinquency date to be used, 5.2.3.4.6; state law restrictions, federal preemption, 10.7.8.5; threats to report debt, 14.3; obsolete information, 5.2.3.4.7; validation notice, 14.4.6
DEBT COUNSELORS: see CREDIT COUNSELORS
DEBT ELIMINATION COMPANIES: concerns with, 14.5.2
DEBT MANAGEMENT PLANS: credit score, effect, 14.6.7.3, 16.8.6; negotiating, 14.6.7.3
DEBTS: bad debts; charged-off to, see CHARGED-OFF ACCOUNTS; lists, see BAD DEBT LISTS; bankruptcy discharge, see BANKRUPTCY; delinquent, see DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS; discharging through bankruptcy, 5.2.3.8, 14.6.8; disputed debts, see CREDIT DISPUTES; DISPUTED INFORMATION; elimination companies, 14.5.2; fraudulent; blocking, 9.2.4; sale of, 9.2.4.2.2; new debt, taking on to improve credit record, 14.5.4, 14.6.7.2; payment, priorities, 14.5.3; purchasers of debt, see ASSIGNEES; repayment, effect on reporting limitations, 5.2.3.4; repayment plans, 14.6.7.3, 16.8.6
DECEPTIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES: CROA prohibitions, 17.2.7; application, 17.2.7.1; pleading violations, 17.2.8.9; state laws, see UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES (UDAP)
DECLARATORY JUDGMENT ACT (DJA): FCRA violations, application, 12.6
DECLARATORY RELIEF: FCRA violations, 12.6; class actions, 11.2.3.3.5
DEFAMATION: see also TORT CLAIMS; actual damages, 12.5.2.1; elements of claim, 10.5.2; false reports, 10.5.2; FCRA qualified immunity, 10.4; exception for malice or willful intent, 10.4.6; inaccurate reports, 10.5.2; qualified privilege defense, 10.5.2
DEFENSES: abstention, 12.3.1.8; bankruptcy as exclusive remedy, 12.3.1.9; claim preclusion, 12.3.1.8; conditional privilege, 10.5.2; constitutional arguments, 12.3.1.5; counterclaims, 12.3.2; defamation claims, 10.5.2; disputed debts, see CREDIT DISPUTES; equitable defenses, 12.3.1.3; exhaustion of other remedies, 12.3.1.6; FCRA claims, 12.3; GLBA as, 18.4.1.12; indemnification, 12.3.3; lack of standing, 12.3.1.3; litigation privilege, 12.3.1.7; mitigation, 12.5.2.1; pleading, 12.3.1.1; preemption defense, 12.3.1.11; qualified privilege, 10.5.2; reasonable procedures, 10.2.3.5, 12.3.1.2, 15.4.3; res judicata, 12.3.1.8; Rooker-Feldman doctrine, 12.3.1.8; standing, 12.3.1.3; statutory affirmative defenses, 12.3.1.2; student loans, raising, 14.4.5, 14.6.5; technical accuracy, 4.2.4; third party claims, 12.3.3; waiver of rights, 12.3.1.10
DEFINITIONS: accuracy, 4.2.1, 6.4.3.3; active duty military consumer, 9.2.2.4; actual damages, 12.5.2.1; adverse action, 8.5.4.2, 8.5.4.3.1; affiliate, 18.4.1.6.2; assemble, 2.5.3.2; billing error, 5.3.4; business transaction, 7.2.8.2.2.2; consumer, 2.2, 17.2.2.2.6, 18.4.1.4; consumer credit transaction, 17.2.2.2.6; consumer report, 2.1.1, 2.3.1.1; consumer reporting, 2.3.1.1, 2.5.1, 13.2.4.5; consumer reporting agency, 2.1.1, 2.5.1, 6.4.3.3; credit, 2.3.6.3.1, 7.2.3.1.2, 8.5.4.3.2, 17.2.2.2.6; credit repair organization, 17.2.2.2; credit score, 16.2.3; creditor, 1.4.12.1, 2.3.6.3.1, 17.2.2.3.3; customer relationship, 18.4.1.4; denial, 8.5.4.3.3; eligibility information, 8.12.3.2.2; employment purposes, 2.3.6.4.1, 7.2.4.2; evaluate, 2.5.3.2; file, 3.2.2, 5.6.1; financial institution, 18.4.1.3; free credit report, 3.3.3.2.2; furnisher of information, 2.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.4.3.3; governmental agency, 7.2.10.2; identity theft, 9.2.1.2; identity theft report, 9.2.2.3.2; integrity, 6.4.3.3; investigation, 4.5.3.4.1; investigative consumer report, 15.2; larger participants, 13.2.4.5; malice, 10.4.6.1; material terms, 8.7.2.2; materially less favorable, 8.7.2.3; medical information, 5.4.1; negligence, 10.2.2; nonpublic personal information, 18.4.1.1; person, 2.5.2, 15.4.1.1; personal, family, or household purpose, 2.3.6.3.1; personally identifiable financial information, 18.4.1.5; pre-existing business relationship, 8.12.3.2.3; privacy notice, 18.4.1.7.1; reasonable cause to believe, 6.4.2.2; red flag, 9.2.6; regularly engages, 2.5.3; reseller, 2.6.3.2; solicitation for marketing purposes, 8.12.3.2.4; successful action, 12.7.1.4; user, 2.1.2, 7.1.4.2; willful intent, 10.4.6.1
DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS: see also COLLECTION SUITS; bringing up-to-date, 14.6.7; payments on old accounts, 14.5.3; student loans, 14.7.8; charged-off to bad debts, see CHARGED-OFF ACCOUNTS; date of delinquency to be furnished, 5.2.2.4, 5.2.3.4.3, 6.7; debt collectors must use creditor’s date, 5.2.3.4.6; disclosure of date to consumer, 5.2.5.3; Metro 2 and, 5.2.3.2; re-aging by debt collectors, 5.2.3.4.5, 6.7; discharging in bankruptcy, 14.6.8; importance of resolving issues, 14.6.4.1; reporting limitations; obsolete information, 5.2.2.3; sent for collection or charged-off, 5.2.3.4; time periods, 5.2.3
DENIAL: see ADVERSE ACTION
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD): insured home mortgages, see FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION (FHA)
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES (STATE): see MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENTS (STATE)
DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS: see also BANKS; FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS; charge-offs, 5.2.3.4.2; CROA exemption, 17.2.2.3.4; FCRA enforcement, 13.2.2, 13.2.3
DETECTIVE AGENCIES: consumer reports; certification of permissible use, 7.5.2.2; obtaining, 7.1.6; use, 7.4.5; electronic communication with reporting agencies, 7.5.4; FCRA, application, 2.7.6; identifying information, obtaining, 7.2.10.2; investigative consumer reports, preparation, 15.1.1
DIRECT REINVESTIGATIONS (FURNISHERS): see also REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); advantages, 6.5.2.7, 14.6.2.3; allowable circumstances, 6.5.2.2; exceptions, 6.5.2.4; frivolous or irrelevant requests, 6.5.2.5; furnisher’s duties, 6.5.2.6; notice of dispute, 6.5.2.3, 14.6.2.3
DIRECTORIES: consumer report status, 2.3.4.2.1, 2.3.5.3
DISCLAIMERS: screening products, effect, 2.3.5.1, 2.5.4.3
DISCLOSURE: see also NOTICE; accessible personnel, 3.6.3, 3.6.4; adverse action, 3.3.1.3; see also ADVERSE ACTION NOTICE; employment report, 3.3.1.3.2, 7.2.4.3.3, 15.2.4.2; information used, 3.3.6; legislative history, 1.4.7; affiliate information sharing, 2.4.3.2.2, 8.12; financial information, 8.12.1.2, 18.4.1.6.2; audit trail, 3.5.5.2; checks, dishonored, 3.5.4.4; consumer files; additional information, 3.5.4; all information, 3.5.1, 3.5.2; check identification, 3.5.4.4; cleaning up after a dispute, 14.6.4.6; clear and accurate, 3.5.2; contents of disclosure, 3.5; differences in information, 3.4.1; distinguished from consumer report, 4.4.3; exceptions, 3.5.5; fee, upon payment, 3.3.10; form, 3.6; free annual reports, 3.3.2, 3.3.9, 3.4.2.1, 10.7.7; free reports, other circumstances, 3.3.5–3.3.9, 15.4.4; investigative reports, 15.4.4; mechanics of obtaining, 3.4; model form, Appx. C.2; oral disclosure, 3.6.2; other persons in consumer’s file, 3.5.1.6; practice tips, 3.7; previously reported information, 3.5.1.5; right to, 3.3; scope, 3.5; sources, 3.5.4.2, 15.4.2.3; time limits, 3.3.10.3; unreasonable preconditions, 3.4.5; written disclosure, 3.6.1; consumer reporting agencies; assistance to consumers, 3.6.3, 3.6.4; disputed information, notification rights, 4.9.2; free annual reports, 3.3.2; location, 3.6.2; public record information, 8.11.5; consumer reports; adverse action, 3.3.6, 7.2.4.3.3; affiliated debt collector communications, 3.3.7; contents by users, 3.3.1; distinguished from file disclosure, 4.4.3; employment reports, 7.2.4.3.3; fraud alerts, 3.3.5; free annual reports, 3.3.2, 3.3.9; investigative reports, 15.4.4; paid reports, 3.3.10; previously reported information, 3.5.1.5; unemployed persons, 3.3.8; use for counterterrorism purposes, 3.5.4.3.2, 7.2.10.4, 7.2.10.5; users, 3.5.4.3, 3.7.3; credit card rejections, 2.4.5; credit header information, 2.3.4.2.2; credit repair organizations, 17.2.3; credit report advertisements, 3.3.3.2; credit scores, 3.3.1.3.5, 3.3.4, 3.5.5.1, 16.4; adverse action, 8.5.2.4, 16.4.4; mortgage transactions, 3.3.1.4, 8.4.3, 16.4.3; obtaining, generally, 3.3.4.1, 8.4.2, 16.4.1.5; preemption of state law, 10.7.6; risk-based pricing, 8.7.3, 16.4.4; Dodd-Frank Act rights, 3.3.11; date of delinquency, 5.2.5.3; disputed information, right to request notification, 4.9.2; electronic disclosure, 3.6.1; employment agency files, 2.4.4.2.5; employment reports; employee misconduct, 7.2.4.4, 15.2.4.2; prior to adverse action, 7.2.4.3.3; prior to information request, 7.2.4.3; Summary of Consumer Rights, 7.2.4.3.3, 8.11.3.1; FBI, consumer report access by, 3.5.4.3.2, 7.2.10.4; FCRA rights, 3.5.4.1, 8.2; fraud alerts, 9.2.2.1.1; employment reports, 7.2.4.3.3; federal agencies, debtor information, 5.7.3, 8.13.1; financial institutions; consumer opt-out rights, 18.4.1.8; Dodd-Frank Act disclosures, 3.3.11; privacy notice, 18.4.1.7; restrictions, 18.4.1; financial product or service, information obtained regarding, 3.3.11; form of disclosure, 3.6; free credit report advertisements, 3.3.3.2; GLBA restrictions, 18.4.1; exempt disclosures, 18.4.1.6; opt-out rights, 18.4.1.8; identification of consumer, 3.4.3, 3.6.2; in-person disclosures, 3.6.2; investigative consumer reports, 15.4; complete disclosure, 15.4.2, 15.4.4; form of disclosure, 15.4.2.4; nature of investigation, 15.4.2; notice of request for report, 15.4.1; reasonable procedures defense, 15.4.3; rights, 15.4.1.3; sources, 15.4.2.3, 15.4.4; time, 15.4.2.4; waiver of rights, 15.4.5; mail disclosures, 3.6.1; mortgage lenders, 3.3.1.4, 8.4.3, 16.4.3; nonpublic personal information, 2.3.4.2.2, 18.4.1.5; obtaining, 3.4; power of attorney requests, 3.4.4; prescreening lists, 5.2.3.9, 8.8; presence of another person at disclosure, 3.6.2; qualified immunity, 10.4.3; reading disclosures, 3.7.2.3; resellers, 2.6.3.3; security clearance usage, 3.5.4.3.2; social security number, 3.5.5.3; sources of information, 3.5.4.2, 15.4.2.3; state law requirements, 8.14.2; federal preemption, 10.7.6; Summary of Consumer Identity Theft Rights, 9.2.2.1.1; Summary of Consumer Rights, 3.5.4.1, 8.2.2; employment reports, 7.2.4.3.3, 8.11.3.1; telephone disclosures, 3.6.2; tenant screening reports, 14.7.3; third party credit rejections, 2.4.6; users receiving reports, 3.5.4.3, 3.7.3; FBI exception, 3.5.4.3.2, 7.2.10.4
DISCOVERY: see also ACTIONS; LITIGATION; attorney fee rates, 12.7.3; background information about defendants, 12.1.3.7; confidentiality agreements re, 12.1.3.8; consumer dispute cases, 12.1.3.2.8, 12.1.3.2.9, 12.1.3.3.2; consumer reporting agencies, 12.1.3.2; consumer reports; admissibility groundwork, 12.1.3.9; determination of use, 7.1.9, 7.4.4; subpoena, 12.1.3.10; CRA blocking procedures, 12.1.3.2.10; credit scores, 12.1.3.2.11, 16.5.4; electronic data, 12.1.3.6; employers, 12.1.3.4; financial information, 12.1.3.7; insurance coverage, 12.1.3.11; formal discovery, 12.1.3; furnishers, 12.1.3.3; generally, 12.1.1, 12.1.3.1; informal discovery, 12.1.2; investigative consumer reports, sources, 15.4.2.3, 15.4.4; pitfalls to avoid, 12.1.3.2.6; plaintiffs, directed at, 12.1.4; class members, 12.1.4.2; individual litigation, 12.1.4.1; preservation of documents and data, 12.1.3.6; protective orders, 12.1.3.8; public record CRAs, 12.1.3.2.12; reinvestigation procedures, 4.5.6.5; scope of discovery, 12.1.3.2.5; willfulness, 12.1.3.5
DISCRIMINATION: credit scores, 16.9; insurance context, 16.11; ECOA protections, 5.7.2, 14.4.8; medical information, based on, 5.4.5.1
DISHONORED CHECKS: consumer report, permissible use, 7.2.3.4.1; Metro 2 Format reporting, 6.3.3.12
DISPUTED INFORMATION: see also CREDIT DISPUTES; credit scores and, 16.7.3; data conformity reviews, 6.10.4.2.3; dealing directly with creditor, 6.5.2, 6.10.1.1, 14.6.2.3; see also DIRECT REINVESTIGATIONS (FURNISHERS); notification address, 6.4.4; deletion, 4.5.2.1, 4.5.3.1, 4.5.5.2, 4.6.2, 5.3.2.1; discovery related to, 12.1.3.2.8, 12.1.3.2.9, 12.1.3.3.2; expedited dispute resolution, 4.5.5.2, 14.6.2.2; formal dispute process, see REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); frivolous or irrelevant disputes, 4.5.2.7, 6.5.2.5; notice of frivolous dispute, 4.5.2.7.4, 6.5.2.5, 8.14.1; home mortgages, 5.3.5; open-end lines of credit, 5.3.4; identity theft related, see IDENTITY THEFT; not inaccurate, effect, 4.5.3.2; notation on file; by consumer, 4.8.1, 8.17.4, 14.4.7; by furnisher, 4.8.2, 6.6; notice to reporting agency, 4.5.2, 14.6.2.1; identity theft, Appx. C.5; reporting restrictions, 5.3; consumer reporting agencies, 5.3.2.1; credit cards, 5.3.4; debt collectors, 5.3.3; FCBA restrictions, 5.3.4; FCRA restrictions, 5.3.2; FDCPA restrictions, 5.2.3.4.6, 5.3.3; furnishers, 5.3.2.2, 6.4.4; open-end accounts, 5.3.4; RESPA restrictions, 5.3.5; TILA restrictions, 5.3.4
DISTRESS: see EMOTIONAL DISTRESS
DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS: see also ALIMONY; CHILD SUPPORT; consumer reports, use, 7.4.2, 7.4.4, 14.2.4; spousal reporting, effect on, 5.6.1
DOCTORS: see FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; MEDICAL INFORMATION
DOCUMENTS: see RECORDS
DODD-FRANK WALL STREET REFORM AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT (DODD-FRANK ACT): access to information under, 3.3.11; CFPB, creation, 1.3.3.1.1; FCRA rulemaking authority, 1.3.3.1.1; overview, 1.4.11; GLBA, 18.4.1.2
DRIVER’S PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT: overview, 18.4.2.4; state DMVs, restrictions on information disclosure, 18.2, 18.4.2.4
DRIVING RECORDS: see also ACCIDENT REPORTING BUREAUS; bad driving lists, 3.2.4; DPPA, application, 18.4.2.4; FCRA, application, 2.3.4.1; resellers, restrictions, 18.4.2.4
E-OSCAR: see also AUTOMATED REINVESTIGATION SYSTEM; electronic data processing system, 4.5.6.1, 6.10.1.2; dispute codes, 4.5.6.2; problems with, 6.10.1.2, 6.10.4.2.3
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION: see also COMPUTER ERRORS; DATA COMMUNICATION; adverse action notice, 8.5.3.2; consumer reports, 3.6.1, 7.5.4; disputes via Internet, 4.5.2.4.2; discovery, 12.1.3.6; e-OSCAR, see E-OSCAR; furnishing of information, 6.3.1; Metro 2 Format, see METRO 2 FORMAT; preservation for litigation purposes, 12.1.3.6; privacy protections, 18.4.2.1; reasonable procedures, 4.4.6.8, 7.5.4; reinvestigation of disputed information; ACDV, 4.5.4.2, 4.5.6.1, 6.10.3.2; e-OSCAR processing system, 4.5.6.1, 6.10.1.2, 6.10.4.2.3; notice to furnisher, 4.5.4.2, 6.10.3; processing of disputes, 4.5.6; requests via, 4.5.2.4.2; results, 6.10.6.4, 6.10.6.6; transmission, 7.2.2
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS PRIVACY ACT: scope, 18.4.2.1
ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS: credit card truncation, 9.2.5.1.3
ELECTRONIC DATA SYSTEMS, INC.: data management services, 6.3.1
EMOTIONAL DISTRESS: damages for, 12.5.2.3
EMPLOYEES: see also EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES; consumer reporting agencies; criminal liability, 7.6; disclosure assistance, 3.6.3; dispute processing, procedures, 4.5.6.4; reasonable procedures, following, 4.4.5.1.4; FCRA violations, employer liability, 7.7.5; misconduct investigations, 2.4.4.1, 7.2.4.4, 8.11.1.2.1, 15.2.4.2, 15.5.1; reports on, see EMPLOYMENT REPORTS
EMPLOYERS: see also EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES; FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; adverse action notice, 3.3.1.3.2, 7.2.4.3.3; post-adverse action, 8.11.4; pre-adverse action, 8.11.3; consumer reports, 7.2.4; see also EMPLOYMENT REPORTS; authorization, 7.2.4.3.2; certification, 7.2.4.3.1; disclosure requirements, 3.3.1.3.2, 7.2.4.3, 8.11; employee misconduct exemption, 2.4.4.1, 7.2.4.4, 8.11.1.2.1, 15.2.4.2; impermissible purpose, vicarious liability, 7.7.5; notice prior to use, 7.2.4.3.2, 8.11; permissible use, 7.2.4.2; Summary of Consumer Rights, providing, 7.2.4.3.3, 8.11.3.1; widespread use, 7.2.4.1.2; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.4, 2.7.6, 7.2.4.2; former employers, provision of information, 7.2.4.2
EMPLOYMENT: adverse action, see ADVERSE ACTION; agencies, see EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES; denial, see ADVERSE ACTION; purposes, see EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES; reports, see EMPLOYMENT REPORTS
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES: CRA status, 2.7.6; FCRA exemptions, 2.3.6.4.2, 2.4.4.2; adverse action notice, 8.11.1.2.4; investigative reports; certification to agency, 15.4.1.5; exclusions, 2.4.4.2.2
EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES: adverse action, 8.11.1.1.2; certification of authorization, 7.2.4.3, 15.3.2; credit scores, use, 16.3; definition, 2.3.6.4, 7.2.4.2; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.4; investigative reports, 15.3.2, 15.4.1.5; jurors, reports on, status, 7.2.4.2; licenses, status, 7.2.4.2; permissible purpose, 2.3.6.4, 7.2.4.2; public record information, 4.4.7, 8.11.5; relatives, impermissible purpose, 7.2.4.2, 14.2.5; reports, see EMPLOYMENT REPORTS; security clearances, 2.3.6.4, 3.5.4.3.2, 4.4.7.4, 7.2.4.2; workers’ compensation claims, status, 7.2.4.2
EMPLOYMENT-RELATED COMPANIES: consumer reporting agency status, 2.7.6; employment agencies, see EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES; inspection bureaus, see INSPECTION BUREAUS; screening databases, see BACKGROUND CHECK DATABASES
EMPLOYMENT REPORTS: see also CONSUMER REPORTS; EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES; adverse action notice, 3.3.1.3.2, 7.2.4.3.3, 8.11.1.1.2; employee misconduct exemption, 8.11.1.2.1; national security investigations, 8.11.1.2.3; truckers, 8.11.1.2.2; authorization from consumer, 7.2.4.3.2, 8.11.2, 15.5.1; employee misconduct exemption, 8.11.1.2.1, 15.5.1; truckers, 8.11.1.2.2; certification, 7.2.4.3, 15.3.2; consumer report status, 2.3.6.4, 2.4.4; employee misconduct investigations, 2.4.4.1, 7.2.4.4, 8.11.1.2.1, 15.2.4.2; employment agency communications, 2.3.6.4.2, 2.4.4.2, 8.11.1.2.4; FACTA amendment provisions, 1.4.9.2, 2.4.4.1; investigative, see INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS; medical information, inclusion, 5.4.2; national security exemptions, 3.5.4.3.2, 4.4.7.4, 7.2.10.5, 8.11.1.2.3; nationwide agencies, 2.6.2; notice obligations, 8.11; exceptions, 2.4.4, 8.11.1.2; overview, 8.11.1.1.1; prior to use, 8.11.2; post-adverse action, 8.11.4; prior to adverse action, 3.3.1.3.2, 7.2.4.3.3, 8.11.3; prior to information request, 7.2.4.3.2; public record information, 4.4.7.2, 8.11.5; truckers, 8.11.1.2.2; obsolete information, 5.2.4; obtaining by consumer, 3.4.2.3; overview, 7.2.4.1; permissible use, 7.2.4.2; public record information, protections, 4.4.7, 8.11.5; spouses and relatives, restrictions, 7.2.4.2; Summary of Consumer Rights, inclusion, 7.2.4.3.3, 8.11.3.1; trucker database services, 2.6.4; employment use notice, 8.11.1.2.2; use notice, 7.2.4.3.2, 8.11; widespread use, 7.2.4.1.2; workers’ compensation; lists at specialized agencies, 3.2.4; use for claims, 7.2.4.2
EMPLOYMENT SCREENING DATABASES: see BACKGROUND CHECK DATABASES
ENFORCEMENT OF FCRA: criminal enforcement, 13.6; private enforcement, see FCRA CLAIMS; public enforcement; federal enforcement, see FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT; state enforcement, see STATE ENFORCEMENT
EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT (ECOA): see also CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION ACT (CCPA); adverse action notices; comparison with FCRA notice, 8.5.6; model form, Appx. C.9; record retention, 12.1.5; claims under, 10.3; codes, use in Metro 2 Format, 6.3.3.3; credit discrimination, prohibition, 5.7.2, 14.4.8; credit score definition in Regulation B, 16.2.3.2; disputed debts, application, 5.3.1, 6.5.3; furnishers of information, application, 5.7.2, 14.4.8; identity theft suits under, 9.5.1; insufficient credit history, application, 14.6.9; spouses, reporting requirements, 5.6.1, 7.4.6.2, 14.2.5, 14.6.9
EQUIFAX: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; NATIONWIDE REPORTING AGENCIES; consumer disputes, processing, 4.5.6.4; consumer files, 3.2.3; contents, 3.2.3.2; sources of information, 3.2.3.3; contact information, 3.4.2.2, 4.5.2.4.2; credit scores; FICO variations, 16.4.5.3; in-house educational scores, 16.4.5.2; obtaining, 16.4.1.4, 16.4.1.5; VantageScore, 16.2.2.2, 16.4.5.2; discovery, 12.1.3.2.2; FCRA, application, 2.7.1; special provisions, 2.6.1; FTC enforcement orders, Appx. L.3; investigative consumer reports, specialization, 15.1.1; liability insurance, 12.1.3.11; overview, 1.2.2; sample credit report, Appx. I.1.1; toll-free number with accessible personnel, 3.6.3, 3.6.4
EQUITABLE RELIEF: FCRA violations, 12.6
ERRORS: see also ACCURACY; INACCURATE INFORMATION; billing errors, see BILLING ERRORS; consumer files, see INACCURATE INFORMATION; consumer report use, liability, 7.1.4.1, 7.7.1; disputing, see CREDIT DISPUTES; Metro 2 Format, 6.3.3.8
EVALUATORS OF INFORMATION: consumer reporting agency status, 2.5.3.2
EVIDENCE: see also BURDEN OF PROOF; WITNESSES; consumer reports; admissibility, 12.1.3.9, 12.1.7.3; permissible purpose, 7.4.4; credit denial, 12.1.7.4; based on erroneous information, 12.5.2.2.3; damages; intangible damages, 12.5.2.3.4; pecuniary loss, 12.5.2.2; expert testimony, 12.1.6; issues in litigation, 12.1.7; malice, 10.4.6.3; motions in limine, 12.1.7.6; reasonable procedures; non-utilization, 4.4.5.2.2; what are, 4.4.5.1.5; willfulness, 10.4.6.3, 12.5.3.2
EXPERIAN (TRW): see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; NATIONWIDE REPORTING AGENCIES; consumer disputes, processing, 4.5.6.4; consumer files, 3.2.3; contents, 3.2.3.2; sources of information, 3.2.3.3; contact information, 3.4.2.2, 4.5.2.4.2; credit scores; FICO variations, 16.4.5.3; in-house educational scores, 16.4.5.2; obtaining, 16.4.1.4, 16.4.1.5; VantageScore, 16.2.2.2, 16.4.5.2; discovery, 12.1.3.2.4; FCRA, application, 2.7.1; special provisions, 2.6.1; FTC enforcement orders, Appx. L.2; liability insurance, 12.1.3.11; overview, 1.2.2; sample credit report, Appx. I.1.2; toll-free number with accessible personnel, 3.6.3, 3.6.4
EXPLANATIONS: see also STATEMENT OF DISPUTE; adverse information, 4.8.3; blemished credit records, 14.6.9; consumer file, inclusion, 4.8.3; creditors, provision, 4.2.2
FAIR AND ACCURATE CREDIT TRANSACTIONS ACT (FACTA): FCRA, amending, 1.3.3.1.1, 1.4.9; key provisions, 1.4.9.2; identity theft, 9.2.1.1; legislative history, 1.4.9.1; post-FACTA legislation, 1.4.10, 1.4.11; privacy protections, 18.6; regulations under, 1.3.3.1.1, 1.4.9.2
FAIR CREDIT BILLING ACT (FCBA): see also CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION ACT (CCPA); billing errors, application, 5.3.4; claims under, 10.3; credit card charges, application, 14.4.2; credit scores, conflicts with dispute mechanisms, 16.7.3; disputed information, reporting restrictions, 5.3.4, 6.5.3
FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT (FCRA): see also CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION ACT (CCPA); CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; CONSUMER FILES; CONSUMER REPORTS; FAIR AND ACCURATE CREDIT TRANSACTIONS ACT (FACTA); actions under, see FCRA CLAIMS; amendments, see LEGISLATIVE HISTORY OF FCRA; application; business reports, 2.3.6.2; consumer reporting agencies, 2.5, 2.6; consumer reports, 2.3, 2.4; consumers, 2.2; debt collectors, 6.13; furnishers of information, 6.2; generally, 1.3.1, 2.1; investigative consumer reports, 15.2; resellers, 2.6.3; banking regulator authority, 1.3.3.1.1; current regulations, 1.3.3.1.2, Appx. B.4; bright line requirements, 10.2.3.2; CFPB authority; current regulations, 1.3.3.1.2, Appx. B.2.1; enforcement, 1.3.3.1.1, 1.4.11, 13.2, 13.3.2; generally, 1.4.11; guidelines, 13.2.7, Appx. B.2.2; rulemaking, 1.3.3.1.1, 1.4.11, 13.2.7, Appx. B.2; circumvention provisions, 2.6.1.3; compliance, reasonable procedures, 5.2.5; consumer guides, Appx. M; credit scores; conflicts with dispute mechanisms, 16.7.3; definition, 16.2.3.1; disclosure requirements, 16.4; cross-reference table, section numbers, Appx. A.1; disputed information, reporting restrictions, 5.3.2; ECOA notice obligations, comparison, 8.5.6; enforcement, Ch. 13; administrative, 13.2.6; agency powers, 13.3; CFPB authority, 1.3.3.1.1, 1.4.11, 13.2, 13.3.2; consumer reports, subpoena, 7.2.1; criminal enforcement, 13.6; federal enforcement, see FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT; FTC authority, 13.2.6, 13.3.3, 13.3.4; furnisher duties, 6.1.2, 6.10.1.1, 6.10.2.1; private enforcement, see FCRA CLAIMS; sample orders, Appx. L; state enforcement, see STATE ENFORCEMENT; supervisory authority, 13.2.8; exemptions, 2.4; affiliate exemption, 2.4.3; FACTA amendments, see FAIR AND ACCURATE CREDIT TRANSACTIONS ACT (FACTA); federal agency enforcement, see FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT; federal agency interpretations, 1.3.3; FTC authority; current regulations, 1.3.3.1.2, Appx. B.3.1; enforcement, 13.2.6, 13.3.3, 13.3.4; interpretations, 1.3.3.2, 13.2.7; motor vehicle dealers, Appx. B.3.2; Official Staff Commentary, 1.3.3.2.1; opinion letters, 1.3.3.2.2, Appx. E; reports and studies, 1.3.3.2.4; rulemaking, 1.3.3.1.1, 1.4.11, 13.2.7, Appx. B.3; sample enforcement orders, Appx. L; Staff Summary, 1.3.3.2.1, Appx. D; GLBA impact, 18.4.1.11; identity theft provisions, see IDENTITY THEFT; interpretations, 13.2.7; CFPB guidelines, Appx. B.2.2; FTC interpretations, 1.3.3.2; legislative history, see LEGISLATIVE HISTORY OF FCRA; limited qualified immunity, 6.11, 10.4, 18.3.2; litigation use, 1.3.2; see also FCRA CLAIMS; medical information, reporting restrictions, 5.4; notice requirements; importance, 8.1.2; overview, 8.1.1; overview, 1.3.1; preemption of state law, see PREEMPTION OF STATE LAW; privacy protections, 7.1.1, 18.1; published awards, quick reference, 12.8; purpose, 1.3.1, 7.1.1; reasonable procedures, 10.2.3.3; regulations, see REGULATIONS (FCRA); reinsertion provisions, 4.7.2; rights under; Summary of Rights, see SUMMARY OF CONSUMER RIGHTS; waiver, 7.2.2, 12.3.1.10; scope, Ch. 2; scrivener’s error, 10.2.1.4; state enforcement, see STATE ENFORCEMENT; supervisory authority, 13.2.8; terminology, 1.2.1; text of Act, Appx. A.2; user notice, 7.1.5, 8.17.2; model form, Appx. C.7; utilization, 1.3.2; violations; accuracy standards, 4.1.1, 6.4.1; actual damages, 12.5.2; attorney fees and costs, 12.7; civil suits, see FCRA CLAIMS; continuing violations, 12.3.1.3.1.3; criminal penalties, 13.6; declaratory relief, 12.6; defenses, see DEFENSES; false pretenses, 7.2.2, 7.7.3; identity theft provisions, 9.2.4.1.5; injunctive relief, 12.6; investigation, 7.2.10.3; knowing non-compliance, 7.7.2; liability, 7.7, 11.2.2; negligent, 10.2.2; obsolete information, 5.2.5.1; private remedies, 11.1; punitive damages, 12.5.4; state enforcement, 13.7.1; statute of limitations, 12.3.1.3.1; statutory damages, 12.5.3.3; systematic practices, 11.2.3; testers, 12.1.2; uncertified use, 7.7.2; unfair or deceptive practice, as, 10.6.2; vicarious liability, 7.7.5; willful noncompliance, 12.5.3.1, 12.5.3.2; weaknesses, 1.3.2
FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT (FDCPA): see also CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION ACT (CCPA); bad debt lists, restrictions, 14.2.3; claims under, 10.3; disputed debts, restrictions, 5.3.3, 6.5.3; furnishing of information, restrictions, 6.13; re-aging of debts, application, 5.2.3.4.5
FAIR ISAAC & CO. (FICO): see FICO SCORES
FALSE INFORMATION: see also INACCURATE INFORMATION; credit repair organizations, 17.2.7.2; debt collectors, 14.3; tort liability, 10.4.6
FALSE PRETENSES: see also FRAUD; consumer reports, obtaining under; civil liability, 7.7.3; criminal liability, 7.7.4, 13.6; impermissible purpose, 7.7.3, 7.7.4; testers, 12.1.2; written permission, 7.2.2
FALSE THREATS: see also THREATS; debt collectors, 5.2.3.4.7, 14.3; investigative consumer report, 15.4.1.2
FAMILY LAW PROCEEDINGS: see CHILD SUPPORT; DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS; PATERNITY PROCEEDINGS
FAMILY PURPOSE TRANSACTIONS: see also CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS; consumer report, permissible purpose, 2.3.6.1, 7.2.3.1.3; business transactions, 7.2.8.2.2.1; defined, 2.3.6.3.1
FANNIE MAE: see FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FANNIE MAE)
FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION (FmHA): see RURAL HOUSING SERVICE (RHS)
FCRA CLAIMS: see also FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT (FCRA); LITIGATION; actual damages, 12.5.2; affiliate information sharing, 8.12.4; arbitration agreements, effect, 12.4; attorney fees and costs, 12.7; bankruptcy filing, effect, 12.3.1.9; blocking of reports by agency due to, 5.7.2; case selection, 11.3; class actions, 11.2.3; consumer report, failure to provide, 3.3.12; counterclaims, 12.3.2; court selection, 11.4; credit card truncation; constitutional challenges, 9.2.5.1.4; damages, 9.2.5.1.5; electronic transactions, 9.2.5.1.3; other issues, 9.2.5.1.6; retroactive immunity, 1.4.10.2, 9.2.5.1.2; credit scores, 8.4.2.2; damage awards, quick reference, 12.8; defenses, 12.3.1; see also DEFENSES; reasonable procedures, 10.2.3.4; discovery, see DISCOVERY; discrimination based on, 5.7.2; evidence, see EVIDENCE; furnishers of information, 6.1.2, 6.10.1.1, 6.10.1.3, 6.10.2.1, 10.2.1.2; statute of limitations, 6.10.7; government agencies, against, 11.2.2.2; identity theft, 9.2.4.1.5, 9.5.1, 14.6.6; indemnity and contribution, 12.3.3; injunctive relief, 12.6; interest on judgments, 12.7.6; jury trials, 12.2; liability insurance, 12.1.3.11; negligent noncompliance, 10.2.1.1, 10.2.2; notice violations; address discrepancy notice, 9.2.6.3, 8.17.3.3; adverse action, 8.5.5, 8.6.1.5, 8.6.2.2, 8.11.3.3, 8.11.4.2; affiliate information sharing, 8.12.4; disputed debt notice, 8.17.4.3; frivolous disputes, 8.10.3.3; employment report use, 8.11.2.2, 8.11.3.3, 8.11.4.2; mortgage credit score, 8.4.3.3; negative financial information, 8.9; prescreening notices, 8.8.2.4, 8.8.3.3; public record information, 8.11.5.3; reinsertion of information, 8.10.2.4; reinvestigation results, 8.10.1.4; risk-based pricing, 8.7.5; summary of identity theft rights, 8.3.2; summary of consumer rights, 8.2.2; parties, 11.2; pleadings, see PLEADINGS; prescreening violations, 8.8.2.4, 8.8.3.3; preservation of documents and data, 12.1.3.6; private remedies, 10.2.1, 11.1; public record information, 10.2.3.5; punitive damages, 12.5.4; reasonable procedures as defense, 10.2.3.4; reasonable procedures violations, 10.2.3; bright line requirements, 10.2.3.2; damages, 4.4.5.3; determining reasonableness, 4.4.5.1; failure to maintain, 10.2.3.3; public record information, 10.2.3.5; proof issues, 4.4.5.2; remedies, 7.5.1, 5.2.5.1; reinvestigations; failure to give results notice, 8.10.1.4; improper handling, 4.5.3, 4.5.7, 6.10.1.3, 6.10.2, 12.5.2.2.2; removal to federal court, 11.4.5; sample documents, Appx. J; standing, 11.2.1.3; class actions, 11.2.3.3.6; state enforcement actions, 13.7.1; statute of limitations, 12.3.1.3.1; discovery rule, 12.3.1.3.1.4; reinvestigation provisions, 6.10.7, 12.3.1.3.1.3; statutory damages, 12.5.3.3; third party claims, 12.3.3; utilization, 1.3.2; waiver of rights, 12.3.1.10; willful noncompliance, 10.2.1.1, 12.1.3.5, 12.5.3.3, 12.5.4.1.1
FEDERAL AGENCIES: see also GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; banking regulators, see BANKING REGULATORS; CFPB, see CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU (CFPB); consumer reports, permissible uses, 7.2.10; counterterrorism purposes, consumer reports, access, 7.2.10.5; employment reports, disclosure exemption, 3.5.4.3.2, 4.4.7.4, 7.2.10.5, 8.11.1.2.3; FBI, see FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI); FCRA, application, 2.5.7; FCRA enforcement, Ch. 13; see also FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT; consumer reports, subpoena powers, 7.2.10.3; contact information, inclusion in disclosure, 3.5.4.1; regulations and interpretations, 1.3.3; state enforcement agencies, coordination, 13.7.4; FDIC, see FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (FDIC); FRB, see FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD (FRB); FTC, see FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC); furnishing of information, 5.7.3, 6.2.1, 8.13.1, 14.4.5; student loans, 14.4.5; IRS, see INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS); NCUA, see NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION (NCUA); privacy protections, 2.5.7, 18.2
FEDERAL BANKING REGULATORS: see BANKING REGULATORS
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI): see also FEDERAL AGENCIES; GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; consumer reports, obtaining, 7.2.1, 7.2.10.4; special legislation, 1.4.8, 1.4.10.1; FCRA, application, 2.5.7; USA PATRIOT Act, application, 1.4.8
FEDERAL CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION ACT: see CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION ACT (CCPA)
FEDERAL COURTS: FCRA claims; jurisdiction, 11.4.1; removal from state court, 11.4.5; selection of court, 11.4.4; state claims; Rooker-Feldman doctrine, 12.3.1.8; supplemental jurisdiction, 11.4.2
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (FDIC): see also BANKING REGULATORS; consumer reports, permissible purposes, 2.3.6.10, 7.2.10.6; FCRA enforcement, 13.2.3, 13.2.6; FCRA regulatory authority, 1.3.3.1; GLBA enforcement authority, 18.4.1.2; text of regulations, Appx. G
FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT: allocation among agencies, 13.2; administrative enforcement, 13.2.6; CFPB authority, 13.2; depository institutions and credit unions, 13.2.2, 13.2.3; exclusions from CFPB authority, 13.2.5; FTC authority, 13.2.6; generally, 13.2.1; nondepository covered persons, 13.2.4; supervisory authority, 13.2.8; consumer complaints, 13.3.5; contact information, inclusion in disclosure, 3.5.4.1; criminal enforcement, 13.6; examples of enforcement actions, 13.4; generally, 13.1; powers of agencies, 13.3; CFPB, 13.3.2; furnishers, civil penalties against, 13.3.4; FTC, 13.3.3, 13.3.4; generally, 13.3.1; regulations and interpretations, 1.3.3, 13.2.7; state agencies, coordination, 13.7.4; subpoena powers, 7.2.10.3
FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION (FREDDIE MAC): automated underwriting system, 16.2.2.5, 16.5.3; underwriting guidelines, 14.7.2.1, 16.7.1
FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION (FHA): underwriting guidelines, 14.7.2.1
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FANNIE MAE): automated underwriting system, 16.2.2.5; underwriting guidelines, 14.7.2.1, 16.7.1
FEDERAL PREEMPTION: see PREEMPTION OF STATE LAW
FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD (FRB): see also BANKING REGULATORS; FCRA enforcement, 13.2.6; FCRA regulations; authority, 1.3.3.1.1; model forms, Appx. C; negative information model notice, 6.9; summary of current regulations, 1.3.3.1.2; GLBA enforcement powers, 18.4.1.2; text of regulations, Appx. G
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC): accuracy studies, 4.1.3.3; consent decrees, Appx. L; consumer complaints to, 13.3.5; consumer reports, subpoenas, 7.2.1, 7.2.10.3; CROA, enforcement responsibilities, 17.2.11; ECOA model forms, Appx. C.9; FCRA; enforcement authority, 13.2.5, 13.2.6; enforcement orders, examples, Appx. L; enforcement powers, 13.3.3, 13.3.4; guidelines, Appx. B.3.3; informal opinion letters, 1.3.3.2.2, Appx. E; interpretations, 1.3.3.2, 13.2.7; model forms, Appx. C; Official Staff Commentary rescinded, 1.3.3.2.1; regulatory authority, 1.3.3.1, 1.4.11, 1.4.9.2, 13.2.7, Appx. B.3; reports and studies, 1.3.3.2.4; Staff Summary, 1.3.3.2.1, Appx. D; Summary of Rights, see SUMMARY OF CONSUMER RIGHTS; FCRA regulations, Appx. B.3; authority, 1.3.3.1.1, 1.4.11, 13.2.5, 13.2.7; FACTA amendments, 1.3.3.1.1; failure of courts to give deference, 1.3.3.1.3; identity theft, 9.2.6.2, Appx. B.3.1; model forms, Appx. C; motor vehicle dealers, 13.2.5, Appx. B.3.2; parallel citations, Appx. B.3.2; summary of current regulations, 1.3.3.1.2; text, Appx. B.3.1; GLBA, regulatory and enforcement authority, 18.4.1.2; Privacy Rule replaced by Regulation P, 18.4.1.2; Safeguard Rules, 18.4.1.10, Appx. G; identity theft; consumer assistance, 9.1.3; interagency guidelines, Appx. B.3.3; red flag guidelines, 9.2.6.2, Appx. B.3.1; model forms, Appx. C; affiliate marketing opt-out notice, Appx. C.11; ECOA adverse action, Appx. C.9; FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, Appx. C.5; Notice of Responsibilities of Furnishers, Appx. C.6; Notice of User Responsibilities, Appx. C.7; prescreen opt-out notice, Appx. C.8; request for annual file disclosure, Appx. C.2; risk-based pricing notices, Appx. C.10; Summary of Consumer Rights, Appx. C.3; Summary of Identity Theft Rights, Appx. C.4; motor vehicle dealers, authority over, Appx. B.3.2; opinion letters, 1.3.3.2.2, Appx. E; furnisher accuracy, 6.4.2.6; Safeguard Rules, 18.4.1.10, Appx. G; Telemarketing Rule, see TELEMARKETING RULE (FTC); unfair or deceptive practices, standards, 18.4.2.3
FEES: consumer reports, 3.3.9, 3.3.10.2, 10.7.7; free reports, see FREE CONSUMER REPORTS; credit repair organizations, 17.2.2.2.2, 17.3.4.2; advance payments, 17.2.6, 17.3.5; credit scores, 3.3.4.5, 16.4.1.3; adverse action notice, 16.4.4; mortgage transactions, 16.4.3.1; risk-based pricing notice, 16.4.4; disputed reports, notification of past users, 4.9.3; file disclosures, 3.3.10; free annual reports, 3.3.2, 10.7.7; free reports, other circumstances, 3.3.5–3.3.9; maximum charge, 3.3.10.2; state restrictions, 3.3.9, 10.7.7; new information, addition to file, 4.8.4; reinvestigations, 4.5.2.1; security freezes, 9.4.4.3; statements of dispute, 4.8.1.1
FICO SCORES: see also CREDIT SCORES; credit risk scores, 16.2.2.2; obtaining, 16.4.1.4, 16.4.1.5; scorecards, 16.5.2.2; scoring factors, 16.5.2.1; scoring model variations, 16.4.5.3
FILES: see CONSUMER FILES
FINANCE COMPANIES: see CREDITORS; FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
FINANCIAL ADVISORS: credit repair organization status, 17.2.2.4
FINANCIAL INFORMATION: see also INFORMATION ON CONSUMERS; common law privacy protections, 18.3, 18.5; data safeguard, 18.4.1.10; FTC rules, Appx. G; loan application verification, 8.6.1.4.2; nonpublic personal information, see NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION; personally identifiable financial information, 18.4.1.5; “pretexting” to obtain, 18.4.2.1, 18.4.2.3; statutory privacy protections, 18.4; Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 18.4.2.1; Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, 18.4.2.4; Financial Information Privacy Act, 18.4.2.2; FTC Act, 18.4.2.3; Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, 18.4.1; state law, 18.4.2.5
FINANCIAL INFORMATION PRIVACY ACT: overview, 18.4.2.2
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS: account number sharing, 18.4.1.9; affiliate information sharing, 8.6.2, 8.12.1.2, 18.4.1.6.2; CROA, application, 17.2.2.3.4; customer relationships, 18.4.1.4; dealer paper purchases, disclosure obligations, 8.6.1.4.1; defined, 18.4.1.3; depository institutions, see DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS; FCRA enforcement authority over, 13.2.2, 13.2.3, 13.2.4.5; GLBA, 18.4.1; application, 2.3.4.2.2, 18.4.1.3; exempt disclosures, 18.4.1.6; opt-out rights, 18.4.1.8; privacy notice, 18.4.1.7; identity theft, warning signs, 9.2.6; red flag guidelines, 9.2.6.2; information security, 18.4.1.10; loan information verification, 8.6.1.4.2; negative information, reporting notice, 6.9, 8.9; nonpublic personal information, disclosure restrictions, 2.3.4.2.2, 18.4.1.5; exempt disclosures, 18.4.1.6; privacy protections; annual notice, 8.12.1.2, 18.4.1.8.2; common law, 18.3, 18.5; data safeguard, 18.4.1.10, Appx. G; governmental intrusion, 18.2; Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, 18.4.1; statutory protections, 18.4; tort claims, 18.3; regulatory authorities, see BANKING REGULATORS; services provided by, see FINANCIAL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
FINANCIAL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES: account information, “pretexting,” 13.6, 18.4.2.1, 18.4.2.3; account number sharing, 18.4.1.9; blemished credit record, implications, 14.7.7; consumer report, permissible use, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.8.2.2.2; Dodd-Frank Act, information access rights, 3.3.11; fraud lists, 14.7.7; FCRA enforcement authority, 13.2.4.5; immigrants, 14.8; “larger participants” in market, 13.2.4.5, Appx. B.2.3; provision, FCRA, application, 2.3.6.8
FORECLOSURES: prior, impact on mortgage applications, 14.7.2.2; relief services; credit repair laws, application, 17.3.2; FCRA enforcement authority, 13.2.4.2
FORMS: ECOA adverse action forms, Appx. C.9; FCRA model forms, Appx. C
FORUM: FCRA claims; removal, 11.4.5; selection, 11.4.4
FOSTER YOUTH: identity theft, 9.4.5
FRAUD: see also FALSE PRETENSES; alerts, see FRAUD ALERTS; credit repair organizations, 17.1.2, 17.2.7.5; pleading, 17.2.8.9; criminal liability, 13.6; file segregation as, 14.5.5; free consumer report, 3.3.5; identity theft, see IDENTITY THEFT; notice of rights, 8.3; prevention, database services, 2.7.12; specialized fraud lists, 3.2.4, 14.7.7
FRAUD ALERTS: see also FRAUD; IDENTITY THEFT; CRA annual reports, 9.2.1.3; effect, 9.2.2.5; extended fraud alerts, 9.2.2.3; effect, 9.2.2.3.3; identity theft report, 9.2.2.3.2; FCRA provisions, overview, 9.2.2.1.1; free consumer report, entitlement, 3.3.5, 9.2.2.2, 9.2.2.3.3; initial fraud alerts, 9.2.2.2; “one-call” alerts, 9.2.2.2; placing on file, 4.8.2, 9.2.2.2, 9.2.2.3, 14.6.6.2; direct request from consumer, 9.2.2.2; proof of identity, necessity, 9.2.2.1.2; initial fraud alerts, 9.2.2.2; referrals between nationwide agencies, 9.2.2.5; rights, see SUMMARY OF CONSUMER IDENTITY THEFT RIGHTS
FREDDIE MAC: see FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION (FREDDIE MAC)
FREE CONSUMER REPORTS: see also CONSUMER REPORTS; adverse action, 3.3.1.3.1, 3.3.6; employment reports, 3.3.1.3.2; advertisements for, required disclosures, 3.3.3.2; affiliated debt collector communications, 3.3.7; annual free reports, 3.3.2, 3.3.5, 3.4.2.1, 10.7.7; centralized source, 3.3.2.3, 3.4.2.5; nationwide agencies, 3.3.2.1; processing of requests, 3.3.2.3, 3.4.2.5; specialty agencies, 3.3.2.1, 3.3.2.4; state law right, 3.3.9; timing, volume, identification, 3.3.2.2; credit monitoring, 2.3.1, 3.3.3.1; definition, 3.3.3.2.2; fraud circumstances, 3.3.5; “free” reports that are not free, 3.3.3.1; identity theft, 3.3.5, 9.2.2.2, 9.2.2.3.3; provision, time, 3.3.2.2, 3.3.10.3; requesting, 3.3.2.3, 3.4.2, Appx. C.2; “big three” nationwide agencies, 3.4.2.1, 3.4.2.2; smaller reporting agencies, 3.4.2.3; specialty agencies, 3.3.2.4, 3.4.2.3; state law rights, 3.3.9, 10.7.7; unemployed or public assistance recipients, 3.3.8
FREEZES: see SECURITY FREEZES
FRIVOLOUS DISPUTES: see also DISPUTED INFORMATION; agency obligations, 4.5.2.7; furnisher obligations, 6.5.2.5; notice of frivolous dispute, 4.5.2.7.4, 6.5.2.5, 8.14.1; repeat requests as, 4.5.2.7.3
FTC: see FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC)
FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION: see also CREDITORS; accuracy standards, 4.2.1.4, 6.4; affiliate information sharing, 6.4.5; duty to correct and update, 6.5.1; enforcement, 6.1.2, 6.4.1, 6.10.1.1, 6.10.1.3; general duty, 6.4.2; guidelines and regulations, 6.4.3; liability, 6.4.1, 6.4.4, 6.11; Metro 2 Format, 6.3.3.2, 6.4.2.5; policies and procedures, 6.4.3.2, 6.4.3.4; state law, 10.7; address for error complaints, 6.4.4; adverse information, see ADVERSE INFORMATION; affiliate sharing of information, 6.2.2.1, 6.4.5; bankruptcy reporting, 4.3.2.4, 4.4.6.10.2.3; “big three” nationwide agencies, 3.2.3.3; child support debts, 5.8.2; closed accounts, reporting, 6.8; consumer reporting agency status, 2.5.5; contacting regarding errors, 6.4.4; cosigner obligations, 5.6.2, 5.6.3; credit limits, failure to report, 16.8.2.2; date of delinquency, furnishing, 5.2.2.4, 6.7; debt collectors as, 6.13; see also DEBT COLLECTORS; defined, 2.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.4.3.3; delinquencies, reporting limitations, 5.2.3.4, 6.7; direct selling of information, 6.2.2.2; direct dispute process, 6.5.2; advantages, 6.5.2.7; application, 6.5.2.2; duties, 6.5.2.6; exceptions, 6.5.2.4; FCRA remedies, application, 6.10.1.1; frivolous disputes, 6.5.2.5; generally, 6.5.2.1; notice of dispute, 6.5.2.3; disclosure, 3.5.4.2; discrimination, 5.7.2, 14.4.8; discovery, 12.1.3.3; disputed information; billing errors, 5.3.4, 10.3; correcting and updating, 6.5.2.6, 6.10.5; data conformity reviews, 6.10.4.2.3; direct notification, 6.5.2, 6.10.1.1, 14.6.2.3; formal dispute notification, 4.5.4.2, 6.10.2.2, 6.10.3; notation of dispute, 4.8.2, 6.6; reinvestigations, 4.5.4.2, 4.6.3, 6.5.2, 6.10; reporting restrictions, 5.3.2.2; student loans, 14.4.5; withdrawal of information, 14.6.4.1; duty to correct and update, 6.5.1, 6.5.2.6, 6.10.5; duty to report accurately, 6.4.2; consumer enforcement, 6.10.1.1, 6.10.1.3; ECOA restrictions, 5.7.2, 10.3, 14.4.8; electronic provision of information, 6.3.1; Metro 2 Format, see METRO 2 FORMAT; reinvestigation results, 6.10.6.6; failure to report information, 4.3.2.2; credit limits, 4.3.2.3, 16.8.2.2; favorable information, 16.8.2.3; intentional withholding, 4.3.2.3, 16.8.2.3; FCRA; application, 2.1.2, 2.5.5, 6.2.1; claims against, 6.10.1.1, 6.10.2.1, 6.10.7, 10.2.1.2; federal enforcement, 13.2, 13.3.4; notice of obligations, 6.2.1, 8.16.1, Appx. C.6; private enforcement, 6.1.2, 6.4.1, 6.10.1.1, 10.2.1.2, 10.2.1.3; state enforcement, 6.4.1, 13.7.3; violations, civil penalties, 13.3.4, 13.7.3; federal agencies, 5.7.3, 8.13.1; financial institutions, see FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS; FTC enforcement powers, 13.3.4; sample enforcement order, Appx. L.9; generally, 1.3.1, 6.2.1; identity theft obligations, 6.12; blocked information, 9.2.4.2; duty of care, 9.5.2; red flag guidelines, 9.2.6.2; inaccurate information, 4.3.2, 4.4.6.4; address to contact, 6.4.4; billing errors, 5.3.4, 10.3; correcting, 4.6.3, 6.5, 6.10.5; disputing, 6.5.2, 6.10; liability, 6.4.1, 6.4.4, 6.5.1, 6.10.1.1; provision, 4.2.1.3, 4.3.2.1, 4.4.6.4; integrity standards, 6.4.3; legislative history, 1.4.6, 6.1.1; liability; accuracy standards, 6.4.1, 6.5.1; consumer enforcement, 6.1.2, 6.4.1, 6.10.1.1; ECOA, 10.3; FCBA, 10.3; FCRA, 10.2.1.3; FDCPA, 10.3; limited qualified immunity, 10.4; obsolete information, 5.2.2.4; other federal statutes, 10.3; reinvestigation, 6.10.1, 6.10.2; RESPA, 10.3; tort claims, 6.11, 10.4; manual reporting, 6.3.2.4; medical information, 5.4.3; nationwide bureaus, to, 3.2.3.3; non-reporting agencies, to, 10.4.5; notice obligations; disputed information, 4.8.2, 6.6; negative information by financial institutions, 6.9, 8.9; voluntarily closed accounts, 6.8; notice of FCRA obligations, 6.2.1, 8.16.1; Summary of Responsibilities, FTC model form, Appx. C.6; notice, to, other notices, 8.16.2; copy of dispute request, 4.5.2.4.4; notice of dispute, 4.8.2, 6.5.2.3, 6.6, 6.10.3; reinvestigation results, 4.6.3; objective standard, 6.3.3.2; obsolete information, reporting, 5.2.2.4; overview, 6.1.1; personal interviews, 5.5; qualified immunity, 6.11, 10.4, 18.3.2; record retention, 12.1.5; reinsertion of information, certification, 4.7.2.3; reinvestigations; copying request to, 4.5.2.4.4; conducting, 4.5.4, 6.5.2.6, 6.10.4; CRA reliance on, 4.5.3.4.5, 4.5.4.1; deletion or correction after, 4.6.3, 6.10.5; liability, 6.10.1.1, 6.10.1.3, 6.10.2, 10.2.1.3; notification of dispute, 4.5.4.2, 6.10.2.2, 6.10.3; reporting of results, 4.6.3, 6.10.6; underlying legal dispute, 4.5.3.4.6; relationship to CRA, 12.1.3.3.3; reliance by reporting agency on information supplied, 4.2.1.3, 4.4.6.4; reinvestigations, 4.5.3.4.5, 4.5.4.1; state enforcement powers, 13.7.3; state law restrictions, 5.8; federal preemption, 5.8.1, 6.2.2.3, 10.7.3.2, 10.7.8.4; tort liability, 6.11, 10.4.5; UDAP violations, 10.6.2; Universal Data Form, use, 6.3.2.5, 6.5.4; updating information, 4.6.3, 6.5; withholding of information, 4.3.2.3, 16.8.2.3
GOSSIP: consumer report users, 14.2.2; legislative response, 1.4.3
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES: see also FEDERAL AGENCIES; LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; STATE AGENCIES; adverse action notice; government benefits, 8.5.4.5; security clearance exemption, 3.5.4.3.2, 8.11.1.2.3; child support, see CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; consumer reports; child support purposes, 1.4.12.2, 7.2.9, 7.4.2; counterterrorism purposes, 7.2.10.5; disclosure notice, 14.4.5; impermissible use, 7.7.1; license approval, 2.3.6.6, 7.2.6; obtaining, 7.2.10.2, 7.2.10.4, 14.2.4; national security exemption, 3.5.4.3.2, 8.11.1.2.3; permissible use, 7.2.3.4, 7.2.6, 7.2.9, 7.2.10, 14.7.9; public assistance eligibility, 2.3.6.6, 7.2.6, 14.7.9; sponsored charge cards, 7.2.3.6; tax collection, 7.4.3; defined, 7.2.10.2; disclosure exemptions; counterterrorism, 7.2.10.5; security investigations, 3.5.4.3.2, 8.11.1.2.3; FBI, see FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI); FCRA application; federal agencies, 2.5.7; generally, 2.3.6.6, 2.5.2; state and local agencies, 2.5.8; FCRA claims against, 11.2.2.2; FCRA enforcement; CFPB authority, 1.3.3.1.1, 1.4.11, 13.2; consumer reports, subpoena, 7.2.1; criminal enforcement, 13.6; FTC enforcement, 13.2.6; sample enforcement orders, Appx. L; state enforcement, 13.7; furnishing of information, 6.2.1; federal agencies, 5.7.3, 8.13.1, 14.4.5; GLBA enforcement, 18.4.1.2; identifying information, obtaining, 7.2.10.2; law enforcement, see LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; loan guarantee programs; reporting of defaults, 14.4.5; student loans, see STUDENT LOANS; national security purposes, 3.5.4.3.2, 7.2.10.5, 8.11.1.2.3; privacy protections, 2.5.7, 18.2; social service agencies, see ADOPTION AGENCIES; WELFARE AGENCIES
GOVERNMENT BENEFITS: see also WELFARE AGENCIES; eligibility; adverse action notice, 8.5.4.5; permissible use, 2.3.6.6, 7.2.6, 14.7.9; impermissible use, 7.1.9; overpayments, permissible use, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.8.2.2.2
GOVERNMENT LICENSES: see LICENSES
GRAMM-LEACH-BLILEY ACT (GLBA): account number sharing restrictions, 18.4.1.9; annual notice, 8.12.1.2, 18.4.1.8.2; application, 18.4.1.3, 18.4.1.4; banking agency regulations, Appx. G; consumer reporting agencies, application, 2.3.4.2.2; credit headers, disclosure restrictions, 2.3.4.2.2; data safeguard requirements, 18.4.1.10; FTC Safeguard Rules, Appx. G; enforcement, 18.4.1.2; no private right of action, 18.4.1.12; exempt disclosures, 18.4.1.6; affiliates, 18.4.1.6.2; categories, 18.4.1.6.3; redisclosure and reuse restrictions, 18.4.1.6.4; FCRA, impact on, 18.4.1.11; notice requirements, 18.4.1.7; opt-out rights, 18.4.1.8; exemptions, 18.4.1.6.3; exercise, 18.4.1.8.3; generally, 18.4.1.8.1; notice, 8.12.1.2, 18.4.1.8.2; sample notices, Appx. G; overview, 18.4.1.1; preemption of state law, 18.4.1.13; privacy protections, 18.1; FTC Safeguard Rules, Appx. G; Regulation P, 18.4.1.2, Appx. G; regulatory authority, 18.4.1.2, Appx. G; scope; consumers, 18.4.1.4; customers, 18.4.1.4; exemptions, 18.4.1.6; financial institutions, 18.4.1.3; information, 18.4.1.5; text, selected provisions, Appx. G; violation as UDAP violation, 18.4.1.12; weaknesses, 18.4.1.14, 18.6
GRAND JURY: governmental agency status, 7.2.10.2; subpoenas, consumer report, permissible purpose, 7.2.1
GUARANTORS: see COSIGNERS
HEADER INFORMATION: see CREDIT HEADER INFORMATION
HEALTH CARE INFORMATION: see MEDICAL INFORMATION
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS: creditor status, 2.3.6.3.1; Red Flag Guidelines, application, 2.3.6.3.1, 9.2.6.2.2
HIGHER EDUCATION ACT: student loan defaults, application, 5.2.3.10, 14.6.5
HOME EQUITY LOANS: see HOME MORTGAGES
HOME FINDERS: credit repair laws, application, 17.3.2
HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS: credit repair laws, application, 17.3.4
HOME MORTGAGES: applying for, 14.7.2; arbitration clauses prohibited, 12.4.2.3; bankruptcy, effect on eligibility, 14.6.8; blemished report, implications, 14.7.2; consumer explanations, consideration, 14.6.9; credit reports, see RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE CREDIT REPORTS; credit scores, disclosure, 3.3.1.4, 16.4.3; application notice, 8.4.3.1.3; mortgage scoring notice, 8.4.3; disputed charges, qualified written request, 14.4.4; disputed information, reporting restrictions, 5.3; open-end accounts, 5.3.4; RESPA restrictions, 5.3.5; FCRA violations, enforcement authority, 13.2.4.2; open-end lines of credit, 5.3.4; pre-approval, 14.7.2.3; RESPA, application, 5.3.5, 14.4.4; risk assessment, 2.3.6.7, 7.2.7; credit scores, disclosure, 16.4.3; underwriting factors, 14.7.2.2; underwriting guidelines, 14.7.2.1; servicers, see SERVICERS
HOME SAVERS: credit repair laws, application, 17.3.2; FCRA enforcement authority, 13.2.4.2
HOUSEHOLD PURPOSE TRANSACTIONS: see also CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS; consumer report, permissible purpose, 2.3.6.3.1, 7.2.3.1.3; business transactions, 7.2.8.2.2.1; defined, 2.3.6.3.1
HUD-MORTGAGES: see FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION (FHA)
IDENTIFICATION: see also IDENTIFYING INFORMATION; VERIFICATION; alerts, necessary to issue, 9.2.2.1.2; concealment, 17.2.7.3; consumer reports; consumer, 3.4.3, 3.6.2; person accompanying consumer, 3.6.2; users, 7.5.2; FCRA regulations, 3.4.3.2; identity theft victims, access to information, 9.2.3.1; immigrants, 14.8; impermissible requests, 3.4.3.3; reasonable procedures, 4.4.6.6; social security number requests, 3.4.3.4; theft of, see IDENTITY THEFT
IDENTIFYING INFORMATION: see also CREDIT HEADER INFORMATION; IDENTIFICATION; altering to confuse reporting agency, 14.5.5, 17.2.7.3; checks, adverse characterizations, 3.5.4.4; consumer files; “big three” nationwide agencies, 3.2.3.2.2; examining, 3.7.1; “header information,” 2.3.4.2, 3.2.3.2.2, 3.7.1; consumer list, status as consumer report, 2.3.4.2.1, 7.2.10.2; governmental agencies, obtaining, 7.2.10.2; identity theft protections; disposal of information, 9.2.5.3; number truncation, 9.2.5.1, 9.2.5.2; medical information furnishers, 5.4.3; private investigators, obtaining, 7.4.5; reporting, consumer report status, 2.3.4.2.1; social security numbers, see SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
IDENTITY THEFT: access to information after, 9.2.3, 10.2.1.6; alerts; active military service, see MILITARY DUTY ALERTS; fraud alerts, see FRAUD ALERTS; background, 9.1.1; blocking of fraudulent information, 9.2.4; CRA responsibilities, 9.2.4.1; consumer request, 14.6.6.1; discovery relating to, 12.1.3.2.10; effect, 9.2.4.1.2; enforcement, 9.2.4.1.5; furnisher responsibilities, 9.2.4.2; refusal to block notice, 9.2.4.1.3, 8.10.4; reseller responsibilities, 9.2.4.1.4; children, 9.4.5; consumer rights notice, 8.3, 9.2.2.1.1; see also SUMMARY OF CONSUMER IDENTITY THEFT RIGHTS; model form, Appx. C.4; CRA annual reports, 9.2.1.2; credit record, effect, 14.6.6; cleaning up after, 14.6.6.1; heading off new problems, 14.6.6.2; creditor responsibilities, 6.12; criminal offence, 9.3, 9.4.1; data security breach, 9.6; debt collectors, obligations, 9.2.3.2; definition, 9.2.1.2; FACTA; key provisions, 1.4.9.2, 9.2.1.1; legislative history, 1.4.9.1; FCRA provisions, 9.2; access to information, 9.2.3, 10.2.1.6; alerts, 9.2.2; blocking of information, 9.2.4; claims under, 9.5.1; constitutional challenges, 9.2.5.1.4; disposal of information, 9.2.5.3; overview, 9.2.1.1; number truncation, 9.2.5; foster youth, 9.4.5; free consumer report, 3.3.5, 9.2.2.2, 9.2.2.3.3; FTC, assistance to consumers, 9.1.3; enforcement orders, Appx. L.10; ID Theft Affidavit, Appx. C.5; furnisher responsibilities, 6.12; Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, 9.3; identity theft report, 9.2.2.3.2, 14.6.6.1; impact on victims, 9.1.2; interagency guidelines, Appx. B.3.3; mismerged files aggravate problem, 4.3.3.7, 4.3.5; notices to consumer, 8.3, 8.14.1, 9.2.2.1.1, 9.2.2.2, 9.2.2.3.3; notifying reporting agencies; alerts, 9.2.2; FTC ID Theft Affidavit, Appx. C.5; referrals between nationwide agencies, 9.2.2.5; overview, 4.3.5, 9.1; preventing, 9.2.5, 9.2.6; address discrepancies, 9.2.6.3; consumer’s steps, 14.6.6.2; credit card number truncation, 9.2.5.1; disposal of consumer information, 9.2.5.3; reasonable procedures, 4.4.6.7; red flag guidelines, 9.2.6.2; security freeze, 9.4.4, 14.6.6.2; social security number truncation, 9.2.5.2; reasonable procedures, 4.4.6.7; protection notices; address discrepancy, 8.17.3, 9.2.6.3; alerts, 9.2.2; generally, 8.14.1; rectifying by filing suit, 9.5; red flag guidelines, 9.2.6; resources for victims, 9.1.3; sample complaint, Appx. J.2.6; security freezes, 9.4.4, 14.6.6.2, Appx. H; state law, 9.4, 10.6.3; civil statutes, 9.4.2; claims under, 9.5.1, 9.6; criminal statutes, 9.4.1; data security breaches, 9.6; federal preemption, 10.7.3.5; model laws, 9.4.3; security freeze laws, 9.4.4, 14.6.6.2; summaries, Appx. H; steps to correct, 14.6.6; tort claims, 18.3; breach of duty of care, 9.5.2; federal preemption, 10.7.3.5; tort of appropriation, 18.3.5; transactional information, access to, 9.2.3.1; truncation of numbers to prevent, 9.2.5; credit and debit cards, 9.2.5.1; failure to, suits based on, 9.2.5.1.5, 9.2.5.1.6; retroactive immunity, 9.2.5.1.2; social security numbers, 9.2.5.2; warning signs, 9.2.6; address discrepancies, 9.2.6.3; red flag guidelines, 9.2.6.2
IDENTITY THEFT AND ASSUMPTION DETERRENCE ACT: overview, 9.3
IMMIGRATION MATTERS: consumer reports, use, 14.2.4; credit issues for immigrants, 14.8
IMMUNITY: see LIABILITY; QUALIFIED IMMUNITY
IMPERMISSIBLE PURPOSES: see also PERMISSIBLE PURPOSES; alimony, 7.4.2, 14.2.4; anything not permissible, 7.4.1; bad debt lists, 14.2.3; business credit, 7.2.3.1.3; child custody, 14.2.4; child support, 7.4.2, 14.2.4; consumer’s objection, obtaining despite, 7.1.2.1, 7.1.3; criminal liability, 13.6; curiosity, 14.2.2; dating services, 7.4.10; discovering, 7.1.9; divorce proceedings, 7.4.2, 7.4.4, 14.2.4; generally, 7.4.1, 14.2.1; immigration matters, 14.2.4; insurance claims, 7.2.5, 7.4.7; investigators, 7.4.5; jury selection, 7.2.4.2, 7.4.4; liability, 7.5.1.1, 7.6, 7.7; litigation, 7.4.4, 14.2.4; marketing research, 7.4.8; medical information, 7.4.9, 14.2.6; non-CRA responsibilities, 7.5.6; obtaining for, 2.3.5.3; other uses, 7.4.11; overview, 7.1, 14.2; paternity proceedings, 7.4.2; prescreening of younger consumers, 7.3.3.2; preventative procedures, 7.5; prosecutions, 7.4.4, 14.2.4; publication in community, 14.2.2; relatives, 7.4.6.3, 14.2.5; sample complaint, Appx. J.2.2; social network sites, 7.4.10; spouses, 7.4.6.3, 14.2.5; tax collection, 7.4.3; testers, restrictions, 12.1.2; third parties, 7.4.6.1, 14.2.5; use, effect on status, 7.1.8; use for, 2.3.5.1, 2.3.6.2, 7.1.4; vicarious liability, 7.7.5
INACCURATE INFORMATION: see also ACCURACY; CREDIT DISPUTES; FALSE INFORMATION; address to contact, 6.4.4; agency refusal to supply report as, 4.3.7; avoiding through reasonable procedures, see REASONABLE PROCEDURES; bankruptcy reporting, 4.3.2.4, 4.4.6.10; consumer identification, 4.4.6.6; identity theft, see IDENTITY THEFT; consumer reports; agency liability, 4.4; congressional intent to combat, 4.1.2; examining for, 3.7.2.4, 14.6.1; investigative reports, 15.5.2; prevalence, 4.1.3; correcting, 4.6, 14.6.2; automated reinvestigation system, 4.6.4, 6.10.6.4, 6.10.6.6; contacting creditor directly, 6.5.2, 14.6.2.3; furnishers, 6.5, 14.6.2.2; importance, 14.6.4.1; importance of disputing, 14.6.2.1; mismerged files, 4.3.3.8; reporting agency, 4.5.2.5, 4.6.2, 6.5.2.6, 14.6.2.2; soft-deletes, 4.6.2, 4.7.1.2, 14.6.4.3; Universal Data Form, 6.5.4; credit repair organizations, 17.2.7.2; credit scores, effect, 16.8; data retrieval errors, 4.4.6.8; defamation claims, 10.5.2; disputing; directly with furnisher, 6.5.2, 14.6.2.3; effect, 16.6.2.2; through reporting agency, 6.10, 14.6.2.1, 14.6.2.2; explaining; by agency, 4.2.2; by consumer, 14.6.9; FCRA claims; inadequate reinvestigations, 4.5.3.2; tort claims, 10.4.6.4; file retrieval errors, 4.3.3.10, 4.4.6.6; furnishers, 4.3.2, 6.5; address to correct, 6.4.4; liability, 6.4.2, 6.4.4, 6.5; notice to CRA, 6.5.2.6; notice to furnisher, 6.4.2.2, 6.5.2.3; prohibition, 6.4.2; provision, 4.3.2.1, 4.4.6.4; reinvestigations, 6.5.2.6, 6.10; identification errors, 4.3.3, 4.3.3.10, 4.4.6.6; identity theft, see IDENTITY THEFT; incomplete or missing information, 4.3.2.2, 4.3.2.3, 16.8.2.3; adding to file, 14.6.9; adverse action based on, 8.5.4.1.2; consumer offers of new information, 4.8.4; credit limits, 4.3.2.3, 16.8.2.2; discharged debts, 4.3.2.4; existing accounts, 4.4.6.9.3; new accounts, 4.4.6.9.2; reasonable procedures, 4.4.6.9; investigative reports, 15.5.2; legislative history, 1.4.3, 4.1.2; liability; furnishers, 6.4.4; limited qualified immunity, 10.4; reinvestigations, 4.5.3.2; reporting agencies, 4.4; resellers, 4.4.4; management policies encouraging, 4.4.6.1; mismerged files, 4.3.3, 4.4.6.6; obsolete information, 4.4.6.9, 5.2.2.2; overview, 4.1; passing along, 4.2.1.3, 4.4.6.4; prevalence, 4.1.3; public record information, 4.3.5, 4.3.3.4; reasonable procedures to avoid, see REASONABLE PROCEDURES; reinsertion after deletion, see REINSERTION OF INFORMATION; reinvestigations; through CRA, see REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); through furnisher directly, see DIRECT REINVESTIGATIONS (FURNISHERS); resellers, 4.4.4; sample complaint, Appx. J.2.4; state law preemption, 10.7; statement of dispute, 4.8.1, 8.17.4, 14.4.7; studies and reports, 4.1.3; consumer groups, 4.1.3.2; FTC studies, 4.1.3.3; internal CRA analyses, 4.1.3.6; other government studies, 4.1.3.4; prevalence of, 4.1.3.1; subscriber inquiries resulting in, 4.3.3.5; technically accurate information as, 4.2.4, 4.4.6.9.3; third parties, information on as, 4.2.5; tort claims, 10.4, 10.5; transcription errors, 4.4.6.8; types of inaccurate information, 4.3; unrelated information as, 4.2.5; unverifiable information as, 4.2.6
INDEMNIFICATION: FCRA claims, 12.3.3
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS: consumer reports, obtaining, 2.5.5, 7.1.6; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.4.1, 2.5.5
INDICTMENTS: see PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION
INDIVIDUALS: see CONSUMERS; PERSONS
INFORMATION BROKERS: see RESELLERS
INFORMATION DATABASES: see DATA BROKERS
INFORMATION FURNISHERS: see FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION
INFORMATION ON CONSUMERS: see also CONSUMER FILES; CONSUMER LISTS; CONSUMER REPORTS; adverse, see ADVERSE INFORMATION; assemble, definition, 2.5.3.2; business need, 2.3.6.8; business purposes, 2.3.6.2; collection purpose, 2.3.5.4; communication by other than agency, 2.3.2, 3.3.1.3.3; confidentiality, 18.5; consumer reporting agencies, see CONSUMER FILES; consumer reports, see CONSUMER REPORTS; credit header information, see CREDIT HEADER INFORMATION; credit purposes, 2.3.6.3; direct selling of information, 6.2.2.2; disposal regulations, 9.2.5.3; disputed information, see DISPUTED INFORMATION; employment purposes, 2.3.6.4.1; evaluate, definition, 2.5.3.2; expected use, 2.3.5.3; false, see FALSE INFORMATION; INACCURATE INFORMATION; false pretenses, obtaining by, 7.2.2, 7.7.3, 7.7.4, 13.6; favorable information, 5.2.2.1, 5.2.2.2; unreported, 4.3.2.3, 14.6.9, 16.8.2.3; FBI access, 1.4.8, 7.2.10.4; FCRA, scope, Ch. 2; Financial Information Privacy Act, 18.4.2.2; financial products or services, obtained regarding, 3.3.11; first-hand experience, 2.4.2, 2.5.5, 6.2.2.2; fraudulent, blocking, 9.2.4; furnishing, see FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; GLBA, application, 2.3.4.2.2, 18.4.1; identifying information, see IDENTIFYING INFORMATION; identity theft related, see IDENTITY THEFT; inaccurate, see INACCURATE INFORMATION; joint users, sharing, 2.4.6, 2.5.6; legislative history, 1.4.3; medical information, see MEDICAL INFORMATION; nationwide bureaus, 3.2.3.3; non consumer reports, improper use, 2.1.1, 7.5.6; nonpublic personal information, see NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION; personally identifiable financial information, 18.4.1.5; “pretexting,” 13.6, 18.4.2.1, 18.4.2.3; previously reported, 3.5.1.5; privacy protections; see also PRIVACY; common law protections, 18.3, 18.5; governmental intrusion, 18.2; identity theft, see IDENTITY THEFT; overview, 18.1; statutory protections, 18.4, 18.6; tort claims, 18.3; public record information, see PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; purpose, 2.3.5, 2.3.6; release for impermissible purpose, 7.1.8; reporting; see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; CONSUMER REPORTS; regularly engages in, 2.5.3.1; third parties, to, 2.5.5; sources; see also FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; data brokers, 2.7.5; disclosure, 3.5.4.2, 15.4.2.3; inaccurate sources, 4.4.6.4; nationwide agencies, 3.2.3.3; specialized agencies, 3.2.4; spousal information, 5.6.1, 7.4.6; suppliers, tort liability, 10.4.5; unverifiable information, 4.2.6
INJUNCTIVE RELIEF: credit reporting violations, 12.6; class actions, 11.2.3.3.5
INJURIES: see DAMAGES; DAMAGES, ACTUAL
INQUIRY ACTIVITY: consumer file contains information on, 3.2.3.2.5; record retention, 7.5.5; reporting on; consumer report status, 2.3.4.2.4; consumer requests, 7.5.5, 5.2.3.9; prescreened lists, 5.2.3.9; trigger lists, 2.3.4.2.4
INSPECTION BUREAUS: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS; disclosure obligations, 15.4.4; FCRA, application, 2.7.1; investigative reports, preparation, 15.1; insurance reports, 15.3.1
INSURANCE: adverse action, see ADVERSE ACTION; benefits, see INSURANCE BENEFITS; business insurance, see BUSINESS INSURANCE; claims, see INSURANCE CLAIM EXCHANGES; INSURANCE CLAIM LISTS; INSURANCE CLAIMS; companies, see INSURANCE COMPANIES; coverage, see INSURANCE COVERAGE; denial, see ADVERSE ACTION; liability insurance, see LIABILITY INSURANCE; life insurance, see LIFE INSURANCE; marketing lists, see PRESCREENED REPORTS; purposes, see INSURANCE PURPOSES; reports, see INSURANCE REPORTS; underwriting, see INSURANCE UNDERWRITING
INSURANCE BENEFITS: FCRA, application, 2.3.6.5.2; issuance, status as business transaction, 2.3.6.5.2
INSURANCE CLAIM EXCHANGES: see also INSURANCE CLAIMS; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.5.2; nationwide agencies, 2.6.2
INSURANCE CLAIM LISTS: see also CONSUMER LISTS; INSURANCE CLAIMS; compilers, FCRA, application, 2.7.9
INSURANCE CLAIMS: exchanges, see INSURANCE CLAIM EXCHANGES; lists, see INSURANCE CLAIM LISTS; reports, 2.3.6.5.2, 7.2.5, 7.4.7, 14.7.5
INSURANCE COMPANIES: see also FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.5, 2.5.5; information requests, see INSURANCE REPORTS; notice obligations, 7.2.5, 8.5.4.4
INSURANCE COVERAGE: FCRA liability; discovery, 12.1.3.11; litigation issues, 12.3.3
INSURANCE PURPOSES: blemished credit record; impact on relatives, 14.2.5; implications, 14.7.5; credit scores, use, 16.3, 16.11; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.5; impermissible purposes, 7.4.7; investigative reports, 15.3.1; medical information, 7.2.5, 14.7.5; permissible purposes, 7.2.5, 7.2.7; credit insurance, 7.2.3.5; prescreening, 7.3.3; reports for, see INSURANCE REPORTS; underwriting purposes, see INSURANCE UNDERWRITING
INSURANCE REPORTS: see also CONSUMER REPORTS; adverse action notice, 8.5.4.4; blemished reports, implications, 14.7.5; claims reports, 2.3.6.5.2, 7.2.5, 7.4.7, 14.7.5; consumer report, status, 2.3.6.5, 2.7.9, 7.4.7; investigative, see INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS; medical information, inclusion, 5.4.2; furnisher identification, 5.4.3; permissible purposes, 7.2.5; preparation by inspection bureaus, 15.3.1; underwriting reports, 2.3.6.5.1, 7.2.5, 14.7.5
INSURANCE UNDERWRITING: adverse action notice, 8.5.4.4; blemished credit record, implications, 14.7.5; consumer report, permissible use, 7.2.3.5, 7.2.5, 7.2.7, 14.7.5; credit risks, 7.2.7; credit scores, 16.3, 16.11; described, 7.2.5; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.5.1; medical information, 14.7.5; obsolete information, using, 5.2.4
INTEGRITY: definition, 6.4.3.3; furnisher guidelines, 6.4.3
INTEREST RATES: adverse rates, notice requirements; accepted counteroffers, 8.5.4.3.5; price quotes, 8.5.4.3.6; risk-based pricing, 8.5.4.3.4; blemished credit record, impact; car loans, 14.7.1; home mortgages, 14.7.2; risk-based pricing, 16.7.2; notice requirements, 8.7
INTER-FACT: see RESELLERS
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS): see also FEDERAL AGENCIES; GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; consumer reports; administrative summons, 7.2.1, 7.4.3; impermissible use, 7.4.3; permissible user, 7.2.3.4.1, 7.2.3.4.3
INTERNET: see also ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION; WEB RESOURCES; data mining companies, 2.7.13
INTERVIEWS: see PERSONAL INTERVIEWS
INVASION OF PRIVACY: see also PRIVACY; TORT CLAIMS; check cashing lists as, 14.7.7; common law tort, 10.5.3, 18.3; appropriation, 18.3.5; overview, 10.5.3, 18.3.1; public disclosure of private facts, 18.3.3; unreasonable intrusion, 18.3.4; FCRA qualified immunity, 6.11, 10.4, 18.3.2; malice or willful intent exception, 10.4.6; federal agencies, 2.5.7; identity theft, see IDENTITY THEFT
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES: see CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; DETECTIVE AGENCIES; INSPECTION BUREAUS
INVESTIGATIONS: consumers, see INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS; disputed information; CRA investigations, see; direct furnisher investigations, see DIRECT REINVESTIGATIONS (FURNISHERS); employee misconduct, 2.4.4.1, 7.2.4.4, 15.2.4.2
INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; CONSUMER REPORTS; additional obligations, 15.1.2; adverse action based on, 15.4.1.6; contents, 15.2.3; copy to consumer, 15.4.2.2; definition, 15.2; exclusions, 15.2.4; described, 15.1.1; disclosure requirements, 15.4; additional information, 15.4.2, 15.5.2; address of reporting agency, 15.4.1.6; complete disclosure, 15.4.2; form of disclosure, 15.4.2.4; nature of investigation, 15.4.2; nature of report, 15.4.4; reasonable procedures defense, 15.4.3; request for report, 15.4.1; user certification, 15.4.1.5; waiver of rights, 15.4.5; distinguished from consumer report, 3.2.1; employment agencies, 2.4.4.2.2; employment purposes, 2.3.6.4.2, 15.3.2; employee consent, 15.5.1; employee misconduct exemption, 2.4.4.1, 7.2.4.4, 8.11.1.2.1, 15.2.4.2, 15.5.1; false threats, 15.4.1.2; FCRA definition, 15.2; inaccurate information, keeping out, 15.5.2; identifying investigator, 15.4.4; inspection bureaus, see INSPECTION BUREAUS; insurance purposes, 15.3.1; notice; adverse action, 15.4.1; user request, 15.4.1; utilization of notices, 15.5; permissible purposes, 15.3.4; personal interviews; confirmation of information, 15.6.2.1; requirement, 15.2.3; status as, 5.5; procedures, 15.6; public record searches, status, 15.3.1; reinvestigation, 15.5.2; re-use, 15.6.2.3; sources of information; confidentiality, 15.4.2.3, 15.4.4; notice of potential discovery of identity, 15.4.4; state laws, 15.7; stoppage of investigation, 15.5.1; subject matter, 15.2.2; tenant screening purposes, 15.3.3; updating, 15.5.2; user certification, 15.4.1.2, 15.4.1.5; verification; adverse information based on public records, 15.6.2.2; personal interviews, 15.6.2.1; reverification of information, 15.6.2.3
INVESTIGATORS: see DETECTIVE AGENCIES
INVESTMENTS: adverse action notice, 8.5.4.6.1; consumer reports, permissible use, 2.3.6.3.1, 7.2.3.1.3, 7.2.8.2.2.2; losses, FCRA claims, 12.5.2.2.5
IRRELEVANT DISPUTES: see also DISPUTED INFORMATION; agency obligations, 4.5.2.7; notice of irrelevant dispute, 8.14.1
IRRELEVANT INFORMATION: see also INFORMATION ON CONSUMERS; legislative response, 1.4.3
JOINT ACCOUNTS: see also CREDIT ACCOUNTS; SPOUSES; bankruptcy of one, reporting, 6.3.3.13.2; consumer reports, 5.6, 7.4.6.4; ECOA reporting requirements, 5.6.1
JOINT LENDERS: consumer reporting agency status, 2.4.6, 2.5.6; third party information, sharing, 2.4.6
JUDGMENT CREDITORS: see also CREDITORS; consumer reports, permissible use, 7.2.3.4; non-credit judgments, 7.2.3.4.3
JUDGMENT DEBTORS: lists for locating, 14.2.3
JUDGMENTS: see also PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; claims preclusion, 12.3.1.8; collection, permissible use, 7.2.3.4; discharged through bankruptcy, reporting, 5.2.3.8; reporting limitations, 5.2.3.5; res judicata doctrine, 12.3.1.8
JURISDICTION: CROA claims, 17.2.8.8; counterclaims, 12.3.2; FCRA claims; court selection, 11.4.1; personal jurisdiction, 11.2.2, 11.4.3; state claims; removal to federal court, 11.4.5; Rooker-Feldman doctrine, 12.3.1.8; supplemental jurisdiction, 11.4.2
JURORS: see also JURY TRIALS; reports on, 7.2.4.2, 7.4.4
JURY TRIALS: see also JURORS; CROA claims, 17.2.8.11; motions in limine, 12.1.7.6; punitive damages, determination, 12.2, 12.5.4.2.1; right to, 12.2
LAND CONTRACTS: adverse action notice, 8.5.4.6.4; permissible use, 7.2.8.2.2.2
LANDLORD REPORTING COMPANIES: see TENANT SCREENING COMPANIES
LANDLORDS: see also FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION;; consumer reports, permissible uses, 7.2.3.4.1, 7.2.8.2.2.2; creditor status, 15.3.3; FCRA application, 2.3.6.8; tenant screening reports; notice of adverse use, 8.6.1.2; prior landlords, investigative status, 15.3.3; use, 2.3.6.3.3, 14.7.3
LANGUAGE: dispute settlements, 14.6.4.3
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: see also GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; consumer reports; court order requirement, 7.2.1; impermissible use, 7.4.5; permissible use, 7.2.6, 7.2.10.4; FBI, see FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI); identity theft reports, 9.2.2.3.1; lists used by, see LAW ENFORCEMENT BULLETINS; police departments, see POLICE DEPARTMENTS; sheriff’s departments, see SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTS
LAW ENFORCEMENT BULLETINS: see also LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; consumer report status, 2.3.5.3
LAWSUITS: see ACTIONS; COLLECTION SUITS; FCRA CLAIMS; LITIGATION
LAWYERS: see ATTORNEYS; FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION
LEASES: automobile, see AUTOMOBILE LEASES; credit transaction status, 8.6.1.2; denial, notice obligations, 8.5.4.6.3, 8.6.1.2; permissible uses, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.8.2.2.2; personal property leases, see PERSONAL PROPERTY LEASES; residential leases, see RESIDENTIAL LEASES
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS: see also ACTIONS; LITIGATION; bad debts published pursuant to, 14.2.3
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY OF FCRA: see also FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT (FCRA); conference committee bill, 1.4.4; confidentiality, 7.1.1; Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act of 1996, 1.4.6, 6.1.1; Credit and Debit Card Truncation Clarification Act, 1.4.10.2; Credit CARD Act amendments, 1.4.10.3; Dodd-Frank Act amendments, 1.4.11; early amendments, 1.4.5; early history, 1.4.2; FACTA amendments, 1.4.9.1; key provisions, 1.4.9.2; insurance purposes, 2.3.6.5.1; intent, 2.3.6.2, 4.1.2; introduction, 1.4.1; 1997 and 1999 amendments, 1.4.7; national security amendments, 1.4.10.1; passage of FCRA, 1.4.4; qualified immunity, 10.4.1.2; recent amendments, 1.4.10, 1.4.11; Red Flag Program Clarification Act, 1.4.12.1; regulatory history, 1.3.3.1.1; Senate Bill 823, 1.4.3; USA PATRIOT Act, 1.4.8
LENDERS: see CREDITORS; JOINT LENDERS
LEXIS-NEXIS: primary public records vendor, 4.3.5.1, 4.4.6.5; file contents, 3.2.4
LIABILITY: “any person,” 11.2.3.1; consumer reporting agencies; criminal liability, 13.6; employees, 7.6; generally, 11.2.2.1; impermissible reports, 7.6; inaccurate reports, 4.4; inadequate procedures, 4.4.6.2, 4.4.5.1; inadequate reinvestigations, 4.5.3.2; insurance coverage, 12.1.3.11; limited qualified immunity, 10.4; officers or employees, 7.6; credit repair fraud, 17.2.7.5, 17.2.8.3; defenses, see DEFENSES; FCRA violations, 10.2; attorney fees and costs, 12.7.1; criminal penalties, 13.6; furnishers of information, 6.10.1.1, 6.10.2, 10.2.1.2, 10.2.1.3; insurance coverage, 12.1.3.11; reporting agencies, 4.5.3.2; users, 10.2.1.4, 10.2.1.5; vicarious liability, 7.7.5; furnishers of information; accuracy, 6.4.4, 6.5.1, 6.10.1.1, 6.10.2; generally, 10.2.1.2; limited qualified immunity, 10.4; obsolete information, 5.2.2.4; reinvestigation breaches, 6.10.1.1, 6.10.2, 10.2.1.3; identity theft, 9.3, 14.6.6; inaccurate information; furnishers, 6.4.4, 6.5.1, 6.10.1.1, 6.10.2; limited qualified immunity, 10.4; no strict liability, 4.4.5.1.1; reporting agencies, 4.4; resellers, 4.4.4; insurance coverage, 12.1.3.11; legislative history, 1.4.3; limitation periods, see STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS; qualified immunity, see QUALIFIED IMMUNITY; resellers, 4.4.4; users; impermissible purposes, 7.7; investigative report violations, 10.2.1.5; notices, failure to provide, 10.2.1.4
LIABILITY INSURANCE: FCRA claims, 12.3.3; consumer reporting agencies, 12.1.3.11
LIBEL: see DEFAMATION
LICENSES: see also STATE LICENSING BOARDS; adverse actions, notice obligations, 8.5.4.5; consumer report, permissible use, 7.2.4.2, 7.2.6; eligibility, FCRA application, 2.3.6.6, 7.2.4.2; employment purpose, inclusion, 7.2.4.2
LIENS: see also PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; reporting limitations, 5.2.3.6; statutory liens, credit status, 7.2.3.4.3; tax liens, see TAX LIENS
LIFE INSURANCE: see also INSURANCE PURPOSES; INSURANCE UNDERWRITING; obsolete information, reporting exemption, 5.2.4
LIMITATIONS: see STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS; TIME LIMITS
LISTS: see CONSUMER LISTS
LITIGATION: see also ACTIONS; LEGAL PROCEEDINGS; arbitration alternative, see ARBITRATION CLAUSES; consumer reports; evidentiary issues, 12.1.3.9; impermissible use, 7.2.8.2.2.2, 7.4.4, 12.3.1.7, 14.2.4; judgment debts, permissible use, 7.2.3.4; subpoena, 12.1.3.10; counterclaims, 12.3.2; criminal, see PROSECUTIONS; damages, see DAMAGES; defenses, see DEFENSES; discovery, see DISCOVERY; evidence, see EVIDENCE; FCRA, see FCRA CLAIMS; indemnity and insurance issues, 12.3.3; jurisdiction, see JURISDICTION; jury trials, see JURY TRIALS; parties, see PARTIES; pleadings, see PLEADINGS; preservation of documents and data, 12.1.3.6
LITIGATION AIDS: see PRACTICE AIDS
LOAN BROKERS: adverse action, disclosure requirements, 8.6.1.4.2; credit services organization status, 17.3.2; FCRA enforcement authority, 13.2.4.2
LOAN COMPANIES: see CREDITORS; FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
LOAN EXCHANGES: FCRA, application, 2.5.5
LOAN GUARANTY AGENCIES: student loan reporting, 14.6.5
LOAN MODIFICATION: credit scores, effect, 14.6.7.3, 16.8.7; negotiating, 14.6.7.3; services offering; credit repair laws, application, 17.3.2; FCRA enforcement authority, 13.2.4.2
LOAN SERVICERS: see SERVICERS
LOANS: see also CREDIT; DEBTS; car loans, see AUTOMOBILE LOANS; home equity, see HOME MORTGAGES; interest rates, see INTEREST RATES; special purpose assistance, see SPECIAL CREDIT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS; student loans, see STUDENT LOANS; taking on to improve credit record, 14.5.4, 14.6.7.2; workout agreements, see WORKOUT AGREEMENTS
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES: see also GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; FCRA, application, 2.5.8
LOCATION: see ADDRESSES
LODESTAR FORMULA: attorney fee awards, application, 12.7.2.2
MAIL DISCLOSURES: consent, 3.6.1
MAILING LISTS: see PRESCREENED REPORTS
MALICE: see also WILLFUL INTENT; defamation claims, 10.5.2; definition, 10.4.6.1; invasion of privacy claims, 18.3.2; negligence claims, 10.5.4; proof of malice, 10.4.6.3; tort liability, 10.4.6
MARKETING LISTS: see PRESCREENED REPORTS; TARGETED MARKETING LISTS
MARKETING RESEARCH: account number information sharing, 18.4.1.9; affiliate information sharing, 8.12.2; consumer reports; impermissible use, 7.4.8; permissible use, see PRESCREENED REPORTS; status as, 2.7.13; data mining companies, 2.7.13; target lists, see TARGETED MARKETING LISTS
MEDICAL INFORMATION: affiliate sharing, 5.4.4; clearing house, see MEDICAL INFORMATION BUREAU (MIB); consent requirement, 5.4.2, 14.2.6; consumer report status, 2.3.4.1, 2.3.6.5.1; creditor use, restrictions, 5.4.5; defined, 5.4.1; FACTA amendment, 1.4.9.2, 5.4.1; FCRA restrictions, 5.4; financial medical information, 5.4.5.3; furnishers of; see also FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; identifying information, restrictions on reporting, 5.4.3; impermissible uses, 7.4.9; insurance implications, 14.7.5; permissible uses, 5.4.5.3, 5.4.5.4, 7.4.9, 14.2.6; insurance, 7.2.5, 14.7.5; re-disclosure, 5.4.2; reporting agencies, see MEDICAL INFORMATION AGENCIES; special purpose credit assistance, use, 5.4.5.4
MEDICAL INFORMATION AGENCIES: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; MEDICAL INFORMATION; FCRA application, 2.6.2.1; file contents, 3.2.4; insurance underwriting, 2.3.6.5.1; MIB, see MEDICAL INFORMATION BUREAU (MIB); nationwide agencies, 2.6.2; obtaining reports from, 3.4.2.3
MEDICAL INFORMATION BUREAU (MIB): see also MEDICAL INFORMATION AGENCIES; contact information, 3.4.2.3; file contents, 3.2.4; specialized information collection, 2.6.2.2, 3.2.4
MEDICARE: see GOVERNMENT BENEFITS
MERCHANTS: see also CREDITORS; check cashing lists, adverse use, 8.5.4.6.1, 8.5.4.6.2; credit card authorizations, 2.4.5; credit repair laws, application; CROA, 17.2.2.7; state law, 17.3.4; database services, 2.7.12; GLBA, application, 18.4.1.3; third party credit requests, 2.4.6
METRO 2 FORMAT: accuracy standards, 6.3.3.2, 6.4.2.5; associated consumers segment, 6.3.3.4; bankruptcy and, 4.3.2.4.7, 6.3.3.13; base segment, 6.3.3.3; closed accounts, 6.8; common errors, 6.3.3.8; date of first delinquency, 5.2.3.2, 6.7; debt collectors and, 6.3.3.9; detailed description, 6.3.3; dishonored checks and, 6.3.3.12; disputes, noting, 6.6; electronic data reporting, 6.3.1; industry standard, 6.3.2.2, 6.4.2.5; late payments, 6.3.3.7; mechanics of, 6.3.2.4; objective standard, 6.3.3.2; obtaining manual, 6.3.2.3; other specialized segments, 6.3.3.6; overview, 6.3.3.1; student loans and, 6.3.3.10; transfers of accounts segment, 6.3.3.5; utility bills and, 6.3.3.11
MILITARY DUTY ALERTS: see also IDENTITY THEFT; effect, 9.2.2.4, 9.2.2.5; FCRA provisions, overview, 9.2.2.1.1; proof of identity, necessity, 9.2.2.1.2; use by consumers, 4.8.2
MILITARY PERSONNEL: identity theft prevention, see MILITARY DUTY ALERTS; special protections, 5.7.1; arbitration restrictions, 12.4.2.3
MISLEADING INFORMATION: see INACCURATE INFORMATION
MISREPRESENTATION: see also FALSE PRETENSES; consumer report use, 7.7.1, 7.7.3; credit repair organizations; creditworthiness, 17.2.7.2; pleading, 17.2.8.9; services, 17.2.7.4
MISTAKES: see ERRORS
MOBILE APPLICATIONS: consumer report status, 2.5.3.2, 2.7.1, 2.7.13; criminal history gathering, 2.5.3.2, 2.7.1
MOBILE HOME LEASES: see RESIDENTIAL LEASES
MORTGAGE BROKERS: see LOAN BROKERS
MORTGAGE SCORING NOTICE: see also CREDIT SCORES; contents, 8.4.3.1, 16.4.3.2; credit score information, 8.4.3.1.2; home loans, 8.4.3.1.3; overview, 8.4.3.1.1; enforcement of notice right, 8.4.3.3, 16.4.3.3; entitlement, 3.3.1.4, 8.4.3.1.1, 16.4.3.1; time and manner, 8.4.3.2
MORTGAGE SERVICERS: see SERVICERS
MORTGAGES: see HOME MORTGAGES
MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS: see AUTOMOBILE DEALERS
MOTOR VEHICLE DEPARTMENTS (STATE): Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, 18.4.2.4; FCRA, application, 2.3.4.1, 2.5.8, 2.7.9
MOTOR VEHICLE REPORTS: consumer report status, 2.5.8
MULTIPLE DAMAGES: see DAMAGES, MULTIPLE
NAMES: theft of identity, see IDENTITY THEFT
NATIONAL BANKS: see also BANKS; federal regulator, see OFFICE OF COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY (OCC); state authority over, 13.7.2
NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE FOR LEGAL SERVICES: see
NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION (NCUA): see also BANKING REGULATORS; consumer reports, permissible purposes, 2.3.6.10, 7.2.10.6; FCRA enforcement, 13.2.3, 13.2.6; FCRA regulatory authority, 1.3.3.1; GLBA, enforcement authority, 18.4.1.2; text of regulations, Appx. G
NATIONAL DATA RETRIEVAL, INC. (NDR): see DATA BROKERS
NATIONAL SECURITY: special provisions relating to, 1.4.8, 1.4.10.1; adverse notice exemption, 8.11.1.2.3; adverse public record reporting exemption, 4.4.7.4, 8.11.1.2.3; disclosure exemption, 3.5.4.3.2, 7.2.10.4, 7.2.10.5; permissible purposes, 7.2.10.4, 7.2.10.5
NATIONWIDE REPORTING AGENCIES: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; affiliates of, reinvestigations, 4.5.2.6; assistance to consumers, 3.6.3, 3.6.4; “big three” agencies, 1.2.1, 1.2.2; consumer file contents, 3.2.3.2; circumvention rule, 2.6.1.3; consumer files, 3.2.3; blocking of theft-related debts, 9.2.4.1; contents, 3.2.3.2; fraud alerts, 9.2.2; military duty alerts, 9.2.2.4; obtaining disclosure, 3.4; right to disclosure, 3.3; sources of information, 3.2.3.3; variations, 3.4.1; contact information, 3.4.2.2, 4.5.2.4.2; credit risk scores, 16.2.2.2; disclosure requirements, 16.4.1, 16.4.3; FICO variations, 16.4.5.3; in-house educational scores, 16.4.5.2; obtaining, 16.4.1.4, 16.4.1.5; VantageScore, 16.4.5.2; variation between, 3.4.1, 16.4.5.1; defined, 2.6.1.1; e-OSCAR processing system, 4.5.6.1, 6.10.1.2; Equifax, see EQUIFAX; Experian, see EXPERIAN (TRW); FCRA enforcement authority over, 13.2.4.5; fraud alerts; annual reports on, 9.2.1.3; extended fraud alerts, implementation, 9.2.2.3.3; initial fraud alerts, implementation, 9.2.2.2; free reports; advertisements accompanying, 3.3.2.3; annual free report, 3.3.2, 3.4.2.1, 10.7.7; centralized source, 3.3.2.3; fraud alert, 3.3.5; “free” reports that are not free, 3.3.3.1; identity theft, 3.3.5; requesting, 3.3.2.3, 3.4.2.1; state law right, 3.3.9; identity theft, obligations; alerts, 9.2.2; annual reports, 9.2.1.3; blocking of information, 9.2.4.1; referral of complaints, 9.2.2.5; overview of industry, 1.2.2; paid reports, obtaining from, 3.4.2.2; prescreening opt-out notification system, 7.3.3.4; reinvestigations; automated reinvestigation system, 4.5.3.4.4, 4.6.4, 6.10.6.4, 6.10.6.6; challenging, 4.5.3.4.4; deposing as to procedures, 4.5.6.5; dispute requests, 4.5.2.4.5; electronic dispute processing, 4.5.6, 6.10.1.2; results, reporting to, 6.10.6.4, 6.10.6.6; resellers, status as, 2.6.3.3; responsibilities, 2.6.1.2; sample reports, Appx. I.1; sources of information, 3.2.3.3; specialty agencies, 2.6.2, 2.7.3; see also SPECIALTY AGENCIES; check writing, see CHECK APPROVAL COMPANIES; contact information, 3.4.2.3; defined, 2.6.2.1; employment reports, 2.3.6.4.1, 2.6.2.1, 2.6.2.2; files, 3.2.4; FTC enforcement order, Appx. L.6; medical information, see MEDICAL INFORMATION AGENCIES; obtaining reports from, 3.3.2.4, 3.4.2.3; tenant screening, see; types, 2.6.2.2; toll-free number; disclosure, 3.4.2.2, 3.4.2.3; requirement to have, 3.6.4; TransUnion, see TRANSUNION
NECESSARIES: state law doctrine, 5.6.1, 7.4.6.2
NEGATIVE INFORMATION: see ADVERSE INFORMATION
NEGLIGENCE: elements of, 10.5.4; FCRA qualified immunity, 6.11, 10.4; malice or willful intent exception, 10.4.6; FCRA violations; liability, 10.2.1.1; reasonable procedures, 10.2.3; standard for negligence, 10.2.2; identity theft, creditors, 9.5.2; obsolete information reporting, 5.2.5.1; reasonable procedures, 10.2.3; bright line requirements, 10.2.3.2; failure to follow, 5.2.5.1, 10.2.3.3; tort claims, 10.5.4; see also TORT CLAIMS
NOMINAL DAMAGES: see DAMAGES, NOMINAL
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: CROA exemption, 17.2.2.3.2
NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION: see also PERSONAL INFORMATION; PRIVACY; data brokers, “pretexting” to obtain, 18.4.2.3; data safeguard, 18.4.1.10; defined, 18.4.1.1; GLBA disclosure restrictions, 2.3.4.2.2, 18.4.1.5; exempt disclosures, 18.4.1.6; personally identifiable financial information, 18.4.1.5
NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDS: see DISHONORED CHECKS
NOTICE: see also DISCLOSURE; adverse action; ECOA notice, Appx. C.9; FCRA notice, see ADVERSE ACTION NOTICE; adverse information, reporting; financial institutions, 6.9, 8.9; model form, proper use, 6.9; public record information, 4.4.7.2, 8.11.5; state law, 5.6.3; affiliate information sharing; adverse action, 3.3.1.3.4, 8.6.2; exclusion notice, 8.12.2; financial information, 8.12.1.2, 18.4.1.8.2; opt-out rights, 8.12.3.3, Appx. C.11; child support debts; government agencies, 7.2.9, 8.13.2; reporting, 1.4.12.2, 5.8.2; consumer files; deletion of disputed information, 4.5.5.2; deletion of favorable information, 5.2.2.1; inaccuracy, statement of dispute, 4.8.1; reinsertion of deleted information, 4.7.2.4; consumer report requests; child support enforcement agencies, 1.4.12.2, 7.2.9; employment reports, 7.2.4.3.2; consumer reporting agencies, obligations; corrections following reinvestigation, 4.6.2; employment reports, 4.4.7.2; expedited dispute resolution, 4.5.5.2; fraud alerts, 9.2.2.3.3; frivolous disputes, 4.5.2.7.4, 8.14.1; identity theft block refusal, 8.10.4, 9.2.4.1.3; inaccurate information received, 6.4.2.2; past user notification, consumer rights, 4.9.2; prescreening opt-out, 7.3.3.4; public record information, 4.4.7.2, 8.11.5; reinsertion of information, 4.7.2.4, 8.10.2; reinvestigation request, 4.5.4.2, 6.10.3; reinvestigation results, 4.6.1, 6.10.6.4, 8.10.1; consumer reporting agencies, to, 8.15; fraud alerts, 9.2.2; inaccurate information, 8.15; reinvestigation request, 4.5.2.4; consumers, to; adverse action notice, 8.5; adverse information use, 8.6; affiliate sharing notice, 8.12; child support use notice, 8.13.2; credit score notice, 8.4.2, 16.4.4; employment use notice, 8.11; expedited dispute resolution, 4.5.5.2; FCRA rights notice, 8.2; fraud prevention, 8.14.1; free credit report, 3.3.3.2.1, 9.2.2.2, 9.2.2.3.3; frivolous dispute, 4.5.2.7.4, 6.5.2.5, 8.14.1; government agency debtors, 8.13.1; ID theft information, blockage refusal, 8.10.4, 9.2.4.1.3; ID theft rights notice, 8.3, 9.2.2.1.1; importance, 8.1.2; investigative report notice, 15.4.1; model forms, Appx. C; mortgage scoring notice, 8.4.3; negative information notice, 8.9; other FCRA notices, 8.14.1; overview, 8.1.1; past user notification, rights, 4.9.2; prescreening opt-out notice, 8.8.3; prescreening use notice, 8.8.2; public record information for employment purposes, 4.4.7.2, 8.11.5; reinsertion notice, 4.7.2.4, 8.10.2; reinvestigation results notice, 4.6.1, 8.10.1; risk-based pricing notice, 8.7; state law requirements, 8.14.2; Summary of Consumer Identity Theft Rights, 8.3; Summary of Consumer Rights, 8.2; cosigners; adverse action, 8.5.4.3.7, 8.6.1.4.3; adverse information, state law, 5.6.3; credit score; adverse action, 8.5.4.2, 16.4.4; general notice, 8.4.2; mortgage scoring notice, 8.4.3; overview, 8.4.1; risk-based pricing, 8.7.3, 16.4.4; dealer paper purchases, 8.6.1.4.1; debt collectors, validation notice, 14.4.6; dispute notices, 8.1.1; CDV or “611” notice, 6.10.3.2; direct dispute process, 6.5.2.3; formal dispute process, 4.5.2.4, 6.10.2.2, 8.15, 14.6.2.1; reinvestigation requests, to furnisher, 4.5.4.2, 6.10.3; reinvestigation results, 4.6.1.1; settlement, 14.6.4.3; statement in file, 4.8.1; ECOA; comparison with FCRA notice, 8.5.6; model form, Appx. C.9; record retention, 12.1.5; employment agency files, rights, 2.4.4.2.5; employee misconduct investigations, 8.11.1.2.1, 15.2.4.2; employment reports, 7.2.4.3.2, 8.11; adverse action, 8.11.3, 8.11.4; exceptions, 8.11.1.2; intention to request, 8.11.2; overview, 8.11.1; public record information, 4.4.7.2, 8.11.5; FCRA notices; importance, 8.1.2; overview, 8.1.1; FCRA rights, see SUMMARY OF CONSUMER RIGHTS; federal agency debt reporting notice, 5.7.3, 8.13.1; content, 8.13.1.2; time and manner, 8.13.1.3; financial institutions, by; affiliate information sharing, 8.12.1.2; negative information reporting, 6.9, 8.9; opt-out notice, 18.4.1.8.2; privacy notice, 8.12.1.2, 18.4.1.7; fraud alert notice, 9.2.2.3.3; frivolous dispute, 4.5.2.7.4, 6.5.2.5, 8.14.1; furnishers of information, obligations; disputed information, 4.8.2, 6.5.2.6, 6.6; negative information by financial institutions, 6.9, 8.9; voluntarily closed accounts, 6.8; furnishers of information, to, 8.16; blocked fraudulent information, 9.2.4.2.1; direct dispute process, 6.5.2.3, 14.6.2.3; FCRA obligations, 6.2.1, 8.16.1, Appx. C.6; formal reinvestigations, 4.5.4.2, 4.6.3, 6.10.2.2, 6.10.3, 14.6.2.2; inaccurate information reporting, 6.4.2.2, 14.6.2.3; other notices, 8.16.2; GLBA requirements; opt-out notice, 18.4.1.8.2; privacy notice, 18.4.1.7; government agencies; child support purposes, 1.4.12.2, 7.2.9, 8.13.2; federal debt reporting, 8.13.1; government benefits, adverse action, 8.5.4.5; inaccurate information, 6.5.2.3, 8.15; identity theft; block refusal notice, 8.10.4, 9.2.4.1.3; blocking of information, 9.2.4.2.1; fraud alerts, 9.2.2; request to block, 9.2.4.1.1; summary of rights, see SUMMARY OF CONSUMER IDENTITY THEFT RIGHTS; insurance reports, adverse action, 8.5.4.4; investigative consumer reports, 15.4.1; contents, 15.4.1.3; form, 15.4.1.3; right to disclosure, 15.4.1.3; sources, potential discovery of identity, 15.5.2; time, 15.4.1.2; user requests, 15.4.1; mortgage scoring notice, see MORTGAGE SCORING NOTICE; prescreened reports, adverse action, 8.5.4.3.8; prescreening opt-out notice, 8.8.1, 8.8.3; content, 8.8.3.1; enforcement of rights, 8.8.3.3; model notice, Appx. C.8; time and manner, 8.8.3.2; prescreening use notice, 7.3.3.4, 8.8.1, 8.8.2; contents, 8.8.2.2; enforcement of rights, 8.8.2.4; purpose, 8.8.2.1; time and manner, 8.8.2.3; public record information for employment purposes, 4.4.7.2, 8.11.5; claims re, 8.11.5.3; content and nature, 8.11.5.1; time and manner, 8.11.5.2; reasonable procedures defense, 15.4.3; reinsertion, 4.7.2.4, 8.10.2; reinvestigations; denials, 8.14.1; investigative sources, 15.5.2; nationwide reporting agencies, 6.10.6.4; past users, 4.9; requests, 4.5.2.4, 4.5.4.2, 6.10.3; results, 6.10.6, 8.10.1; risk-based pricing, 8.5.4.3.4, 8.7, 16.7.2; model notice, Appx. C.11; state law requirements, 8.14.2; status notices, 8.1.1; student loan defaults, 14.4.5; summary of FCRA rights, see SUMMARY OF CONSUMER RIGHTS; summary of identity theft rights, see SUMMARY OF CONSUMER IDENTITY THEFT RIGHTS; truckers; adverse action notice, 8.11.1.2.2; employment use notice, 8.11.1.2.2; users of reports, obligations; adverse action, see ADVERSE ACTION NOTICE; employment reports, 8.11; investigative reports, 15.4.1.2; risk-based pricing, 8.5.4.3.4; users of reports, to, 8.17; address discrepancy, 8.17.3, 9.2.6.3; disputed information, 4.8.1, 4.8.2, 8.17.4, 14.4.7; FCRA responsibilities, 7.1.5, 8.17.2; overview, 8.17.1; past users, 4.9, 8.17.4
NSF CHECKS: see DISHONORED CHECKS
OBSOLETE INFORMATION: see also CONSUMER FILES; INFORMATION ON CONSUMERS; dating, 5.2.3, 5.2.5.3; deletion, 5.2.2.2, 5.2.5.3; existence, reporting, 5.2.2.3; favorable information, 5.2.2.1; deletion from file, 5.2.2.2; effect on credit scores, 16.8.2.7; furnisher liability, 5.2.2.4; inaccurate information as, 5.2.2.2; investigative consumer reports, 15.6.1, 15.6.2.3; reasonable procedures, 5.2.5; reliance on, 5.2.2.3; reporting exemptions, 5.2.4, 5.2.5.4; reporting restrictions, 5.2; adverse items, 5.2.3; constitutional challenges, 5.2.1.2; existence of information, 5.2.2.3; general principles, 5.2.2; judgments, 5.2.3.5; overview, 5.2.1; summary of restrictions, 5.2.1.1; structure of FCRA, 5.2.3.1; threats to report, 5.2.3.4.7; retention, 5.2.1.1, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.2.5.4; standards, legislative history, 1.4.2; state law preemption, 5.2.6; student loans, 14.6.5; verification, 5.2.4
OFFENSES: see CRIMINAL OFFENSES
OFFERS OF CREDIT: see CREDIT OFFERS
OFFICE OF COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY (OCC): see also BANKING REGULATORS; FCRA enforcement, 13.2.3, 13.2.6; FCRA regulatory authority, 1.3.3.1; citations, Appx. B.4; GLBA enforcement authority, 18.4.1.2; text of regulations, Appx. G; preemption regulation, 13.7.2
OFFICE OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL (OFAC) LIST: consumer file information, 3.5.1.4; consumer report status, 2.3.5.1
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT: FCRA application, 2.5.7
OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION (OTS): former FCRA authority, 13.2.6; GLBA regulations, Appx. G
OFFICIAL STAFF COMMENTARY (FTC): see also FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC); replaced by Staff Summary, 1.3.3.2.1
ON-LINE DATING SERVICES: see DATING SERVICES
OPEN-END CREDIT: see also CREDIT ACCOUNTS; account review, 7.2.3.3; credit cards, see CREDIT CARDS; disputed information, reporting restrictions, 5.3.4
OPINION LETTERS (FTC): see also FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC); furnisher accuracy, 6.4.2.6; generally, 1.3.3.2; sectional index, Appx. E
OPT-OUT RIGHTS: affiliate sharing of information, 2.4.3.2, 8.12; duration, 8.12.2, 8.12.3.5; enforcement, 8.12.4; exceptions, 8.12.3.6; exclusion notice, 8.12.2; financial information, 8.12.1.2, 18.4.1.8.2; marketing information, 8.12.3; notice of rights, 8.12.3.3, Appx. C.11; overview, 8.12.1.1; reasonable opportunity and method, 8.12.3.4; nonpublic personal information disclosure, 18.4.1.8; exemptions, 18.4.1.6.3; sample notices, Appx. G; prescreened lists, 7.3.3.4; notice, 8.8.3, Appx. C.8
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: adverse action notice, 8.5.3.2; consumer file disclosure, 3.6.2; CRA assistance to consumers, 3.6.3
PARTIES: credit reporting claims; class actions, 11.2.3; defendants, 11.2.2; insurance coverage, 12.1.3.11, 12.3.3; plaintiffs, 11.2.1
PARTNERSHIPS: see also BUSINESSES; credit applications, see BUSINESS CREDIT; FCRA, application, 2.3.3.3; reports on, see COMMERCIAL REPORTS
PATERNITY PROCEEDINGS: see also CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; consumer reports, use, 7.4.2
PATRIOT ACT: see USA PATRIOT ACT
PAYDAY LENDERS: FCRA enforcement authority, 13.2.4.4
PAYMENT PLANS: see WORKOUT AGREEMENTS
PENDENT JURISDICTION: see SUPPLEMENTAL JURISDICTION
PEOPLE SEARCH SERVICES: consumer report status, 2.3.4.2.1
PERMISSIBLE PURPOSES: see also IMPERMISSIBLE PURPOSES; account reviews, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.3.3, 7.2.8.3; agents, 7.1.6; background to standard, 7.1.1; business transaction initiated by consumer, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.8.2; certification, see CERTIFICATION; check cashing lists, 2.3.6.3.2; child support, 2.3.6.9; consumer lists, 7.3; consumer’s permission, 7.1.3, 7.2.2; counterintelligence, 7.2.10.4; counterterrorism, 7.2.10.4, 7.2.10.5; court order, 7.2.1; credit transactions, 2.3.6.3, 7.2.3; debt collection purposes, 2.3.6.3, 7.2.3.4; driving records, 18.4.2.4; employment agencies, 2.4.4.2; employment purposes, 2.3.6.4, 7.2.4.2; expected use, 2.3.5.3; FBI purposes, 7.2.10.4; FDIC, 7.2.10.6; generally, 2.3.5.1, 2.3.6.1, 7.1; government agencies, 2.3.6.9, 7.2.9, 7.2.10; debt collection, 7.2.3.4; sponsored charge cards, 7.2.3.6; government licenses, 2.3.6.6, 7.2.6; information collected for, 2.3.5; insurance purposes, 2.3.6.5, 7.2.5; credit insurers, 7.2.3.5; intended use, 7.1.2.2, 7.1.4.1, 7.7.1; investors, 7.2.3.5; judgment debts, 7.2.3.4; legitimate business need, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.8; medical information, 5.4.5.3, 5.4.5.4, 14.2.6; NCUA, 7.2.10.6; necessity, 7.1.2, 7.1.4; original purpose, 2.3.5.4; personal credit, 2.3.6.3; prescreening lists, 7.3.1, 7.4.8; privacy protections, 7.1.1; prospective clients, 7.4.4; public assistance eligibility, 2.3.6.6, 7.2.6, 14.7.9; release for, 7.1.2, 7.2; consumer’s objection, 7.1.3; discretion of CRA, 7.1.2.1; “reason to believe” standard, 7.1.2.2; risk assessment, 2.3.6.7, 7.2.7; servicers, 7.2.3.5; skip tracing, 2.3.6.3, 7.2.3.4; spouses, 7.4.6.2, 14.6.9; tenant screening reports, 2.3.6.3.3; terrorism protection, 7.2.10.4; third parties, 7.4.6; use only for, 7.1.2, 7.1.4; verification, 7.5.3; reasonable procedures, 7.5.1.2; waiver of rights, 7.2.2
PERSONAL CREDIT: see also CREDIT; consumer report, permissible purpose, 2.3.6.3.1, 7.2.3.1.3; defined, 2.3.6.3.1
PERSONAL INFORMATION: consumer report status, 2.3.4.1; credit header information, see CREDIT HEADER INFORMATION; medical information, see MEDICAL INFORMATION; nonpublic personal information, see NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION; privacy concerns, see PRIVACY
PERSONAL INTERVIEWS: consumer reports, information from, restrictions, 5.5; investigative consumer reports; confirmation, 15.6.2.1; contents, 15.2.3; reinvestigation, 15.5.2; requirement, 15.2.3
PERSONAL JURISDICTION: see also JURISDICTION; FCRA actions, 11.2.2
PERSONAL PROPERTY LEASES: see also AUTOMOBILE LEASES; LEASES; adverse action notice, 8.5.4.6.3; consumer report, permissible purpose, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.8.2.2.2
PERSONAL PURPOSE TRANSACTIONS: see also CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS; consumer report, permissible purpose, 2.3.6.3.1, 7.2.3.1.3; business transactions, 7.2.8.2.2.1; insurance report, 7.2.5; defined, 2.3.6.3.1
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES: see POWER OF ATTORNEY
PERSONNEL: see EMPLOYEES
PERSONS: see also CONSUMERS; CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; “any person,” liability, 11.2.2.1; definition, 2.5.2, 15.4.1.1
PLEADINGS: see also FCRA CLAIMS; credit repair violations, 17.2.8.9, 17.3.6; defenses, 12.3.1; drafting the complaint, 11.5; malice or willful intent, 10.4.6.3; sample pleadings; sample complaints, Appx. J.2
POINT SCORES: see CREDIT SCORES
POLICE DEPARTMENTS: see also LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; FCRA, application, 2.7.9
POWER OF ATTORNEY: see also ATTORNEYS; consumer files, disclosure requests, 3.4.4
PRACTICE AIDS: case selection, 11.3; court selection, 11.4; credit records, 12; credit score considerations, 16.10; consumer complaints, filing, 13.3.5; consumer report, examining, 3.7; court orders covering reporting issues, 14.6.4.5; damage awards, quick reference, 12.8; discovery, see DISCOVERY; evidentiary issues, 12.1.7; FCRA, utilization, 1.3.2; FCRA claims, see FCRA CLAIMS; follow-up after dispute resolution, 14.6.4.6, 14.6.4.7; generally, 12.1.1, 14.1; guides to credit reporting, Appx. M; impermissible uses, 14.2; insurance coverage, 12.1.3.11; jury trials, 12.2; pleadings, see PLEADINGS; reasonable procedures, establishing, 4.4.5.1.5; record retention, 12.1.5; reinsertion cases, 4.7.3.2; reinvestigation requests, 4.5.2.4; reinvestigation suits, 6.10.1.3; sample documents, Appx. J; settlement, generally, see SETTLEMENT; settling non-FCRA litigation, 14.6.4; negotiating credit reporting issues, 14.6.4.2; subpoenas, 12.1.3.10; web resources, see WEB RESOURCES
PREEMPTION OF STATE LAW: affiliate information sharing, 2.4.3.2.4, 10.7.5; breach of contract claims, 10.7.3.6; child support debt reporting, 5.8.2; consumer reporting agencies, 10.7.3.3, 10.7.7, 10.7.8.2; cosigner reporting, 5.6.3; credit or debit cards, 10.7.8.6; credit repair laws, 17.2.10, 17.3.8; credit scores; disclosure, 3.3.4.6, 10.7.6, 16.4.3.3; insurance scores, 16.11; debt collection, 10.7.8.5; defense, as, 12.3.1.11; disclosures, 10.7.6; credit report fees, 3.3.9, 3.3.10.2, 10.7.7; express preemption; affiliate information sharing, 10.7.5; conduct, 10.7.8; disclosures, 10.7.6; identity theft, 10.7.7; overview, 10.7.2; scope, 10.7.4; subject matter, 10.7.3; tort claims, 10.7.4; FAA, 12.4.2.3; FACTA amendments, 1.4.9.1; field preemption, 10.7.1; furnishers of information, 5.8.1, 6.2.2.3, 10.7.3.2, 10.7.8.4; accuracy and integrity, 6.4.3.1; direct dispute rights, 6.5.2.1; medical information, 5.4.3; qualified immunity, relationship, 10.7.4.1; generally, 5.8.1, 10.7; Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, 18.4.1.13; identity theft, 9.2.4.1.5, 9.2.6.3, 10.7.3.5; inconsistent state laws, 10.7.1.3; insurance laws not preempted, 12.4.2.3; national banks and thrifts, 13.7.2; OCC regulation, 13.7.2; pre-FACTA case law, 10.7.2.3; qualified immunity, relationship, 10.4.1.3, 10.7.4; reinvestigation refusal, notice, 4.5.2.7.4; risk-based pricing notice, 8.7.5; scope, 10.7.4; enumerated provisions, 10.7.3, 10.7.8; similarity to FCRA, effect, 10.7.4.5; state law claims, 10.7, 12.3.1.11; state obsolescence laws, 5.2.6; statutory claims, 10.7.4.2, 10.7.4.3; tort claims, 10.7.4; invasion of privacy, 18.3.2; trigger approach, 10.7.4.4; users of information, 10.7.3.4, 10.7.8.3
PRESCREENED REPORTS: see also CONSUMER LISTS; account number information, 18.4.1.9; active duty military, exclusion, 9.2.2.4; adverse action notice, 8.5.4.3.8; consumer report status, 2.3.4.2.3, 7.3.3.2; described, 2.3.4.2.3, 5.2.3.9, 7.3.3.2, 8.8.1; disclosure requirements, 5.2.3.9, 8.8; exclusion requests, 7.3.3.4; FCRA application, 2.3.4.2.3, 7.3.3; “firm offer” of credit or insurance, 7.3.3.3; fraud alert consumers, exclusion, 9.2.2.3.3; notification system for consumers, 7.3.3.4, 8.8; overview, 8.8.1; removal from list, 8.8.3; use of prescreened list, 8.8.2; “opt out” rights, 7.3.3.4; notice, 8.8.3, Appx. C.8; overview; process, 7.3.3.2.1; requirements, 8.8.1, 7.3.3.1.1; permissible purposes, 7.3.1, 7.3.3.1; “firm offer” required, 7.3.3.3; limited information, 7.3.3.2.2; record of inquiries, time period, 5.2.3.9; state law preemption, 10.7; target marketing; form of, 7.3.2.2; legislative response, 1.4.6; users; differentiation from report users, 7.1.9; notice requirements, 8.8.2; younger consumers, 7.3.3.1.2
PRIVACY: see also CONFIDENTIALITY; Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, 18.4.2.1; common law protections, 18.3, 18.5; Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 18.4.2.1; data brokers, concerns, 2.7.5; data safeguard, 18.4.1.10; Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18.4.2.1; FCRA purpose, 1.4.1, 7.1.1; financial abuse of older adults, reporting, 18.4.1.6.3; financial information, 18.4.1; exempt disclosures, 18.4.1.6; opting out, 18.4.1.8; GLBA notice, see PRIVACY NOTICE; GLBA protections, see GRAMM-LEACH-BLILEY ACT (GLBA); governmental intrusion, 18.2; legislative response, 1.4.3, 1.4.6; overview, 18.1; statutory protections; computers and the Internet, 18.4.2.1; FCRA, 7.1.1, 18.1; Financial Information Privacy Act, 18.4.2.2; FTC Act, 18.4.2.3; Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, 18.1, 18.4.1; interests impeding, 18.6; state law, 18.4.2.5; Telecommunications Act, 18.4.2.1; tort claims, see INVASION OF PRIVACY
PRIVACY ACT: federal agencies, protections, 2.5.7, 18.2
PRIVACY NOTICE: see also GRAMM-LEACH-BLILEY ACT (GLBA); contents, 18.4.1.7.3; definition, 18.4.1.7.1; entitlement, time, 18.4.1.7.2; model notice, 18.4.1.7.5
PRIVACY RULE (FTC): see also GRAMM-LEACH-BLILEY ACT (GLBA); Regulation P replaces, 18.4.1.2
PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS: see DETECTIVE AGENCIES
PRIVATE REMEDIES: CROA violations, 17.2.8; FCRA violations, see FCRA CLAIMS; state claims, see STATE CLAIMS; TORT CLAIMS
PRIVILEGE: see CONDITIONAL PRIVILEGE
PROOF: see BURDEN OF PROOF; EVIDENCE
PROPERTY MANAGERS: consumer reporting agency status, 15.3.3; consumer reports, obtaining, 7.1.6
PROPERTY SALES: adverse action notice, 8.5.4.6.4; permissible use, 7.2.8.2.2.2
PROPERTY SETTLEMENTS: see DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS
PROSECUTIONS: see also CRIMINAL OFFENSES; consumer reports, use, 7.4.4, 7.4.5, 14.2.4; FCRA violations, 13.6; identity theft, 9.3, 9.4.1
PROTECTIVE BULLETINS: see LAW ENFORCEMENT BULLETINS
PROTECTIVE ORDERS: discovery requests, 12.1.3.8
PUBLIC AGENCIES: see GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS: see also GOVERNMENT BENEFITS; consumer file disclosure, free reports, 3.3.8, 3.3.9
PUBLIC ENFORCEMENT: federal enforcement, see FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT; state enforcement, see STATE ENFORCEMENT
PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION: assemblers of information, 2.5.3.2; clearing up blemished report, 14.6.3; consumer report status, 2.3.4.1, 2.3.4.2.1; consumer reporting agencies; “big three” nationwide agencies, 3.2.3.2.4; collection, 4.3.5.1, 4.3.3.4; discovery relating to, 12.1.3.2.12; employment purposes, 4.4.7, 8.11.5; FCRA violations, liability, 10.2.3.5; notice requirements, 4.4.7.2, 8.11.5; reasonable procedures, 4.4.6.5, 10.2.3.5; specialty agencies, 2.7.1, 12.1.3.2.12; strict procedures, 4.4.7.3, 10.2.3.5; criminal records, see CRIMINAL RECORDS; employment reports, 4.4.7; notice, 4.4.7.2, 8.11.5; security clearances, 4.4.7.4, 8.11.1.2.3; strict procedures, 4.4.7.3; FCRA claims, 10.2.3.5; inaccurate reports, 4.3.5, 4.4.6.5; employment reports, 4.4.7.3; mixed information, 4.3.3.4, 4.4.6.6; reporting limitations; criminal records, 5.2.3.7; judgments, 5.2.3.5; suits, 5.2.3.4.1, 5.2.3.5; tax liens, 5.2.3.6; searches by inspection bureaus, 15.3.1; up-to-date, 4.4.7.3
PUBLIC UTILITY CREDIT: see also UTILITY SERVICES; blemished credit record, effect, 14.7.4; credit scores, 16.12; FCBA, application, 14.4.3; Metro 2 Format reporting, 6.3.3.11
PUBLIC WELFARE RECIPIENTS: see PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS
PUBLICATION: bad debt lists, 14.2.3; credit record, 14.2.2; damages prerequisite, 12.5.2.3.2
PUNITIVE DAMAGES: see DAMAGES, PUNITIVE
QUALIFIED IMMUNITY: application, 10.4.2, 10.4.4; background, 10.4.1; disclosure prerequisite, 10.4.3; exception for malice or willful intent, 10.4.6; federal preemption, reconciling, 10.4.1.3, 10.7.4; generally, 10.4.1.1; information to nonreporting agency, 10.4.5; legislative history, 10.4.1.2; tort liability, 6.11, 10.4, 10.7.4, 18.3.2
QUALIFIED PRIVILEGE: defense to tort action, 10.5.2, 10.5.4
RACKETEERING INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATIONS ACT (RICO): credit repair organizations, application, 17.1.2, 17.3; credit reporting abuses, application, 10.3
REAL ESTATE AGENTS: consumer reports, obtaining, 7.1.6; FCRA enforcement authority, 13.2.5
REAL ESTATE SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES ACT (RESPA): claims under, 10.3; qualified written request, 14.4.4; reporting restrictions, 5.3.5, 6.5.3
REAL PROPERTY LEASES: see RESIDENTIAL LEASES
REAL PROPERTY SALES: see LAND CONTRACTS
REASONABLE PROCEDURES: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; CONSUMER REPORTS; accuracy assurance; furnishers of information, 6.4.3.2, 6.4.3.4; reporting agencies, 4.4.5; availability and minimal burden of corrective measures, 4.4.5.1.5; balancing test, 4.4.5.1.2, 4.5.3.4.3; bankruptcy reporting, 4.4.6.10; failure to follow, 4.4.6.10.2.2; bright line requirements, 10.2.3.2; burden of proof, 12.3.1.2; consumer identification, 4.4.6.6, 4.4.6.7; consumer reporting agencies; accuracy, 4.4.5; blanket certifications, 7.5.2.2; permissible purposes, 7.5.1; reinsertion of information, 4.7.2.2; requirement to maintain, 10.2.3.3; specific problems, 4.4.6; data communication, 4.4.6.8; defense, as, 10.2.3.4, 12.3.1.2; discovery, 12.1.3.1; electronic communication of reports, 7.5.4; employee access to files, 7.6; employees must follow established procedures, 4.4.5.1.4; employment reports, public record information, 4.4.7.3; national security exemption, 4.4.7.4; factors bearing on, 4.4.5.1.3; FCRA claims, 10.2.3; damages, 4.4.5.3; determining reasonableness, 4.4.5.1; no strict liability, 4.4.5.1.1; proof issues, 4.4.5.2; FCRA purpose, 1.3.1, 10.2.3.1; furnishers of information, 6.4.3.2, 6.4.3.4; identity theft prevention, 4.4.6.7; address discrepancies, 9.2.6.3; after alerts, 9.2.2.5; change of address, 9.2.6.4; red flag guidelines, 9.2.6.2.3; illogical files, 4.4.6.3; impermissible purposes, avoiding, 7.5; inaccurate sources, 4.4.6.4; incomplete information, 4.4.6.9; internal inconsistencies, 4.4.6.3; investigative reports; disclosure obligations, 15.4.3; preparation, 15.6.1; management policies discouraging, 4.4.6.1; mismerged information, 4.4.6.6; missing accounts; consumer offers of new information, 4.8.4; existing accounts, 4.4.6.9.3; new accounts, 4.4.6.9.2; obsolete information, 4.4.6.9, 5.2.5; legal standard, 5.2.5.2; proof issues, 4.4.5.2; public record information, 4.4.6.5, 10.2.3.5; employment reports, strict procedures, 4.4.7.3; national security exemption, 4.4.7.4; reinsertion of information, 4.7.2.2; reinvestigations, 4.4.6.2, 4.5.2.5, 4.5.3, 6.10.4; reliance on furnishers, 4.4.6.4; resellers, 4.4.4; retention of request records, 7.5.5; sources of information, 4.4.6.4; specific procedures, 4.4.6; standards, 4.4.5.1.2, 5.2.5.2; systematic violations, 11.2.3; transcription, 4.4.6.8; updating procedures, 4.4.6.9.4, 4.4.6.9.5; user identification and certification; blanket certifications, 7.5.2.2; continuing reports, 7.5.2.3; employment purposes, 7.2.4.3.1; follow-up reports, 7.5.2.3; investigative consumer reports, 15.4.1.5; nature of certification, 7.5.2.1; verification procedures, 7.5.3; violations, 7.5.1.1
RECORDS: consumer reporting agencies, obligations, 7.5.5, 9.2.5.3, 12.1.5; consumer reports, requests for, 7.5.5; credit record, see CREDIT RECORD; criminal records, see CRIMINAL RECORDS; PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; disposal requirements, 9.2.5.3; public, see PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; retention, 12.1.5; litigation purposes, 12.1.3.6
RED FLAG GUIDELINES: Clarification Act, 1.4.12.1, 9.2.6.2.2; definition of creditor, 1.4.12.1, 2.3.6.3.1, 9.2.6.2.2; FTC regulations, Appx. B.3.1; generally, 9.2.6.2.1; requirements, 9.2.6.2.3; scope, 1.4.12.1, 2.3.6.3.1, 9.2.6.2.2
REGULATIONS (ECOA): credit score definition, 16.2.3.2
REGULATIONS (FCRA): banking regulators, 1.3.3.1.1; current regulations, 1.3.3.1.2, Appx. B.4; CFPB authority, 1.3.3.1.1, 1.4.11, 13.2.7; current regulations, 1.3.3.1.2, Appx. B.2.1; circumvention rule, 2.6.1.3; courts failure to give deference, 1.3.3.1.3; FTC authority, 1.3.3.1.1, 1.4.11, 13.2.7; current regulations, 1.3.3.1.2, Appx. B.3; furnisher accuracy and integrity guidelines, 6.4.3.1, 6.4.3.2; generally, 1.3.3.1; identification requirements, 3.4.3.2; identity theft prevention; address discrepancies, 9.2.6.3; change of address regulations, 9.2.6.4; disposal of consumer information, 9.2.5.3; red flag guidelines, 9.2.6.2, Appx. B.3.1; legislative history, 1.3.3.1.1, 1.4.7, 1.4.9.2; risk-based pricing notice, 8.7.1; Securities and Exchange Commission, 1.3.3.1.1; current regulations, 1.3.3.1.2, Appx. B.5; summary of current regulations, 1.3.3.1.2; text, Appx. B
REGULATIONS (GLBA): authority to make, 18.4.1.2; CFPB Regulation P, 18.4.1.2, Appx. G; FDIC regulations, Appx. G; FRB regulations, Appx. G; FTC Privacy Rule, 18.4.1.2; NCUA regulations, Appx. G; OCC regulations, Appx. G; OTS regulations, Appx. G
REINSERTION OF INFORMATION: agency obligations, 4.7.2.2; breach of settlement, 14.6.4.3; failure to handle properly, FCRA claims, 4.7.3; strategies for litigating, 4.7.3.2; FCRA provisions, 4.7.2; furnisher certification, 4.7.2.3; legislative history, 1.4.6, 4.7.1.1, 4.7.2.1; notice to consumer, 4.7.2.4, 8.10.2; claims re, 4.7.3; enforcement of rights, 8.10.2.4; nature and content, 8.10.2.2; time and manner, 8.10.2.3; overview, 4.7.1, 4.7.2.1; soft-deleted information, 4.6.2, 4.7.1.2; what constitutes reinsertion, 4.7.3.1
REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA): see also REVERIFICATION; agency obligations, 4.5.1, 4.5.2.1, 4.5.3, 6.10.1.2; affiliated agencies, 4.5.2.6; corrections, 4.6.2, 6.10.5; expedited dispute resolution, 4.5.5.2, 14.6.2.2; liability, 4.5.3.2; notice to furnisher, 4.5.4.2; reliance on furnisher, 4.5.3.4.5; response time, 4.5.5; standards, 4.5.3.4; automated processing system, 4.5.3.4.4, 4.5.6, 4.6.4, 6.10.1.2; codes, 4.5.6.2; disputes processed outside system, 4.5.6.3; e-OSCAR, 4.5.6.1, 6.10.1.2; notice to furnisher, 4.5.4.2, 4.5.6.1; processing of disputes, 4.5.6.4; use by furnishers, 6.10.6.4, 6.10.6.6; consumer requests, 4.5.2; contents, 4.5.2.4.1, 4.5.2.4.7, 4.5.2.4.9; “direct” from consumer, 4.5.2.5; expedited dispute resolution, 4.5.5.2, 14.6.2.2; form, 4.5.2.3, 4.5.2.4.2; frivolous requests, 4.5.2.7; practical tips, 4.5.2.4; repeat requests, 4.5.2.7.3; specificity required, 4.5.2.2, 4.5.2.3, 4.5.2.4.6; third party requests, 4.5.2.5, 4.5.2.7.2; correction or deletion after, 4.6.2, 6.10.5; copy of corrected report, 4.6.1.2; following-up, 4.6.4; data conformity reviews, 6.10.4.2.3; deadline for response, 4.5.5; deletion alternative, 4.5.2.1, 4.5.3.1, 4.5.5.2; direct request process, see DIRECT REINVESTIGATIONS (FURNISHERS); entitlement, 4.5.1, 4.5.2.1; incomplete information, 4.5.3.3; expedited dispute resolution, 4.5.5.2, 14.6.2.2; failure to handle properly, FCRA claims; actual damages calculations, 12.5.2.2.2; consumer reporting agency, 4.5.3; furnisher of information, 6.10.2; inaccurate information, necessity, 4.5.3.2; practice tip, 6.10.1.3; sample complaint, Appx. J.2.1; statute of limitations, 4.5.7; fees, 4.5.2.1; formal dispute process, 4.5, 6.10; deficiencies, 6.10.1.2; overview, 4.5.1, 6.10.1; frivolous disputes, 4.5.2.7; furnisher obligations; conducting, 6.10.4; consumer enforcement, 6.10.1.1; involvement, 4.5.4, 6.10.3, 6.10.4; liability, 6.10.1.3, 6.10.2; reasonable investigations, 6.10.4; reporting results, 6.10.6; unverifiable information, 6.10.5; incomplete information, 4.5.3.3; investigative reports, 15.5.2, 15.6.2.3; nature of, 4.5.3; notation of dispute, 4.8.1, 8.17.4, 14.4.7; notice of dispute, 4.5.2; credit repair organizations, 17.1.1; notification; consumer, 4.6.1, 6.10.6.4; electronic, 6.10.1.2, 6.10.6.6; furnishers, 4.5.4.2, 4.6.3, 6.10.3; past users, 4.9, 8.17.4.1; results, 4.6.1, 6.10.6; overview of process, 4.5.1.2; preconditions, unreasonable, 4.5.2.1, 4.5.2.3; private enforcement, 6.10.1.1, 6.10.2.1; statute of limitations, 6.10.7; reasonable investigation standard, 4.5.3.4, 6.10.4; procedure used, 4.6.1.3; reasonable procedures, 4.4.6.2, 4.5.2.4.8, 6.10.4; reliance on furnisher, 4.5.3.4.5; resellers, 2.6.3.3, 4.5.2.6; results notice, 4.6.1; copy of corrected report, 4.6.1.2; description of procedure used, 4.6.1.3; electronic, 6.10.6.6; enforcement of rights, 8.10.1.4; furnishers, 4.6.3; nationwide agencies, 6.10.6.4, 6.10.6.6; nature and content, 8.10.1.2; reporting agency, 6.10.6.2; requirements, 4.6.1.1; time and manner, 8.10.1.3; state law preemption, 10.7; statement of dispute, filing after, 4.8.1, 8.17.4, 14.4.7; third party requests, 4.5.2.5; time limits, 6.10.6.5; underlying legal dispute, 4.5.3.4.6; unreasonable preconditions, 4.5.2.1, 4.5.2.3
RELATIVES: see also SPOUSES; blemished credit records, implications, 14.2.5; consumer reports, restrictions on use, 7.2.4.2, 7.4.6.3
REMEDIES: see PRIVATE REMEDIES
REMOVAL: see JURISDICTION
RENT COLLECTION: consumer report, permissible purpose, 7.2.3.4.1
RENT-TO-OWN TRANSACTIONS: see PERSONAL PROPERTY LEASES
RENTAL AGENCIES: consumer report, permissible use, 7.1.6
RENTAL AGREEMENTS: see RESIDENTIAL LEASES
RENTAL APPLICATIONS: consumer report, permissible use, 2.3.6.3.3, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.8.2.2.2; denial, adverse action notice, 8.5.4.6.3, 8.6.1.2
RENTAL CLEARANCE AGENCIES: see TENANT SCREENING COMPANIES
RENTAL SCREENING REPORTS: see TENANT SCREENING REPORTS
RENTERS: see TENANTS
REPAYMENT AGREEMENTS: negotiating, 14.6.7.3; effect on credit records, 14.6.7.3, 16.8.6; reporting limitations, effect, 5.2.3.4
REPORTERS: consumer reports, impermissible use, 7.4.11
REPORTS: business, see COMMERCIAL REPORTS; consumers, see CONSUMER REPORTS; INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS; credit, see CONSUMER REPORTS; employment purposes, see EMPLOYMENT REPORTS; identity theft reports, 9.2.2.3.2; inquiry activity, see INQUIRY ACTIVITY; insurance purposes, see INSURANCE REPORTS; investigative reports, see INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS; prescreened, see PRESCREENED REPORTS; residential mortgage, see RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE CREDIT REPORTS; tenant screening, see TENANT SCREENING REPORTS
REPRESENTATIVES: consumer reports, obtaining, 3.4.4, 7.1.6
RES JUDICATA: doctrine of, 12.3.1.8
RESEARCH: see MARKETING RESEARCH
RESEARCH AIDS: see RESOURCE AIDS
RESELLERS: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; certifications, 2.6.3.3; consumer reporting agency status, 2.6.3.2; data brokers, status, 2.7.5; defined, 2.6.3.2; driving record information, restrictions, 18.4.2.4; duties, 2.6.3.3; FCRA, application, 2.6.3; FTC enforcement order, Appx. L.7; identity theft, blocking of information, 9.2.4.1.4; inaccurate information, liability, 4.4.4; nationwide reporting agency provisions, exclusion, 2.6.1.1; overview, 2.3.6.1; permissible purpose requirement, 7.1.2.1; reasonable procedures, 4.4.4; reinvestigation requirements, 4.5.2.6; “trimerge” reports, 12.1.2; verification, 7.5.3
RESIDENTIAL LEASES: see also LANDLORDS; TENANTS; blemished credit record, implications, 14.7.3; credit transaction status, 8.6.1.2; denial, notice requirements, 8.5.4.6.3, 8.6.1.2; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.3.3, 2.3.6.8; permissible use, 7.2.8.2.2.2; reports re, see TENANT SCREENING REPORTS
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE CREDIT REPORTS: see also HOME MORTGAGES; credit score disclosure, 3.3.1.4, 8.4.3, 16.4.3; disputed information; open-end accounts, 5.3.4; RESPA restrictions, 5.3.5; use by lenders, 14.7.2.2
RESOURCE AIDS: case law, see; consumer complaints, filing, 13.3.5; web resources, see WEB RESOURCES
RETAILERS: see CREDITORS; MERCHANTS
RETURNED CHECKS: see DISHONORED CHECKS
REVERIFICATION: see also REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); VERIFICATION; investigative reports, subsequent reports, 15.6.2.3
REWARD PROGRAM DATA: consumer report status, 2.7.13
RICO: see RACKETEERING INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATIONS ACT (RICO)
RIGHT TO FINANCIAL PRIVACY ACT: privacy from governmental intrusion, 18.2
RIGHT TO PRIVACY: see PRIVACY
RISK-BASED PRICING: credit scores and, 8.7.3.2, 16.7.2; notice requirements, 8.5.4.3.4, 8.7; credit score, inclusion, 3.3.1.3.5, 8.4.2, 8.7.3.2, 16.4.4; enforcement of rights, 8.7.5; exceptions, 8.7.2.4; form, 8.7.4.2; model form, Appx. C.10; nature and content, 8.7.3; scope, 8.7.2; time, 8.7.4.1
RISK SCORES: see CREDIT SCORES
RISK TO CONSUMERS: conduct posing, FCRA enforcement authority, 13.2.4.6
ROOKER-FELDMAN DOCTRINE: federal review of state court decisions, 12.3.1.8
RULE 68 OFFERS: attorney fee considerations, 12.7.5
RURAL HOUSING SERVICE (RHS): underwriting guidelines, 14.7.2.1
SAFEGUARD RULES (FTC): financial institutions, data, 18.4.1.10, Appx. G
SALES: consumer files, 7.1.7; identity-theft-blocked debts, 9.2.4.2.2; property sales, 8.5.4.6.4; resellers of information, see RESELLERS
SCAN: see CHECK APPROVAL COMPANIES
SCHOLARSHIP LOCATION SERVICES: credit services organization status, 17.3.2
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE: FCRA enforcement, 13.2.6
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION: FCRA enforcement, 13.2.6
SECURED CREDIT CARDS: see also CREDIT CARDS; described, 14.7.6
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC): FCRA, regulatory and enforcement authority, 1.3.3.1, 13.2.5; summary of current regulations, 1.3.3.1.2; text of regulations, Appx. B.5; GLBA, regulatory and enforcement authority, 18.4.1.2; identity theft, red flag guidelines, 9.2.6.2.1
SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS: see INVESTMENTS
SECURITY AGREEMENTS: see DEALER PAPER
SECURITY CLEARANCES: disclosure exemption, 3.5.4.3.2; adverse notice exemption, 8.11.1.2.3; adverse public record reporting, 4.4.7.4, 8.11.1.2.3; employment purpose status, 2.3.6.4, 7.2.4.2
SECURITY FREEZES: identity theft protection, 9.4.4, 14.6.6.2; constitutional challenges, 9.4.4.5; exemptions, 9.4.4.4; fees, 9.4.4.3; generally, 9.4.4.1; scope, 9.4.4.2; state law summaries, Appx. H; thaws, 9.4.4.4
SECURITY PROCEDURES: consumer reporting agencies, 4.4.6.8; data security breaches, 9.6; financial institutions, 18.4.1.10; GLBA requirements, 18.4.1.10; FTC Safeguard Rules, 18.4.1.10
SELF-EMPLOYMENT: see INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS; SOLE PROPRIETORSHIPS
SELLERS: see MERCHANTS
SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT: see also MILITARY PERSONNEL; military personnel protections, 5.7.1
SERVICERS: FCRA enforcement authority, 13.2.4.2; permissible uses, 7.2.3.5
SETTLEMENT: see also LITIGATION; attorney fee awards, 12.7.4; breach of settlement agreement, 10.7.3.6, 14.6.4.3; class representative, offers of, 11.2.3.3.8; consumer reports, use, 7.4.4; credit disputes; cleaning up file after, 14.6.4.6; court approval, 14.6.4.4; credit rating, protecting, 14.6.4.1, 16.6.2.5; monitoring file after, 14.6.4.7; negotiating reporting issues, 14.6.4.2; selecting correct language, 14.6.4.3, Appx. K; credit record, protecting, 1.3.2, 14.6.4, 14.6.7.3, 16.8.6; sample settlement language, Appx. K; debt settlement companies, 14.5.2; delinquent accounts, repayment plans, 14.6.7.3, 16.8.6; insurance liability coverage, 12.1.3.11; Rule 68 offers, 12.7.5
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTS: see also LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; FCRA, application, 2.7.9
SKIP TRACING: consumer reports, permissible purpose, 2.3.6.3, 7.2.3.4.1, 7.4.5
SOCIAL NETWORK SITES: see also DATING SERVICES; consumer reports, impermissible purposes, 7.4.10
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS: see also IDENTIFYING INFORMATION; requests for identification purposes, 3.4.3.4; truncation to prevent identity theft, 3.5.5.3, 9.2.5.2
SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES: see ADOPTION AGENCIES; CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; WELFARE AGENCIES
SOLDIERS AND SAILOR’S CIVIL RELIEF ACT: see SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT
SOLE PROPRIETORSHIPS: see also BUSINESSES; consumer reports, permissible purposes, 7.2.3.1.3; credit applications, see BUSINESS CREDIT; FCRA, application, 2.3.3.3
SOURCES OF INFORMATION: see also FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; data brokers, 2.7.5; disclosure, 3.5.4.2, 15.4.2.3; inaccurate sources, 4.4.6.4; nationwide agencies, 3.2.3.3; public record information, see PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; specialized agencies, 3.2.4
SPECIAL CREDIT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: medical information, use, 5.4.5.4
SPECIALTY AGENCIES: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; check writing, see CHECK APPROVAL COMPANIES; consumer files, 3.2.4; consumer reports, obtaining from, 3.4.2.3; contact information, 3.4.2.3; data brokers, see DATA BROKERS; defined, 2.6.2.1; free annual reports, 3.3.2; obtaining, 3.3.2.4; requirement, 3.3.2.1; timing, volume, identification, 3.3.2.2; FTC enforcement order, Appx. L.6; medical information, see MEDICAL INFORMATION AGENCIES; public record information, 2.7.1; discovery, 12.1.3.2.12; tenant screening, see; types, 2.6.2.2, 2.7.3
SPOUSES: consumer reports; bankruptcy notations, 4.4.6.10.3, 6.3.3.13.2; ECOA requirements, 5.6.1, 7.4.6.2, 14.2.5. 14.6.9; FCRA requirements, 5.6.1, 7.4.6, 14.2.5; permissible purposes, 7.2.3.4.1, 7.4.6.2; separate files, 5.6.1; credit cards, “piggybacking,” 16.6.2.7; credit record, application to consumer, 5.6.1, 7.4.6, 14.2.5, 14.6.9; divorce proceedings, see DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS; doctrine of necessaries, 5.6.1, 7.4.6.2; FCRA claims, standing, 11.2.1.3; utility services, 14.7.4
STAFF SUMMARY (FTC): see also FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC); replaces Official Staff Commentary, 1.3.3.2.1; text, Appx. D
STANDARDS: accuracy; consumer reports, 4.4.5.1; furnishers, see under FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION; legislative history, 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.4.6, 1.4.9.2; disclosed information, 3.5.1.1, 3.5.2; home mortgage underwriting, 14.7.2.2; legislative history, 1.4.2; malice, 10.4.6.1; negligence, 10.2.2; pleadings, 12.3.1.1; reasonable procedures, 4.4.5.1.2, 5.2.5.2; reinsertion of deleted information, 4.7.2.2; reinvestigations, 4.4.6.2, 4.5.2.4.8, 4.5.3.4.1, 6.10.4; reinvestigations; CRAs, 4.5.3.1, 4.5.3.4; furnishers, 6.10.4; willful intent, 10.4.6.1
STANDING: credit repair organizations, suits against, 17.2.8.2.1; FCRA claims, 11.2.1.3; certification, 11.2.1.3.9; class actions, 11.2.3.3.6; defense, 12.3.1.3; inaccuracies, 11.2.1.3.3; notices, 11.2.1.3.6, 11.2.1.3.8, 11.2.1.3.10; obsolete information, 11.2.1.3.11; permissible purpose, 11.2.1.3.2; reinvestigation, 11.2.1.3.5; Spokeo v. Robins, 11.2.1.3; stand-alone disclosures, 11.2.1.3.7; theft of personal data, 11.2.1.3.13; toll-free number, 11.2.1.3.12; truncation requirements, 11.2.1.3.4
STATE AGENCIES: see also GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; child support purposes, permissible users, 7.2.9; see also CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; FCRA; application, 2.5.8; enforcement agencies, see STATE ENFORCEMENT; FCRA claims against, 11.2.2.2; privacy protections, 18.2
STATE CLAIMS: damages; generally, 11.1; nominal damages, 12.5.2.4; statutory damages, 12.5.3.3; federal preemption, see; generally, 10.6.1; identity theft, 9.5.1, 9.6, 10.6.3; injunctive relief, 12.6; jury trials, 12.2; private remedies, 11.1; removal to federal court, 11.4.5; Rooker-Feldman doctrine, 12.3.1.8; statute of limitations, 12.3.1.3.2; supplemental jurisdiction, 11.4.2; unfair and deceptive practices, 10.6.2
STATE COURTS: FCRA claims; jurisdiction, 11.4.1; removal to federal court, 11.4.5; selection of court, 11.4.4
STATE CREDIT REPAIR STATUTES: see STATE CREDIT SERVICES (REPAIR) STATUTES
STATE CREDIT REPORTING STATUTES: see also STATE LAW; claims under, see STATE CLAIMS; furnishing of information, 5.8; generally, 10.6.1; identity theft, 4.4.6.7; investigative reports; disclosure, 15.4.1.3; insurance purposes, 15.3.1; landlord and tenant purposes, 15.3.3; preemption, see PREEMPTION OF STATE LAW; summary, Appx. H
STATE CREDIT SERVICES (REPAIR) STATUTES: see also CREDIT REPAIR ORGANIZATIONS; STATE LAW; federal preemption, 17.2.10, 17.3.8; enforcement; private causes of action, 17.3.6; state enforcement, 17.3.7; overview, 17.1.2, 17.3.1; retailers, application, 17.3.4; scope; coverage, 17.3.2; exemptions, 17.3.3; surprising reach, 17.1.3; substantive prohibitions, 17.3.5; summaries, Appx. H
STATE ENFORCEMENT: CFPB Rules, 13.7.2; child support, see CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; credit repair statutes, 17.3.7; CROA, 17.2.11, 17.3.7; FCRA, 13.2.1, 13.7; coordination with federal agencies, 13.7.4; generally, 13.7.1; information furnishers, 13.7.3; investigatory powers, 13.7.5; limitations, 13.7.3, 13.7.4; national banks and thrifts, 13.7.2; generally, 13.1; GLBA, 18.4.1.2
STATE LAW: claims under, see STATE CLAIMS; consumer file disclosure, fees, 3.3.9, 3.3.10.2, 10.7.7; consumer reporting restrictions, 5.8; child support debts, 5.8.2; cosigners, 5.6.3; generally, 5.8.1; summaries, Appx. H; credit repair statutes, see STATE CREDIT SERVICES (REPAIR) STATUTES; credit reporting statutes, see STATE CREDIT REPORTING STATUTES; deceptive practices statutes, 10.6.2; disclosure requirements, 8.14.2; federal preemption, see PREEMPTION OF STATE LAW; furnishers of information, 6.2.2.3; identity theft; criminal statutes, 9.4.1; model laws, 9.4.3; protections, 4.4.6.7; security freezes, 9.4.4, 14.6.6.2; suits under, 9.5.1; summaries, Appx. H; insurance laws can prohibit arbitration, 12.4.2.3; insurance scores, 16.11; investigative reports, 15.7; necessaries doctrine, 7.4.6.2; privacy protections, 18.4.2.5; governmental intrusion, 18.2; summaries, Appx. H; telemarketing, 17.1.2; utility services, 14.7.4
STATE LICENSING BOARDS: see also LICENSES; consumer report; adverse action notice, 8.5.4.5; permissible use, 7.2.4.2
STATEMENT OF DISPUTE: see also DISPUTED INFORMATION; EXPLANATIONS; consumer rights, 4.8.1, 8.17.4, 14.4.7; enforcement of rights, 8.17.4.3; investigative consumer reports, 15.5.2; nature and content, 8.17.4.1; overview, 4.8.1.1; time and manner, 4.8.1.2, 8.17.4.2
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS: CROA violations, 17.2.8.10; FCRA violations, 12.3.1.3.1; discovery rule, 12.3.1.3.1.4; equitable tolling, 12.3.1.3.1.5; inaccurate information, 4.4.5.1.1, 12.3.1.3.1.3; new or continuing violations, 12.3.1.3.1.3; reinvestigation provisions, 4.5.7, 6.10.7, 12.3.1.3.1.3; state claims, 12.3.1.3.2; suits and judgments, effect on reporting limitations, 5.2.3.5; tolling, 12.3.1.3.1.5; tort claims, 12.3.1.3.2
STATUTES: CCPA, see CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION ACT (CCPA); CROA, see CREDIT REPAIR ORGANIZATIONS ACT (CROA); ECOA, see EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT (ECOA); FACTA, see FAIR AND ACCURATE CREDIT TRANSACTIONS ACT (FACTA); FCBA, see FAIR CREDIT BILLING ACT (FCBA); FCRA, see FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT (FCRA); FDCPA, see FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT (FDCPA); GLBA, see GRAMM-LEACH-BLILEY ACT (GLBA); Higher Education Act, see HIGHER EDUCATION ACT; military personnel, see SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT; Privacy Act, see PRIVACY ACT; RESPA, see REAL ESTATE SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES ACT (RESPA); state, see STATE CREDIT REPORTING STATUTES; STATE LAW; telemarketing, see TELEMARKETING AND CONSUMER FRAUD ABUSE PREVENTION ACT; UDAP, see UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES (UDAP)
STATUTORY DAMAGES: see DAMAGES, STATUTORY
STOLEN INFORMATION: identity theft, see IDENTITY THEFT; status of entity stolen from, 2.5.5
STUDENT LOANS: blemished credit record, implications, 14.7.8; defaults; clearing up, 14.6.5, 14.7.8; reporting, 5.2.3.10, 14.4.5, 14.6.5; defenses, raising, 14.4.5, 14.6.5; deferments, effect on credit scores, 16.8.2.4; FCRA enforcement authority, 13.2.4.3; Higher Education Act, application, 5.2.3.10, 14.6.5; Metro 2 Format reporting, 6.3.3.10; reporting limitations, 5.2.3.10
STUDIES AND SURVEYS: consumer report accuracy, 4.1.3
SUBPOENAS: consumer reports, obtaining by, 7.2.1, 7.2.10.3, 12.1.3.10
SUBPRIME CREDIT: credit cards, 14.7.6; mortgage loans, 14.7.2.1
SUITS: see ACTIONS; COLLECTION SUITS; LEGAL PROCEEDINGS; PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION
SUMMARY OF CONSUMER IDENTITY THEFT RIGHTS: contents, 8.3.1; enforcement of notice rights, 8.3.2; entitlement, 8.3.2, 9.2.2.1.1, 9.2.2.5; model form, 8.3.1, Appx. C.4
SUMMARY OF CONSUMER RIGHTS: contents, 8.2.1; disclosure inclusion, 3.5.4.1, 8.2.2; employment reports, 7.2.4.3.3, 8.11.3.1; enforcement of notice rights, 8.2.2; model form, 8.2.1, Appx. C.3; state law, preemption by FCRA, 10.7; time and manner of notice, 8.2.2
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF FURNISHERS: model form, Appx. C.6; requirement to provide, 6.2.1, 8.16.1
SUMMARY OF USER RESPONSIBILITIES: model form, Appx. C.7; requirement to provide, 7.1.5, 8.17.2
SUPERBUREAUS: see RESELLERS
SUPPLEMENTAL JURISDICTION: see also JURISDICTION; FCRA actions, 11.4.2
SURETIES: see COSIGNERS
TARGETED MARKETING LISTS: see also PRESCREENED REPORTS; FCRA, application, 2.3.4.2.3, 7.3.2.2; legislative history, 1.4.6; permissible use, 7.1.9, 7.3.2.2, 7.3.3
TAX COLLECTION: see also INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS); consumer reports, use, 7.2.3.4.1, 7.2.3.4.3, 7.4.3
TAX LIENS: see also PUBLIC RECORD INFORMATION; consumer report, permissible purpose, 7.2.3.4.3, 7.4.3; reporting limitations, 5.2.3.6
TAX PREPARATION SERVICES: credit services organization status, 17.3.2; GLBA, application, 18.4.1.3
TELECHECK: see CHECK APPROVAL COMPANIES
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT: privacy protections, 18.4.2.1
TELEMARKETING: credit card offers, 14.7.6; federal statute, see TELEMARKETING AND CONSUMER FRAUD ABUSE PREVENTION ACT; FTC rule, see TELEMARKETING RULE (FTC); National Do Not Call Registry, 17.1.2, 17.4.1, 17.4.2; state law, 17.1.2; Telephone Consumer Protection Act, application, 17.4.2
TELEMARKETING AND CONSUMER FRAUD ABUSE PREVENTION ACT: FTC rule, see TELEMARKETING RULE (FTC); overview, 17.4.1
TELEMARKETING RULE (FTC): see also FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC); TELEMARKETING; credit repair agencies; application, 17.1.2, 17.4.1; enforcement against, 17.2.11; overview, 17.4.1; violations, 17.4.1
TELEPHONE: assistance by reporting agencies, 3.6.3, 3.6.4; companies, see TELEPHONE COMPANIES; directories, see TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES; disclosures via, 3.6.2; disputing information via, 4.5.2.4.2; services, see TELEPHONE COMPANIES
TELEPHONE COMPANIES: see also; disputed charges, 14.4.3; FCRA application, 2.7.10; records, “pretexting” protections, 18.4.2.1
TELEPHONE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT: credit repair clinics, application, 17.1.2, 17.4.2; overview, 17.4.2
TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES: consumer report status, 2.3.4.2.1, 2.3.5.3
TELETYPE HOOKUPS: see ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
TENANT SCREENING COMPANIES: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; contact information, 3.4.2.3; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.3.3, 2.6.2; identification, 14.7.3; nationwide agencies, 2.6.2; reports by, see TENANT SCREENING REPORTS
TENANT SCREENING REPORTS: adverse use, notice, 8.5.4.6.3, 8.6.1.2; blemished report, implications, 14.7.3, 14.7.7; consumer report status, 2.3.4.1, 2.3.6.3.3; financially troubled consumer, 14.7.9; inaccuracy, 14.7.3; investigative consumer report, status, 15.3.3; obtaining by consumer, 3.4.2.3; permissible use, 2.3.6.3.3, 2.3.6.8, 7.2.8.2.2.2; agents, 7.1.6; rental payment subsidies, 7.2.6, 14.7.9; use by landlords, 14.7.3
TENANTS: see also LANDLORDS; RESIDENTIAL LEASES; denial of lease, notice, 8.5.4.6.3, 8.6.1.2; rent collection, 7.2.3.4.1; reports regarding, see TENANT SCREENING REPORTS
TERRORISM: counterterrorism, consumer report access, 7.2.10.5; FBI access, 7.2.10.4
TESTERS: FCRA violations, use, 12.1.2
THEFT: see FRAUD; IDENTITY THEFT; STOLEN INFORMATION
THIRD PARTIES: creditors, obtaining information from non-reporting agencies, 2.3.2, 3.3.15, 8.6; FCRA claims, 12.3; information on in consumer’s file, 3.5.1.6, 4.2.5, 4.3.3.1; reinvestigation requests, 4.5.2.5; relatives, see RELATIVES; reporting to, consumer report status, 2.5.5; reports on, impermissible purpose, 7.4.6.1, 14.2.5; requests for credit for consumer, 2.4.6; spouses, see SPOUSES
THREATS: false threats; debt collectors, 5.2.3.4.7, 14.3; investigative consumer report, 15.4.1.2; obsolete information, reporting, 5.2.3.4.7; reporting debt to credit bureau, 14.3
TIME LIMITS: see also STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS; active military duty alerts, 9.2.2.4; adverse action notice, 8.6.1.3; employment situations, 8.11.3.2; adverse information reporting, 5.2.1.1, 5.2.3, 6.7, 14.6.4.1; bankruptcies, 5.2.3.8, 14.6.8; criminal records, 5.2.3.7; delinquent accounts, 5.2.3.3, 5.2.3.4, 14.6.4.1; exemptions, 5.2.4; judgments, 5.2.3.5; obsolete information, 5.2.1.1, 5.2.2.1, 5.2.3; public record information, 5.2.3.5–5.2.3.7; repayment agreements, effect, 5.2.3.4; student loans, 5.2.3.10; suits, 5.2.3.5; tax liens, 5.2.3.6; consumer file disclosure, 3.3.10.3; fraud alerts; extended alerts, 9.2.2.3.1; initial alerts, 9.2.2.2; investigative consumer reports; disclosure, 15.4.2.4; notice of investigation, 15.4.1.2; reinvestigations, 6.10.6.5; risk-based pricing notice, 8.7.4.1
TOLL-FREE NUMBERS: CFPB, consumer complaints, 13.3.5; FTC, consumer complaints, 13.3.5; nationwide reporting agencies, requirement, 3.6.4
TORT CLAIMS: advantages, 10.5.1; appropriation, 18.3.5; attorney fees, 12.7.3; consumer reporting issues, 6.11, 10.4, 10.5; false information required, 10.4.6.4; malice or willful intent required, 10.4.6; defamation, 10.5.2; false light, 18.3.1; FCRA preemption, 10.7.4; FCRA qualified immunity, 6.11, 10.4, 10.7.4, 18.3.2; see also QUALIFIED IMMUNITY; exceptions, 10.4.6; identity theft, 9.5.1, 9.5.2; intrusion, 18.3.4; invasion of privacy, 10.5.3, 18.3; negligence, 10.5.4; public disclosure, 18.3.3; punitive damages, 12.5.4.1.1; qualified privilege defense, 10.5.2, 10.5.4; statute of limitations, 12.3.1.3.2; utilizing, 6.11
TRADE EXPERIENCE: exchanging, FCRA exemption, 2.4.2
TRANSCRIPTION ERRORS: see also INACCURATE INFORMATION; consumer files, 4.4.6.8
TRANSFERS: see SALES
TRANSUNION: see also CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES; NATIONWIDE REPORTING AGENCIES; consumer disputes, processing, 4.5.6.4; consumer files, 3.2.3; contents, 3.2.3.2; sources of information, 3.2.3.3; contact information, 3.4.2.2, 4.5.2.4.2; credit scores; FICO variations, 16.4.5.3; in-house educational scores, 16.4.5.2; obtaining, 16.4.1.4, 16.4.1.5; VantageScore, 16.2.2.2, 16.4.5.2; discovery, 12.1.3.2.3; FCRA, application, 2.7.1; special provisions, 2.6.1; FTC enforcement orders, Appx. L.4; liability insurance, 12.1.3.11; overview, 1.2.2; sample credit report, Appx. I.1.3; toll-free number with accessible personnel, 3.6.3, 3.6.4
TRIALS: see ACTIONS; DISCOVERY; JURY TRIALS; LITIGATION; WITNESSES
TRIGGER LISTS: see also ; PRESCREENED REPORTS; consumer report status, 2.3.4.2.4
TRUCKERS: database services, 2.6.4; employment reports. 8.11.1.2.2; FCRA, application, 2.6.4, 8.11.1.2.2
TRUTH IN LENDING ACT: arbitration restrictions, 12.4.2.3; credit card protections, 5.3.4, 14.4.2
TRW: see EXPERIAN (TRW)
UNCONSCIONABILITY: arbitration clauses, 12.4.3.4
UNEMPLOYED PERSONS: consumer file disclosure, free reports, 3.3.8
UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES (UDAP): actions, forum, 11.4.5; credit repair organizations, 17.1.2, 17.3.6, 17.4.1; FCRA violations, 10.6.2; FTC Act, 18.4.2.3; injunctive relief, 12.6; nominal damages, 12.5.2.4; non-FCRA violations, 10.6.2; state law, 10.6.2; statute of limitations, 12.3.1.3.2; statutory damages, 12.5.3.3; waiver of rights, 15.4.5
UNIVERSAL DATA FORM: electronic processing system, 3.4.6.1, 6.10.1.2; sample form, Appx. I.2; use by furnishers, 6.3.2.5; correcting inaccuracies, 6.5.4
USA PATRIOT ACT: effect on privacy, 18.2; FBI access to credit information, 1.4.8, 1.4.10.1
USERS OF REPORTS: see also CONSUMER REPORTS; adverse action, see ADVERSE ACTION; alerts; active military duty, 9.2.2.4; duties, 9.2.2.5; fraud alerts, 9.2.2.2, 9.2.2.3.3; arbitration of disputes with, 12.4.2.4; certification, 7.5.1, 7.5.2, 15.4.1.5; corrected information, notification, 4.6.4, 4.9; criminal liability, 13.6; definition, 2.1.2, 7.1.4.2; disclosure, 3.5.4.3, 3.7.3; FBI exemption, 3.5.4.3.2, 7.2.10.4; disposal of information, 9.2.5.3; disputed information, notification, 4.8.1, 4.8.2, 8.17.4, 14.4.7; past users, 4.9; employers, see EMPLOYERS; false pretenses, 7.7.3, 7.7.4, 13.6; FBI, 3.5.4.3.2, 7.2.1, 7.2.10.4; FCRA application, 2.1.2; FCRA requirements, notice to user, 7.1.5, 8.17.2; FTC model form, Appx. C.7; FCRA violations, 7.7, 10.2.1.4, 10.2.1.5; FTC enforcement orders, Appx. L.8; gossip, 14.2.2; identification, 7.5.1, 7.5.2; impermissible purposes, 7.7; mistaken use, 7.1.4.1, 7.7.1; inquiries leading to mixed files, 4.3.3.5; inquiries, records of, retention, 7.5.5; prescreened inquiries, 5.2.3.9; inquiries to “big three” nationwide agencies, 3.2.3.2.5; investigative reports; certification, 15.4.1.5; notice of request, 15.4.1.2; violations, 10.2.1.5; joint users, 2.4.6, 2.5.6; landlords, see LANDLORDS; liability, see under LIABILITY; medical information, 5.4; notice obligations; adverse action, see ADVERSE ACTION NOTICE; employment reports, 8.11; investigative reports, 15.4.1.2; risk-based pricing, 8.5.4.3.4; violations, 10.2.1.4; notice to, 8.17; address discrepancy, 8.17.3, 9.2.6.3; corrected information, 4.9, 8.17.4; disputed information, 4.8.1, 4.8.2, 8.17.4, 14.4.7; duties under FCRA, 7.1.5, 8.17.2, Appx. C.7; past users, updated reports, 4.6.4, 4.9; permissible purposes only, 7.1.4; see also PERMISSIBLE PURPOSES; misrepresentations, 7.7.1, 7.7.3; prescreening lists, differentiation, 7.1.8; providing report to consumer, 3.3.1; qualified immunity, 18.3.2; record retention, 12.1.5; disposal of records, 9.2.5.3; regulation, 1.3.1; restrictions, 7.1.2, 7.1.4; state law, federal preemption, 10.7.3.4, 10.7.8.3; Summary of Responsibilities, FTC model form, Appx. C.7; verification of, 7.5.1, 7.5.2; written permission, 7.2.2
UTILITY SERVICES: see also PUBLIC UTILITY CREDIT; blemished credit record, implications, 14.7.4; disputed charges, 14.4.3
VENUE: removal to federal court, 11.4.5
VERIFICATION: see also CERTIFICATION; IDENTIFICATION; REINVESTIGATIONS (CRA); consumer files, information, 4.2.6; consumer identity, 3.4.3, 3.6.2, 9.2.2.1.2; consumer reports, users, 7.5.3, 5.2.5.4; delinquent debts, 14.4.6; disputed information, 14.6.4.1, 14.6.4.7; investigative consumer reports, information; personal interviews, 15.6.2.1; public record information, 15.6.2.2; re-use, 15.6.2.3; loan application information, 8.6.1.4.2; obsolete information, 5.2.4; obsolete information exemption, 5.2.5.4; public record information, 15.6.2.2; reasonable procedures, 7.5.3; resellers, 7.5.3; reverification, 15.6.2.3
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA): underwriting guidelines, 14.7.2.1
WAIVER: see also CONSENT; arbitration clauses, 12.4.3.3; consumer reports, written permission, effect, 7.2.2; credit repair contracts, statutory rights, 17.2.8.1, 17.2.9; FCRA rights, 12.3.1.10; investigative reports, statutory rights, 15.4.5; public record information for employment purposes, rights, 8.11.5.1
WEB RESOURCES: “big three” reporting agencies, websites, 3.4.2.2, 4.5.2.4.2; CFPB website, consumer complaints, 13.3.5; fair credit reporting, related websites, Appx. N; FTC website, consumer complaints, 13.3.5; Metro 2, 6.3.2.1; NCLC; companion website, 1.1.3; web-based text searches, 1.1.3
WELFARE AGENCIES: see also GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; GOVERNMENT BENEFITS; consumer reports, permissible users, 7.2.6, 14.7.9; FCRA, application, 2.3.6.6
WELFARE RECIPIENTS: consumer file disclosure, free reports, 3.3.8
WILLFUL INTENT: see also MALICE; definition, 10.4.6.1; discovery, 12.1.3.5; FCRA noncompliance, 10.2.1.1, 12.5.3.1, 12.5.3.2; punitive damages, 12.5.4.1.1; statutory damages, 12.5.3.3; invasion of privacy claims, 18.3.2; negligence claims, 10.5.4; proving, 10.4.6.3, 12.5.3.2; tort liability, 10.4.6
WITNESSES: see also EVIDENCE; JURY TRIALS; consumer reports re, impermissible purpose, 7.4.4; expert witnesses, 12.1.6
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS: consumer reports, use, 7.2.4.2; lists at specialized agencies, 3.2.4
WORKOUT AGREEMENTS: credit scores, effect, 14.6.7.3, 16.8.6, 16.8.7; negotiating, 14.6.7.3