What Are My Rights?

Who Has The Right To View My Credit Report?

Anyone with what would be considered a "legitimate business need" can gain access to your credit history, including:

1. Those considering granting you credit.
2. Landlords.
3. Insurance companies.
4. Employers and potential employers (but only with your consent).
5. Companies with which you have a credit account for account monitoring purposes.
6. Those considering your application for a government license or benefit if the agency is required to consider your financial status.
7. A state or local child support enforcement agency.
8. Any government agency (limited usually to your name, address, former addresses, current and former employers).
9. Debt collectors.

As a general rule, only an employer or prospective employer needs your written consent to get a copy of your report. The state of Vermont is an exception, any user needs your oral or written consent. Most potential creditors ask for your permission to review your report. Your permission is not required when inquiries are made in connection with a pre-approved credit offer.

How does an investigative consumer report differ from a credit report?

Some credit reporting agencies and investigation companies compile what is known as "investigative consumer reports." Such reports are defined under the FCRA as a "consumer report or portion thereof in which information on a consumer's character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living is obtained through personal interviews with neighbors, friends, or associates.". An investigative consumer report is normally used in limited circumstances including employment background checks, insurance, and rental housing decisions. An investigative consumer report does not contain information about your credit record that is obtained directly from a creditor or from you. For example, an investigative consumer report should not contain information about a late payment. This type of report cannot be used to grant credit. Because the information in these reports is so detailed and may be sensitive, the FCRA imposes stricter regulations on credit reporting agencies that compile investigative reports (federal FCRA, 15 USC 1681d sections 604, 606, and 614).

The only way you can know for certain if someone has wrongfully accessed your credit report is to order a copy of your credit report and check for that information along with any other discrepancies. If you suspect a company or individual that does not fall into one of the categories above has violated your rights by looking at your credit report, contact us or call 1-877-735-8600 and speak to one of our attorneys.

*Much of the content on this site was provided by the Federal Trade Commission

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