What are the consequences of someone checking your credit report without permission or consent? What laws protect you from this happening?
When someone checks your credit report without your permission or consent, it is considered a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This law protects consumers from unauthorized access to their credit information.
Consequences of Unauthorized Credit Report Checks:
- It can lower your credit score, making it harder to qualify for loans or other forms of credit.
- It can lead to identity theft, as fraudsters may use your credit information to obtain credit in your name.
- It can cause distress and anxiety, knowing that someone has accessed your personal information without your knowledge.
Laws Protecting You:
- The FCRA requires credit reporting agencies to obtain your consent before providing your credit report to a third party.
- The FCRA also prohibits businesses from obtaining your credit report without a permissible purpose, such as extending credit or making hiring decisions.
- The FCRA provides remedies for victims of unauthorized credit report checks, including damages and injunctive relief.
Related Questions:
- Can I sue someone for checking my credit report without my consent? Yes, you can sue under the FCRA for statutory damages.
- What is the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit under the FCRA? Two years from the date of the violation.
- Can I get a free copy of my credit report if someone checks it without my consent? Yes, you are entitled to a free copy under the FCRA.
- How can I prevent someone from checking my credit report without my permission? You can contact the credit reporting agencies and freeze your credit.
- What should I do if I believe someone has checked my credit report without my consent? File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and consider contacting the credit reporting agencies.
Related Hot-Selling Products:
- CreditSesame Credit Monitoring Service
- LifeLock Identity Theft Protection
- Equifax Credit Report Monitoring
- Experian IdentityWorks
- TransUnion TrueIdentity
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