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Credit reporting agencies are companies that compile detailed financial information on consumers from various sources.\u00a0 The information collected is put together into a credit report<\/a>. When the consumer seeks credit, businesses then contact credit reporting agencies to obtain credit reports to assess the consumer’s financial health. These credit reports may be requested by insurance companies, credit card companies, potential landlords, potential employers, and others that need to evaluate your credit history.<\/p>\n The federal law, commonly called the FCRA, helps to ensure the accuracy, fairness and privacy of the information in consumer credit bureau files. The law regulates the way credit reporting agencies can collect, access, use and share the data collected in consumer reports.<\/p>\n Transunion, Experian and Equifax are the three main credit bureaus.\u00a0 If a person or business is requesting your credit report, that request may very well be to one of these three national credit reporting agencies. However, there are many other credit reporting agencies, and many of them are tied to specific industries.<\/p>\n Some credit bureaus are businesses that collect data and assign scores for specific purposes.\u00a0 Usually these types of businesses may check reports before offering you employment, lending money to you or leasing you an apartment.\u00a0 Some of these bureaus are listed below by industry.<\/p>\n Have you noticed any inaccuracies listed on your credit report?\u00a0 If so, it is highly important that you dispute the errors directly to the credit reporting agency.\u00a0 Dispute letters should be accompanied by a copy of the credit report with the error highlighted.\u00a0 The letter should be\u00a0 sent by certified mail, and should include all relevant evidence and documentation that supports your dispute. If the credit bureau does not correct an inaccurate listing, seek legal counsel.<\/p>\n Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents victims of inaccurate credit reporting.\u00a0 Contact Us<\/a><\/strong><\/span> for a no cost legal review of your credit reports and evaluation of whether your consumer rights have been violated.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" What is a Credit Bureau? Credit reporting agencies are companies that compile detailed financial information on consumers from various sources.\u00a0 The information collected is put together into a credit report. When the consumer seeks credit, businesses then contact credit reporting agencies to obtain credit reports to assess the consumer’s financial health. These credit reports … <\/p>\nThe Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)<\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nThe Big Three:\u00a0 Transunion.\u00a0 Experian.\u00a0 Equifax.<\/h3>\n
Industry Specific Reporting Agencies<\/h3>\n
Employment Screening<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Tenant Background Screenings<\/h4>\n
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Check or Bank Screening<\/h4>\n
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Insurance Screening<\/h4>\n
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Sub-Prime Loan Market
\nfor Auto Loans or Retail Installment Contract<\/h4>\n\n
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Requirements for all Credit Bureaus<\/h3>\n
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The list of credit reporting agencies goes on.\u00a0 But regardless of the nature or type of credit reporting agencies, each such agency is required to give you at least one free credit report every twelve months.\u00a0 Requests for credit reports should be made in writing and sent by mail.\u00a0 For example<\/em>, you could request a free copy of your credit report from both Transunion and Experian, so long as you have not requested a credit report from these agencies in the past twelve months.\u00a0 The bureaus may charge for multiple reports requested during the year.<\/p>\nCredit Reporting Errors<\/h3>\n
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<\/h3>\nSeek Legal Counsel<\/h3>\n
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