Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a United States federal law that provides consumer protections and regulates the collection, distribution, accuracy and privacy regarding the use of consumer credit reports.  The law was originally passed in 1970 and has been amended since.

Companies that gather and sell information about consumers regarding where they work and reside, how they pay their bills, and whether they have public records filed make up the credit reporting industry.  The FCRA was passed to address issues in the rapidly growing credit reporting industry that prepared consumer credit reports and provided the data to various individuals and industries.  Credit reporting agencies and businesses that supply information about consumers to the credit reporting agencies as well as those that use consumer credit reports are covered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Since credit reports often include detailed personal information that is used many different facets of our lives including the generation of credit scores, consumers that believe that they have been harmed do to violations that are covered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Attorney General representing the state they reside in and/or contact an attorney who concentrates on FCRA litigation.

This is the full text of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
601 Short title
602 Congressional findings and statement of purpose
603 Definitions; rules of construction
604 Permissible purposes of consumer reports
605 Requirements relating to information contained in consumer reports
605A Identity theft prevention; fraud alerts and active duty alerts
605B Block of information resulting from identity theft
606 Disclosure of investigative consumer reports
607 Compliance procedures
608 Disclosures to governmental agencies
609 Disclosures to consumers
610 Conditions and form of disclosure to consumers
611 Procedure in case of disputed accuracy
612 Charges for certain disclosures
613 Public record information for employment purposes
614 Restrictions on investigative consumer reports
615 Requirements on users of consumer reports
616 Civil liability for willful noncompliance
617 Civil liability for negligent noncompliance
618 Jurisdiction of courts; limitation of actions
619 Obtaining information under false pretenses
620 Unauthorized disclosures by officers or employees
621 Administrative enforcement
622 Information on overdue child support obligations
623 Responsibilities of furnishers of information to consumer reporting agencies
624 Affiliate sharing
625 Relation to state laws
626 Disclosures to FBI for counterintelligence purposes
627 Disclosures to governmental agencies for counterterrorism purposes
628 Disposal of records
629 Corporate and technological circumvention prohibited

601. Short title

This title may be cited as the “Fair Credit Reporting Act”.

602. Congressional findings and statement of purpose [15 U.S.C. § 1681]

(a) Accuracy and fairness of credit reporting. The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The banking system is dependent upon fair and accurate credit reporting. Inaccurate
credit reports directly impair the efficiency of the banking system, and unfair credit
reporting methods undermine the public confidence which is essential to the
continued functioning of the banking system.
(2) An elaborate mechanism has been developed for investigating and evaluating the
credit worthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, and general reputation of
consumers.
(3) Consumer reporting agencies have assumed a vital role in assembling and evaluating
consumer credit and other information on consumers.
(4) There is a need to insure that consumer reporting agencies exercise their grave
responsibilities with fairness, impartiality, and a respect for the consumer’s right to
privacy.
(b) Reasonable procedures. It is the purpose of this title to require that consumer reporting
agencies adopt reasonable procedures for meeting the needs of commerce for consumer
credit, personnel, insurance, and other information in a manner which is fair and
equitable to the consumer, with regard to the confidentiality, accuracy, relevancy, and
proper utilization of such information in accordance with the requirements of this title.

603. Definitions; rules of construction [15 U.S.C. § 1681a]

(a) Definitions and rules of construction set forth in this section are applicable for the
purposes of this title.
(b) The term “person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, trust, estate,
cooperative, association, government or governmental subdivision or agency, or other
entity.
(c) The term “consumer” means an individual.
(d) Consumer Report
(1) In general. The term “consumer report” means any written, oral, or other
communication of any information by a consumer reporting agency bearing on a
consumer’s credit worthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general
reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living which is used or expected to be
used or collected in whole or in part for the purpose of serving as a factor in
establishing the consumer’s eligibility for
 (A) credit or insurance to be used primarily for personal, family, or household
purposes;
(B) employment purposes; or
(C) any other purpose authorized under section 604 [§ 1681b].
(2) Exclusions. Except as provided in paragraph (3), the term “consumer report” does
not include
(A) subject to section 624, any
(i) report containing information solely as to transactions or experiences
between the consumer and the person making the report;
(ii) communication of that information among persons related by common
ownership or affiliated by corporate control; or
(iii) communication of other information among persons related by common
ownership or affiliated by corporate control, if it is clearly and
conspicuously disclosed to the consumer that the information may be
communicated among such persons and the consumer is given the
opportunity, before the time that the information is initially
communicated, to direct that such information not be communicated
among such persons;
(B) any authorization or approval of a specific extension of credit directly or
indirectly by the issuer of a credit card or similar device;
(C) any report in which a person who has been requested by a third party to make
a specific extension of credit directly or indirectly to a consumer conveys his
or her decision with respect to such request, if the third party advises the
consumer of the name and address of the person to whom the request was
made, and such person makes the disclosures to the consumer required under
section 615 [§ 1681m]; or
(D) a communication described in subsection (o) or (x).
(3) Restriction on sharing of medical information. Except for information or any
communication of information disclosed as provided in section 604(g)(3), the
exclusions in paragraph (2) shall not apply with respect to information disclosed to
any person related by common ownership or affiliated by corporate control, if the
information is–
(A) medical information;
(B) an individualized list or description based on the payment transactions of the
consumer for medical products or services; or
(C) an aggregate list of identified consumers based on payment transactions for
medical products or services.
(e) The term “investigative consumer report” means 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 of the consumer reported on or with others with whom he is acquainted or who
may have knowledge concerning any such items of information.  However, such
information shall not include specific factual information on a consumer’s credit record
obtained directly from a creditor of the consumer or from a consumer reporting agency
when such information was obtained directly from a creditor of the consumer or from the
consumer.
(f) The term “consumer reporting agency” means any person which, for monetary fees, dues,
or on a cooperative nonprofit basis, regularly engages in whole or in part in the practice
of assembling or evaluating consumer credit information or other information on
consumers for the purpose of furnishing consumer reports to third parties, and which uses
any means or facility of interstate commerce for the purpose of preparing or furnishing
consumer reports.
(g) The term “file,” when used in connection with information on any consumer, means all
of the information on that consumer recorded and retained by a consumer reporting
agency regardless of how the information is stored.
(h) The term “employment purposes” when used in connection with a consumer report
means a report used for the purpose of evaluating a consumer for employment,
promotion, reassignment or retention as an employee.
(i) The term “medical information” –
(1) means information or data, whether oral or recorded, in any form or medium, created
by or derived from a health care provider or the consumer, that relates to–
(A) the past, present, or future physical, mental, or behavioral health or condition
of an individual;
(B) the provision of health care to an individual; or
(C) the payment for the provision of health care to an individual.
(2) does not include the age or gender of a consumer, demographic information about the
consumer, including a consumer’s residence address or e-mail address, or any other
information about a consumer that does not relate to the physical, mental, or
behavioral health or condition of a consumer, including the existence or value of any
insurance policy.
(j) Definitions Relating to Child Support Obligations
(1) The “overdue support” has the meaning given to such term in section 666(e) of title
42 [Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 666(e)].
(2) The term “State or local child support enforcement agency” means a State or local
agency which administers a State or local program for establishing and enforcing
child support obligations.
(k) Adverse Action
(1) Actions included. The term “adverse action”
(A) has the same meaning as in section 701(d)(6) of the Equal Credit Opportunity
Act; and
(B) means
(i) a denial or cancellation of, an increase in any charge for, or a reduction or
other adverse or unfavorable change in the terms of coverage or amount
of, any insurance, existing or applied for, in connection with the
underwriting of insurance;
(ii) a denial of employment or any other decision for employment purposes
that adversely affects any current or prospective employee;
(iii) a denial or cancellation of, an increase in any charge for, or any other
adverse or unfavorable change in the terms of, any license or benefit
described in section 604(a)(3)(D) [§ 1681b]; and
(iv) an action taken or determination that is
(I) made in connection with an application that was made by, or a
transaction that was initiated by, any consumer, or in connection with
a review of an account under section 604(a)(3)(F)(ii)[§ 1681b]; and
(II) adverse to the interests of the consumer.
(2) Applicable findings, decisions, commentary, and orders. For purposes of any
determination of whether an action is an adverse action under paragraph (1)(A), all
appropriate final findings, decisions, commentary, and orders issued under section
701(d)(6) of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System or any court shall apply.
(l) The term “firm offer of credit or insurance” means any offer of credit or insurance to a
consumer that will be honored if the consumer is determined, based on information in a
consumer report on the consumer, to meet the specific criteria used to select the
consumer for the offer, except that the offer may be further conditioned on one or more
of the following:
(1) The consumer being determined, based on information in the consumer’s application
for the credit or insurance, to meet specific criteria bearing on credit worthiness or
insurability, as applicable, that are established
(A) before selection of the consumer for the offer; and
(B) for the purpose of determining whether to extend credit or insurance pursuant
to the offer.
(2) Verification
(A) that the consumer continues to meet the specific criteria used to select the
consumer for the offer, by using information in a consumer report on the
consumer, information in the consumer’s application for the credit or
insurance, or other information bearing on the credit worthiness or insurability
of the consumer; or
(B) of the information in the consumer’s application for the credit or insurance, to
determine that the consumer meets the specific criteria bearing on credit
worthiness or insurability.
(3) The consumer furnishing any collateral that is a requirement for the extension of the
credit or insurance that was
(A) established before selection of the consumer for the offer of credit or
insurance; and
(B) disclosed to the consumer in the offer of credit or insurance.
(m) The term “credit or insurance transaction that is not initiated by the consumer” does not
include the use of a consumer report by a person with which the consumer has an account
or insurance policy, for purposes of
(1) reviewing the account or insurance policy; or
(2) collecting the account.
(n) The term “State” means any State, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of
Columbia, and any territory or possession of the United States.
(o) Excluded communications.  A communication is described in this subsection if it is a
communication
(1) that, but for subsection (d)(2)(D), would be an investigative consumer report;
(2) that is made to a prospective employer for the purpose of
(A) procuring an employee for the employer; or
(B) procuring an opportunity for a natural person to work for the employer;
(3) that is made by a person who regularly performs such procurement;
(4) that is not used by any person for any purpose other than a purpose described in
subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (2); and
(5) with respect to which
(A) the consumer who is the subject of the communication
(i) consents orally or in writing to the nature and scope of the
communication, before the collection of any information for the purpose
of making the communication;
(ii) consents orally or in writing to the making of the communication to a
prospective employer, before the making of the communication; and
(iii) in the case of consent under clause (i) or (ii) given orally, is provided
written confirmation of that consent by the person making the communication,
not later than 3 business days after the receipt of the consent by
that person;
(B) the person who makes the communication does not, for the purpose of making
the communication, make any inquiry that if made by a prospective employer
of the consumer who is the subject of the communication would violate any
applicable Federal or State equal employment opportunity law or regulation;
and
(C) the person who makes the communication
(i) discloses in writing to the consumer who is the subject of the communication,
not later than 5 business days after receiving any request from the
consumer for such disclosure, the nature and substance of all information in
the consumer’s file at the time of the request, except that the sources of any
information that is acquired solely for use in making the communication and
is actually used for no other purpose, need not be disclosed other than under
appropriate discovery procedures in any court of competent jurisdiction in
which an action is brought; and
(ii) notifies the consumer who is the subject of the communication, in writing,
of the consumer’s right to request the information described in clause (i).
(p) The term “consumer reporting agency that compiles and maintains files on consumers on
a nationwide basis” means a consumer reporting agency that regularly engages in the
practice of assembling or evaluating, and maintaining, for the purpose of furnishing
consumer reports to third parties bearing on a consumer’s credit worthiness, credit
standing, or credit capacity, each of the following regarding consumers residing
nationwide:
(1) Public record information.
(2) Credit account information from persons who furnish that information regularly and
in the ordinary course of business.
(q) Definitions relating to fraud alerts.
(1) The term “active duty military consumer” means a consumer in military service
who–
(A) is on active duty (as defined in section 101(d)(1) of title 10, United States
Code) or is a reservist performing duty under a call or order to active duty
under a provision of law referred to in section 101(a)(13) of title 10, United
States Code; and
(B) is assigned to service away from the usual duty station of the consumer.
(2) The terms “fraud alert” and “active duty alert” mean a statement in the file of a
consumer that–
(A) notifies all prospective users of a consumer report relating to the consumer
that the consumer may be a victim of fraud, including identity theft, or is an
active duty military consumer, as applicable; and
(B) is presented in a manner that facilitates a clear and conspicuous view of the
statement described in subparagraph (A) by any person requesting such
consumer report.
(3) The term “identity theft” means a fraud committed using the identifying information
of another person, subject to such further definition as the
Commission may prescribe, by regulation. See also 16 CFR Part 603.2
69 Fed. Reg. 63922 (11/03/04)
(4) The term “identity theft report” has the meaning given that term by rule of the
Commission, and means, at a minimum, a report–
(A) that alleges an identity theft;
(B) that is a copy of an official, valid report filed by a consumer with an
appropriate Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency, including the
United States Postal Inspection Service, or such other government agency
deemed appropriate by the Commission; and
(C) the filing of which subjects the person filing the report to criminal penalties
relating to the filing of false information if, in fact, the
information in the report is false. See also 16 CFR Part 603.3
69 Fed. Reg. 63922 (11/03/04)
(5) The term “new credit plan” means a new account under an open end credit plan (as
defined in section 103(i) of the Truth in Lending Act) or a new credit transaction not
under an open end credit plan.
(r) Credit and Debit Related Terms
(1) The term “card issuer” means–
(A) a credit card issuer, in the case of a credit card; and
(B) a debit card issuer, in the case of a debit card.
(2) The term “credit card” has the same meaning as in section 103 of the Truth in
Lending Act.
(3) The term “debit card” means any card issued by a financial institution to a consumer
for use in initiating an electronic fund transfer from the account of the consumer at
such financial institution, for the purpose of transferring money between accounts or
obtaining money, property, labor, or services.
(4) The terms “account” and “electronic fund transfer” have the same meanings as in
section 903 of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act.
(5) The terms “credit” and “creditor” have the same meanings as in section 702 of the
Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
(s) The term “Federal banking agency” has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Act.
(t) The term “financial institution” means a State or National bank, a State or Federal
savings and loan association, a mutual savings bank, a State or Federal credit union, or
any other person that, directly or indirectly, holds a transaction account (as defined in
section 19(b) of the Federal Reserve Act) belonging to a consumer.
(u) The term “reseller” means a consumer reporting agency that–
(1) assembles and merges information contained in the database of another consumer
reporting agency or multiple consumer reporting agencies concerning any consumer
for purposes of furnishing such information to any third party, to the extent of such
activities; and
(2) does not maintain a database of the assembled or merged information from which
new consumer reports are produced.
(v) The term “Commission” means the Federal Trade Commission.
(w) The term “nationwide specialty consumer reporting agency” means a consumer reporting
agency that compiles and maintains files on consumers on a nationwide basis relating to–
(1) medical records or payments;
(2) residential or tenant history;
(3) check writing history;
(4) employment history; or
(5) insurance claims.
(x) Exclusion of Certain Communications for Employee Investigations
(1) A communication is described in this subsection if–
(A) but for subsection (d)(2)(D), the communication would be a consumer report;
(B) the communication is made to an employer in connection with an
investigation of–
(i) suspected misconduct relating to employment; or
(ii) compliance with Federal, State, or local laws and regulations, the rules of
a self-regulatory organization, or any preexisting written policies of the
employer;
(C) the communication is not made for the purpose of investigating a consumer’s
credit worthiness, credit standing, or credit capacity; and
(D) the communication is not provided to any person except–
(i) to the employer or an agent of the employer;
(ii) to any Federal or State officer, agency, or department, or any officer,
agency, or department of a unit of general local government;
(iii) to any self-regulatory organization with regulatory authority over the
activities of the employer or employee;
(iv) as otherwise required by law; or
(v) pursuant to section 608.
(2) Subsequent disclosure.  After taking any adverse action based in whole or in part on a
communication described in paragraph (1), the employer shall disclose to the
consumer a summary containing the nature and substance of the communication upon
which the adverse action is based, except that the sources of information acquired
solely for use in preparing what would be but for subsection (d)(2)(D) an
investigative consumer report need not be disclosed.
(3) For purposes of this subsection, the term “self-regulatory organization” includes any
self-regulatory organization (as defined in section 3(a)(26) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934), any entity established under title I of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
any board of trade designated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and
any futures association registered with such Commission.

604. Permissible purposes of consumer reports [15 U.S.C. § 1681b]

(a) In general. Subject to subsection (c), any consumer reporting agency may furnish a
consumer report under the following circumstances and no other:
(1) In response to the order of a court having jurisdiction to issue such an order, or a
subpoena issued in connection with proceedings before a Federal grand jury.
(2) In accordance with the written instructions of the consumer to whom it relates.
(3) To a person which it has reason to believe
(A) intends to use the information in connection with a credit transaction
involving the consumer on whom the information is to be furnished and
involving the extension of credit to, or review or collection of an account of,
the consumer; or
(B) intends to use the information for employment purposes; or
(C) intends to use the information in connection with the underwriting of
insurance involving the consumer; or
(D) intends to use the information in connection with a determination of the consumer’s
eligibility for a license or other benefit granted by a governmental
instrumentality required by law to consider an applicant’s financial
responsibility or status; or
(E) intends to use the information, as a potential investor or servicer, or current
insurer, in connection with a valuation of, or an assessment of the credit or
prepayment risks associated with, an existing credit obligation; or
(F) otherwise has a legitimate business need for the information
(i) in connection with a business transaction that is initiated by the consumer;
or
(ii) to review an account to determine whether the consumer continues to
meet the terms of the account.
(4) In response to a request by the head of a State or local child support enforcement
agency (or a State or local government official authorized by the head of such an
agency), if the person making the request certifies to the consumer reporting agency
that
(A) the consumer report is needed for the purpose of establishing an individual’s
capacity to make child support payments or determining the appropriate level
of such payments;
(B) the paternity of the consumer for the child to which the obligation relates has
been established or acknowledged by the consumer in accordance with State
laws under which the obligation arises (if required by those laws);
(C) the person has provided at least 10 days’ prior notice to the consumer whose
report is requested, by certified or registered mail to the last known address of
the consumer, that the report will be requested; and
(D) the consumer report will be kept confidential, will be used solely for a
purpose described in subparagraph (A), and will not be used in connection
with any other civil, administrative, or criminal proceeding, or for any other
purpose.
(5) To an agency administering a State plan under Section 454 of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. § 654) for use to set an initial or modified child support award.
(6) To the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union
Administration as part of its preparation for its appointment or as part of its exercise
of powers, as conservator, receiver, or liquidating agent for an insured depository
institution or insured credit union under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or the
Federal Credit Union Act, or other applicable Federal or State law, or in connection
with the resolution or liquidation of a failed or failing insured depository institution
or insured credit union, as applicable.
(b) Conditions for Furnishing and Using Consumer Reports for Employment Purposes.
(1) Certification from user.  A consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report
for employment purposes only if
(A) the person who obtains such report from the agency certifies to the agency
that
(i) the person has complied with paragraph (2) with respect to the consumer
report, and the person will comply with paragraph (3) with respect to the
consumer report if paragraph (3) becomes applicable; and
(ii) information from the consumer report will not be used in violation of any
applicable Federal or State equal employment opportunity law or
regulation; and
(B) the consumer reporting agency provides with the report, or has previously
provided, a summary of the consumer’s rights under this title, as prescribed by
the Federal Trade Commission under section 609(c)(3) [§ 1681g].
(2) Disclosure to Consumer.
(A) In general. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a person may not
procure a consumer report, or cause a consumer report to be procured, for
employment purposes with respect to any consumer, unless–
(i) a clear and conspicuous disclosure has been made in writing to the
consumer at any time before the report is procured or caused to be
procured, in a document that consists solely of the disclosure, that a
consumer report may be obtained for employment purposes; and
(ii) the consumer has authorized in writing (which authorization may be made
on the document referred to in clause (i)) the procurement of the report by
that person.
(B) Application by mail, telephone, computer, or other similar means.  If a consumer
described in subparagraph (C) applies for employment by mail, telephone,
computer, or other similar means, at any time before a consumer report is
procured or caused to be procured in connection with that application–
(i) the person who procures the consumer report on the consumer for
employment purposes shall provide to the consumer, by oral, written, or
electronic means, notice that a consumer report may be obtained for
employment purposes, and a summary of the consumer’s rights under
section 615(a)(3); and
(ii) the consumer shall have consented, orally, in writing, or electronically to
the procurement of the report by that person.
(C) Scope. Subparagraph (B) shall apply to a person procuring a consumer report
on a consumer in connection with the consumer’s application for employment
only if–
(i) the consumer is applying for a position over which the Secretary of
Transportation has the power to establish qualifications and maximum
hours of service pursuant to the provisions of section 31502 of title 49, or
a position subject to safety regulation by a State transportation agency;
and
(ii) as of the time at which the person procures the report or causes the report
to be procured the only interaction between the consumer and the person
in connection with that employment application has been by mail,
telephone, computer, or other similar means.
1 The references in Sections 604(b)(3)(A) and 604(b)(3)(B) should be to Section 609(c)(1), not (c)(3) that
no longer exists as the result of Congress’ re-organization of Section 609(c) in 2003 (FACT Act).
(3) Conditions on use for adverse actions.
(A) In general. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), in using a consumer
report for employment purposes, before taking any adverse action based in
whole or in part on the report, the person intending to take such adverse action
shall provide to the consumer to whom the report relates–
(i) a copy of the report; and
(ii) a description in writing of the rights of the consumer under this title, as
prescribed by the Federal Trade Commission under section 609(c)(3).1
(B) Application by mail, telephone, computer, or other similar means.
(i) If a consumer described in subparagraph (C) applies for employment by
mail, telephone, computer, or other similar means, and if a person who has
procured a consumer report on the consumer for employment purposes
takes adverse action on the employment application based in whole or in
part on the report, then the person must provide to the consumer to whom
the report relates, in lieu of the notices required under subparagraph (A) of
this section and under section 615(a), within 3 business days of taking
such action, an oral, written or electronic notification–
(I) that adverse action has been taken based in whole or in part on a
consumer report received from a consumer reporting agency;
(II) of the name, address and telephone number of the consumer reporting
agency that furnished the consumer report (including a toll-free
telephone number established by the agency if the agency compiles
and maintains files on consumers on a nationwide basis);
(III) that the consumer reporting agency did not make the decision to take
the adverse action and is unable to provide to the consumer the
specific reasons why the adverse action was taken; and
(IV) that the consumer may, upon providing proper identification, request a free
copy of a report and may dispute with the consumer reporting agency the
accuracy or completeness of any information in a report.
(ii) If, under clause (B)(i)(IV), the consumer requests a copy of a consumer
report from the person who procured the report, then, within 3 business
days of receiving the consumer’s request, together with proper identification,
the person must send or provide to the consumer a copy of a report
and a copy of the consumer’s rights as prescribed by the Federal Trade
Commission under section 609(c)(3).
(C) Scope.  Subparagraph (B) shall apply to a person procuring a consumer report on a
consumer in connection with the consumer’s application for employment only if–
(i) the consumer is applying for a position over which the Secretary of Transportation
has the power to establish qualifications and maximum hours of
service pursuant to the provisions of section 31502 of title 49, or a position
subject to safety regulation by a State transportation agency; and
(ii) as of the time at which the person procures the report or causes the report
to be procured the only interaction between the consumer and the person
in connection with that employment application has been by mail,
telephone, computer, or other similar means.
(4) Exception for national security investigations.
(A) In general. In the case of an agency or department of the United States
Government which seeks to obtain and use a consumer report for employment
purposes, paragraph (3) shall not apply to any adverse action by such agency
or department which is based in part on such consumer report, if the head of
such agency or department makes a written finding that–
(i) the consumer report is relevant to a national security investigation of such
agency or department;
(ii) the investigation is within the jurisdiction of such agency or department;
(iii) there is reason to believe that compliance with paragraph (3) will–
(I) endanger the life or physical safety of any person;
(II) result in flight from prosecution;
(III) result in the destruction of, or tampering with, evidence relevant to the
investigation;
(IV) result in the intimidation of a potential witness relevant to the
investigation;
(V) result in the compromise of classified information; or
(VI) otherwise seriously jeopardize or unduly delay the investigation or
another official proceeding.
(B) Notification of consumer upon conclusion of investigation. Upon the
conclusion of a national security investigation described in subparagraph (A),
or upon the determination that the exception under subparagraph (A) is no
longer required for the reasons set forth in such subparagraph, the official
exercising the authority in such subparagraph shall provide to the consumer
who is the subject of the consumer report with regard to which such finding
was made–
(i) a copy of such consumer report with any classified information redacted
as necessary;
(ii) notice of any adverse action which is based, in part, on the consumer
report; and
(iii) the identification with reasonable specificity of the nature of the
investigation for which the consumer report was sought.
(C) Delegation by head of agency or department.  For purposes of subparagraphs
(A) and (B), the head of any agency or department of the United States
Government may delegate his or her authorities under this paragraph to an
official of such agency or department who has personnel security
responsibilities and is a member of the Senior Executive Service or equivalent
civilian or military rank.
(D) Report to the Congress.  Not later than January 31 of each year, the head of
each agency and department of the United States Government that exercised
authority under this paragraph during the preceding year shall submit a report
to the Congress on the number of times the department or agency exercised
such authority during the year.
(E) Definitions. For purposes of this paragraph, the following definitions shall apply:
(i) The term “classified information” means information that is protected from
unauthorized disclosure under Executive Order No. 12958 or successor
orders.
(ii) The term “national security investigation” means any official inquiry by
an agency or department of the United States Government to determine
the eligibility of a consumer to receive access or continued access to
classified information or to determine whether classified information has
been lost or compromised.
(c) Furnishing reports in connection with credit or insurance transactions that are not
initiated by the consumer.
(1) In general. A consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report relating to
any consumer pursuant to subparagraph (A) or (C) of subsection (a)(3) in connection
with any credit or insurance transaction that is not initiated by the consumer only if
(A) the consumer authorizes the agency to provide such report to such person; or
(B) (i) the transaction consists of a firm offer of credit or insurance;
(ii) the consumer reporting agency has complied with subsection (e);
(iii) there is not in effect an election by the consumer, made in accordance with
subsection (e), to have the consumer’s name and address excluded from
lists of names provided by the agency pursuant to this paragraph; and
(iv) the consumer report does not contain a date of birth that shows that the consumer
has not attained the age of 21, or, if the date of birth on the consumer
report shows that the consumer has not attained the age of 21, such consumer
consents to the consumer reporting agency to such furnishing.
(2) Limits on information received under paragraph (1)(B).  A person may receive pursuant
to paragraph (1)(B) only
(A) the name and address of a consumer;
(B) an identifier that is not unique to the consumer and that is used by the person
solely for the purpose of verifying the identity of the consumer; and
(C) other information pertaining to a consumer that does not identify the
relationship or experience of the consumer with respect to a particular creditor
or other entity.
(3) Information regarding inquiries.  Except as provided in section 609(a)(5) [§1681g], a
consumer reporting agency shall not furnish to any person a record of inquiries in
connection with a credit or insurance transaction that is not initiated by a consumer.
(d) Reserved.
(e) Election of consumer to be excluded from lists.
(1) In general. A consumer may elect to have the consumer’s name and address excluded
from any list provided by a consumer reporting agency under subsection (c)(1)(B) in
connection with a credit or insurance transaction that is not initiated by the consumer,
by notifying the agency in accordance with paragraph (2) that the consumer does not
consent to any use of a consumer report relating to the consumer in connection with
any credit or insurance transaction that is not initiated by the consumer.
(2) Manner of notification.  A consumer shall notify a consumer reporting agency under
paragraph (1)
(A) through the notification system maintained by the agency under paragraph (5);
or
(B) by submitting to the agency a signed notice of election form issued by the
agency for purposes of this subparagraph.
(3) Response of agency after notification through system.  Upon receipt of notification of
the election of a consumer under paragraph (1) through the notification system
maintained by the agency under paragraph (5), a consumer reporting agency shall
(A) inform the consumer that the election is effective only for the 5-year period
following the election if the consumer does not submit to the agency a signed
notice of election form issued by the agency for purposes of paragraph (2)(B);
and
(B) provide to the consumer a notice of election form, if requested by the
consumer, not later than 5 business days after receipt of the notification of the
election through the system established under paragraph (5), in the case of a
request made at the time the consumer provides notification through the
system.
(4) Effectiveness of election.  An election of a consumer under paragraph (1)
(A) shall be effective with respect to a consumer reporting agency beginning 5
business days after the date on which the consumer notifies the agency in
accordance with paragraph (2);
(B) shall be effective with respect to a consumer reporting agency
(i) subject to subparagraph (C), during the 5-year period beginning 5 business
days after the date on which the consumer notifies the agency of the
election, in the case of an election for which a consumer notifies the
agency only in accordance with paragraph (2)(A); or
(ii) until the consumer notifies the agency under subparagraph (C), in the case
of an election for which a consumer notifies the agency in accordance
with paragraph (2)(B);
(C) shall not be effective after the date on which the consumer notifies the agency,
through the notification system established by the agency under paragraph (5),
that the election is no longer effective; and
(D) shall be effective with respect to each affiliate of the agency.
(5) Notification System
(A) In general.  Each consumer reporting agency that, under subsection (c)(1)(B),
furnishes a consumer report in connection with a credit or insurance
transaction that is not initiated by a consumer, shall
(i) establish and maintain a notification system, including a toll-free
telephone number, which permits any consumer whose consumer report is
maintained by the agency to notify the agency, with appropriate
identification, of the consumer’s election to have the consumer’s name and
address excluded from any such list of names and addresses provided by
the agency for such a transaction; and
(ii) publish by not later than 365 days after the date of enactment of the
Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act of 1996, and not less than
annually thereafter, in a publication of general circulation in the area
served by the agency
(I) a notification that information in consumer files maintained by the
agency may be used in connection with such transactions; and
(II) the address and toll-free telephone number for consumers to use to
notify the agency of the consumer’s election under clause (I).
(B) Establishment and maintenance as compliance. Establishment and
maintenance of a notification system (including a toll-free telephone number)
and publication by a consumer reporting agency on the agency’s own behalf
and on behalf of any of its affiliates in accordance with this paragraph is
deemed to be compliance with this paragraph by each of those affiliates.
(6) Notification system by agencies that operate nationwide.  Each consumer reporting
agency that compiles and maintains files on consumers on a nationwide basis shall
establish and maintain a notification system for purposes of paragraph (5) jointly with
other such consumer reporting agencies.
(f) Certain use or obtaining of information prohibited.  A person shall not use or obtain a
consumer report for any purpose unless
(1) the consumer report is obtained for a purpose for which the consumer report is
authorized to be furnished under this section; and
(2) the purpose is certified in accordance with section 607 [§ 1681e] by a prospective
user of the report through a general or specific certification.
(g) Protection of Medical Information
(1) Limitation on consumer reporting agencies.  A consumer reporting agency shall not
furnish for employment purposes, or in connection with a credit or insurance
transaction, a consumer report that contains medical information (other than medical
contact information treated in the manner required under section 605(a)(6)) about a
consumer, unless–
(A) if furnished in connection with an insurance transaction, the consumer
affirmatively consents to the furnishing of the report;
(B) if furnished for employment purposes or in connection with a credit
transaction–
(i) the information to be furnished is relevant to process or effect the
employment or credit transaction; and
(ii) the consumer provides specific written consent for the furnishing of the
report that describes in clear and conspicuous language the use for which
the information will be furnished; or
(C) the information to be furnished pertains solely to transactions, accounts, or
balances relating to debts arising from the receipt of medical services,
products, or devises, where such information, other than account status or
amounts, is restricted or reported using codes that do not identify, or do not
provide information sufficient to infer, the specific provider or the nature of
such services, products, or devices, as provided in section 605(a)(6).
(2) Limitation on creditors. Except as permitted pursuant to paragraph (3)(C) or regulations
prescribed under paragraph (5)(A), a creditor shall not obtain or use medical
information (other than medical contact information treated in the manner required
under section 605(a)(6)) pertaining to a consumer in connection with any
determination of the consumer’s eligibility, or continued eligibility, for credit.
(3) Actions authorized by federal law, insurance activities and regulatory determinations.
Section 603(d)(3) shall not be construed so as to treat information or any
communication of information as a consumer report if the information or
communication is disclosed–
(A) in connection with the business of insurance or annuities, including the
activities described in section 18B of the model Privacy of Consumer
Financial and Health Information Regulation issued by the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners (as in effect on January 1, 2003);
(B) for any purpose permitted without authorization under the Standards for
Individually Identifiable Health Information promulgated by the Department
of Health and Human Services pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act of 1996, or referred to under section 1179 of such Act,
or described in section 502(e) of Public Law 106-102; or
(C) as otherwise determined to be necessary and appropriate, by regulation or
order and subject to paragraph (6), by the Commission, any Federal banking
agency or the National Credit Union Administration (with respect to any
financial institution subject to the jurisdiction of such agency or
Administration under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 621(b), or the
applicable State insurance authority (with respect to any person engaged in
providing insurance or annuities).
(4) Limitation on redisclosure of medical information.  Any person that receives
medical information pursuant to paragraph (1) or (3) shall not disclose such
information to any other person, except as necessary to carry out the purpose for
which the information was initially disclosed, or as otherwise permitted by
statute, regulation, or order.
2 The reporting periods have been lengthened for certain adverse information pertaining to U.S. Government
insured or guaranteed student loans, or pertaining to national direct student loans. See sections 430A(f) and
463(c)(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, 20 U.S.C. 1080a(f) and 20 U.S.C. 1087cc(c)(3), respectively.
(5) Regulations and Effective Date for Paragraph (2)
(A) Regulations required.  Each Federal banking agency and the National Credit
Union Administration shall, subject to paragraph (6) and after notice and
opportunity for comment, prescribe regulations that permit transactions under
paragraph (2) that are determined to be necessary and appropriate to protect
legitimate operational, transactional, risk, consumer, and other needs (and
which shall include permitting actions necessary for administrative verification
purposes), consistent with the intent of paragraph (2) to restrict the use of
medical information for inappropriate purposes.
(B) Final regulations required. The Federal banking agencies and the National
Credit Union Administration shall issue the regulations required under subparagraph
(A) in final form before the end of the 6-month period beginning on
the date of enactment of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act
of 2003. See also 12 CFR Parts 41/222/232/334/571/717
70 Fed. Reg. 70664 (11/22/05)
(6) Coordination with other laws.  No provision of this subsection shall be construed as
altering, affecting, or superseding the applicability of any other provision of Federal
law relating to medical confidentiality.

605. Requirements relating to information contained in consumer reports [15 U.S.C. §1681c]

(a) Information excluded from consumer reports.  Except as authorized under subsection (b)
of this section, no consumer reporting agency may make any consumer report containing
any of the following items of information:
(1) Cases under title 11 [United States Code] or under the Bankruptcy Act that, from the
date of entry of the order for relief or the date of adjudication, as the case may be,
antedate the report by more than 10 years.
(2) Civil suits, civil judgments, and records of arrest that from date of entry, antedate the
report by more than seven years or until the governing statute of limitations has
expired, whichever is the longer period.
(3) Paid tax liens which, from date of payment, antedate the report by more than seven
years.
(4) Accounts placed for collection or charged to profit and loss which antedate the report
by more than seven years.2
(5) Any other adverse item of information, other than records of convictions of crimes
which antedates the report by more than seven years.2
3 This provision, added in September 1996, should read “paragraphs (4) and (5)….” Prior Section 605(a)(6)
was amended and re-designated as Section 605(a)(5) in November 1998. The current Section 605(a)(6), added in
December 2003 and now containing no reference to any 7-year period, is obviously inapplicable.
(6) The name, address, and telephone number of any medical information furnisher that
has notified the agency of its status, unless–
(A) such name, address, and telephone number are restricted or reported using
codes that do not identify, or provide information sufficient to infer, the
specific provider or the nature of such services, products, or devices to a
person other than the consumer; or
(B) the report is being provided to an insurance company for a purpose relating to
engaging in the business of insurance other than property and casualty
insurance.
(b) Exempted cases.  The provisions of paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (a) of this
section are not applicable in the case of any consumer credit report to be used in
connection with
(1) a credit transaction involving, or which may reasonably be expected to involve, a
principal amount of $150,000 or more;
(2) the underwriting of life insurance involving, or which may reasonably be expected to
involve, a face amount of $150,000 or more; or
(3) the employment of any individual at an annual salary which equals, or which may
reasonably be expected to equal $75,000, or more.
(c) Running of Reporting Period
(1) In general. The 7-year period referred to in paragraphs (4) and (6) 3 of subsection (a)
shall begin, with respect to any delinquent account that is placed for collection
(internally or by referral to a third party, whichever is earlier), charged to profit and
loss, or subjected to any similar action, upon the expiration of the 180-day period
beginning on the date of the commencement of the delinquency which immediately
preceded the collection activity, charge to profit and loss, or similar action.
(2) Effective date. Paragraph (1) shall apply only to items of information added to the file
of a consumer on or after the date that is 455 days after the date of enactment of the
Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act of 1996.
(d) Information Required to be Disclosed
(1) Title 11 information. Any consumer reporting agency that furnishes a consumer
report that contains information regarding any case involving the consumer that arises
under title 11, United States Code, shall include in the report an identification of the
chapter of such title 11 under which such case arises if provided by the source of the
information. If any case arising or filed under title 11, United States Code, is
withdrawn by the consumer before a final judgment, the consumer reporting agency
shall include in the report that such case or filing was withdrawn upon receipt of
documentation certifying such withdrawal.
(2) Key factor in credit score information.  Any consumer reporting agency that furnishes
a consumer report that contains any credit score or any other risk score or predictor on
any consumer shall include in the report a clear and conspicuous statement that a key
factor (as defined in section 609(f)(2)(B)) that adversely affected such score or
predictor was the number of enquiries, if such a predictor was in fact a key factor that
adversely affected such score.  This paragraph shall not apply to a check services
company, acting as such, which issues authorizations for the purpose of approving or
processing negotiable instruments, electronic fund transfers, or similar methods of
payments, but only to the extent that such company is engaged in such activities.
(e) Indication of closure of account by consumer.  If a consumer reporting agency is notified
pursuant to section 623(a)(4) [§ 1681s-2] that a credit account of a consumer was
voluntarily closed by the consumer, the agency shall indicate that fact in any consumer
report that includes information related to the account.
(f) Indication of dispute by consumer.  If a consumer reporting agency is notified pursuant to
section 623(a)(3) [§ 1681s-2] that information regarding a consumer who was furnished
to the agency is disputed by the consumer, the agency shall indicate that fact in each
consumer report that includes the disputed information.
(g) Truncation of Credit Card and Debit Card Numbers
(1) In general.  Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, no person that accepts
credit cards or debit cards for the transaction of business shall print more than the last
5 digits of the card number or the expiration date upon any receipt provided to the
cardholder at the point of the sale or transaction.
(2) Limitation.  This subsection shall apply only to receipts that are electronically
printed, and shall not apply to transactions in which the sole means of recording a
credit card or debit card account number is by handwriting or by an imprint or copy
of the card.
(3) Effective date.  This subsection shall become effective–
(A) 3 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, with respect to any cash
register or other machine or device that electronically prints receipts for credit
card or debit card transactions that is in use before January 1, 2005; and
(B) 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, with respect to any cash register
or other machine or device that electronically prints receipts for credit card
or debit card transactions that is first put into use on or after January 1, 2005.
(h) Notice of Discrepancy in Address
(1)In general.  If a person has requested a consumer report relating to a consumer from a
consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p), the request includes an address for
the consumer that substantially differs from the addresses in the file of the consumer, and
the agency provides a consumer report in response to the request, the consumer reporting
agency shall notify the requester of the existence of the discrepancy.
See also 16 CFR Part 641
(2) Regulations 72 Fed. Reg. 63771-72 (11/09/07)
74 Fed. Reg. 22640-41 (05/14/09)
(A) Regulations required.  The Federal banking agencies, the National Credit
Union Administration, and the Commission shall jointly, with respect to the
entities that are subject to their respective enforcement authority under section
621, prescribe regulations providing guidance regarding reasonable policies
and procedures that a user of a consumer report should employ when such
user has received a notice of discrepancy under paragraph (1).
(B) Policies and procedures to be included.  The regulations prescribed under
subparagraph (A) shall describe reasonable policies and procedures for use by
a user of a consumer report–
(i) to form a reasonable belief that the user knows the identity of the person
to whom the consumer report pertains; and
(ii) if the user establishes a continuing relationship with the consumer, and the
user regularly and in the ordinary course of business furnishes information
to the consumer reporting agency from which the notice of discrepancy
pertaining to the consumer was obtained, to reconcile the address of the
consumer with the consumer reporting agency by furnishing such address
to such consumer reporting agency as part of information regularly furnished
by the user for the period in which the relationship is established.

605A. Identity theft prevention; fraud alerts and active duty alerts [15 U.S.C. §1681c-1]

(a) One-call Fraud Alerts
(1) Initial alerts. Upon the direct request of a consumer, or an individual acting on
behalf of or as a personal representative of a consumer, who asserts in good faith a
suspicion that the consumer has been or is about to become a victim of fraud or
related crime, including identity theft, a consumer reporting agency described in
section 603(p) that maintains a file on the consumer and has received appropriate
proof of the identity of the requester shall–
(A) include a fraud alert in the file of that consumer, and also provide that alert
along with any credit score generated in using that file, for a period of not less
than 90 days, beginning on the date of such request, unless the consumer or
such representative requests that such fraud alert be removed before the end of
such period, and the agency has received appropriate proof of the identity of
the requester for such purpose; and
(B) refer the information regarding the fraud alert under this paragraph to each of
the other consumer reporting agencies described in section 603(p), in
accordance with procedures developed under section 621(f).
(2) Access to free reports.  In any case in which a consumer reporting agency includes a
fraud alert in the file of a consumer pursuant to this subsection, the consumer
reporting agency shall–
(A) disclose to the consumer that the consumer may request a free copy of the file
of the consumer pursuant to section 612(d); and
(B) provide to the consumer all disclosures required to be made under section
609, without charge to the consumer, not later than 3 business days after any
request described in subparagraph (A).
(b) Extended Alerts
(1) In general.  Upon the direct request of a consumer, or an individual acting on behalf
of or as a personal representative of a consumer, who submits an identity theft report
to a consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p) that maintains a file on
the consumer, if the agency has received appropriate proof of the identity of the
requester, the agency shall–
(A) include a fraud alert in the file of that consumer, and also provide that alert
along with any credit score generated in using that file, during the 7-year
period beginning on the date of such request, unless the consumer or such
representative requests that such fraud alert be removed before the end of such
period and the agency has received appropriate proof of the identity of the
requester for such purpose;
(B) during the 5-year period beginning on the date of such request, exclude the
consumer from any list of consumers prepared by the consumer reporting
agency and provided to any third party to offer credit or insurance to the
consumer as part of a transaction that was not initiated by the consumer,
unless the consumer or such representative requests that such exclusion be
rescinded before the end of such period; and
(C) refer the information regarding the extended fraud alert under this paragraph to
each of the other consumer reporting agencies described in section 603(p), in
accordance with procedures developed under section 621(f).
(2) Access to free reports.  In any case in which a consumer reporting agency includes a
fraud alert in the file of a consumer pursuant to this subsection, the consumer reporting
agency shall–
(A) disclose to the consumer that the consumer may request 2 free copies of the
file of the consumer pursuant to section 612(d) during the 12-month period
beginning on the date on which the fraud alert was included in the file; and
(B) provide to the consumer all disclosures required to be made under section
609, without charge to the consumer, not later than 3 business days after any
request described in subparagraph (A).
(c) Active duty alerts.  Upon the direct request of an active duty military consumer, or an
individual acting on behalf of or as a personal representative of an active duty military
consumer, a consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p) that maintains a file
on the active duty military consumer and has received appropriate proof of the identity of
the requester shall–
(1) include an active duty alert in the file of that active duty military consumer, and also
provide that alert along with any credit score generated in using that file, during a
period of not less than 12 months, or such longer period as the Commission shall
determine, by regulation, beginning on the date of the request, unless the active duty
military consumer or such representative requests that such fraud alert be removed
before the end of such period, and the agency has received appropriate proof of the
identity of the requester for such purpose;
(2) during the 2-year period beginning on the date of such request, exclude the active
duty military consumer from any list of consumers prepared by the consumer
reporting agency and provided to any third party to offer credit or insurance to the
consumer as part of a transaction that was not initiated by the consumer, unless the
consumer requests that such exclusion be rescinded before the end of such period;
and
(3) refer the information regarding the active duty alert to each of the other consumer
reporting agencies described in section 603(p), in accordance with procedures
developed under section 621(f). See also 16 CFR Part 613.1
69 Fed. Reg. 63922 (11/03/04)
(d) Procedures.  Each consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p) shall establish
policies and procedures to comply with this section, including procedures that inform
consumers of the availability of initial, extended, and active duty alerts and procedures
that allow consumers and active duty military consumers to request initial, extended, or
active duty alerts (as applicable) in a simple and easy manner, including by telephone.
(e) Referrals of alerts.  Each consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p) that
receives a referral of a fraud alert or active duty alert from another consumer reporting
agency pursuant to this section shall, as though the agency received the request from the
consumer directly, follow the procedures required under–
(1) paragraphs (1)(A) and (2) of subsection (a), in the case of a referral under subsection
(a)(1)(B);
(2) paragraphs (1)(A), (1)(B), and (2) of subsection (b), in the case of a referral under
subsection (b)(1)(C); and
(3) paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c), in the case of a referral under subsection
(c)(3).
(f) Duty of reseller to reconvey alert.  A reseller shall include in its report any fraud alert or
active duty alert placed in the file of a consumer pursuant to this section by another
consumer reporting agency.
(g) Duty of other consumer reporting agencies to provide contact information.  If a
consumer contacts any consumer reporting agency that is not described in section 603(p)
to communicate a suspicion that the consumer has been or is about to become a victim of
fraud or related crime, including identity theft, the agency shall provide information to
the consumer on how to contact the Commission and the consumer reporting agencies
described in section 603(p) to obtain more detailed information and request alerts under
this section.
(h) Limitations on Use of Information for Credit Extensions
(1) Requirements for initial and active duty alerts-
(A) Notification.  Each initial fraud alert and active duty alert under this section
shall include information that notifies all prospective users of a consumer
report on the consumer to which the alert relates that the consumer does not
authorize the establishment of any new credit plan or extension of credit,
other than under an open-end credit plan (as defined in section 103(i)), in the
name of the consumer, or issuance of an additional card on an existing credit
account requested by a consumer, or any increase in credit limit on an existing
credit account requested by a consumer, except in accordance with
subparagraph (B).
(B) Limitation on Users
(i) In general.  No prospective user of a consumer report that includes an
initial fraud alert or an active duty alert in accordance with this section
may establish a new credit plan or extension of credit, other than under an
open-end credit plan (as defined in section 103(i)), in the name of the
consumer, or issue an additional card on an existing credit account
requested by a consumer, or grant any increase in credit limit on an
existing credit account requested by a consumer, unless the user utilizes
reasonable policies and procedures to form a reasonable belief that the
user knows the identity of the person making the request.
(ii) Verification.  If a consumer requesting the alert has specified a telephone
number to be used for identity verification purposes, before authorizing
any new credit plan or extension described in clause (i) in the name of
such consumer, a user of such consumer report shall contact the consumer
using that telephone number or take reasonable steps to verify the
consumer’s identity and confirm that the application for a new credit plan
is not the result of identity theft.
(2) Requirements for Extended Alerts
(A) Notification. Each extended alert under this section shall include information
that provides all prospective users of a consumer report relating to a consumer
with–
(i) notification that the consumer does not authorize the establishment of any
new credit plan or extension of credit described in clause (i), other than
under an open-end credit plan (as defined in section 103(i)), in the name
of the consumer, or issuance of an additional card on an existing credit
account requested by a consumer, or any increase in credit limit on an
existing credit account requested by a consumer, except in accordance
with subparagraph (B); and
(ii) a telephone number or other reasonable contact method designated by the
consumer.
(B) Limitation on users. No prospective user of a consumer report or of a credit
score generated using the information in the file of a consumer that includes
an extended fraud alert in accordance with this section may establish a new
credit plan or extension of credit, other than under an open-end credit plan (as
defined in section 103(i)), in the name of the consumer, or issue an additional
card on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, or any increase in
credit limit on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, unless the
user contacts the consumer in person or using the contact method described in
subparagraph (A)(ii) to confirm that the application for a new credit plan or
increase in credit limit, or request for an additional card is not the result of
identity theft.

605B. Block of information resulting from identity theft [15 U.S.C. §1681c-2]

(a) Block. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a consumer reporting agency shall
block the reporting of any information in the file of a consumer that the consumer
identifies as information that resulted from an alleged identity theft, not later than 4
business days after the date of receipt by such agency of–
(1) appropriate proof of the identity of the consumer;
(2) a copy of an identity theft report;
(3) the identification of such information by the consumer; and
(4) a statement by the consumer that the information is not information relating to any
transaction by the consumer.
(b) Notification. A consumer reporting agency shall promptly notify the furnisher of
information identified by the consumer under subsection (a)–
(1) that the information may be a result of identity theft;
(2) that an identity theft report has been filed;
(3) that a block has been requested under this section; and
(4) of the effective dates of the block.
(c) Authority to Decline or Rescind
(1) In general. A consumer reporting agency may decline to block, or may rescind any
block, of information relating to a consumer under this section, if the consumer
reporting agency reasonably determines that–
(A) the information was blocked in error or a block was requested by the
consumer in error;
(B) the information was blocked, or a block was requested by the consumer, on
the basis of a material misrepresentation of fact by the consumer relevant to
the request to block; or
(C) the consumer obtained possession of goods, services, or money as a result of
the blocked transaction or transactions.
(2) Notification to consumer. If a block of information is declined or rescinded under this
subsection, the affected consumer shall be notified promptly, in the same manner as
consumers are notified of the reinsertion of information under section 611(a)(5)(B).
(3) Significance of block. For purposes of this subsection, if a consumer reporting
agency rescinds a block, the presence of information in the file of a consumer prior to
the blocking of such information is not evidence of whether the consumer knew or
should have known that the consumer obtained possession of any goods, services, or
money as a result of the block.
(d) Exception for Resellers
(1) No reseller file. This section shall not apply to a consumer reporting agency, if the
consumer reporting agency–
(A) is a reseller;
(B) is not, at the time of the request of the consumer under subsection (a),
otherwise furnishing or reselling a consumer report concerning the
information identified by the consumer; and
(C) informs the consumer, by any means, that the consumer may report the identity
theft to the Commission to obtain consumer information regarding identity theft.
(2) Reseller with file. The sole obligation of the consumer reporting agency under this
section, with regard to any request of a consumer under this section, shall be to block
the consumer report maintained by the consumer reporting agency from any subsequent
use, if–
(A) the consumer, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a), identifies,
to a consumer reporting agency, information in the file of the consumer that
resulted from identity theft; and
(B) the consumer reporting agency is a reseller of the identified information.
(3) Notice. In carrying out its obligation under paragraph (2), the reseller shall promptly
provide a notice to the consumer of the decision to block the file. Such notice shall
contain the name, address, and telephone number of each consumer reporting agency
from which the consumer information was obtained for resale.
(e) Exception for verification companies. The provisions of this section do not apply to a
check services company, acting as such, which issues authorizations for the purpose of
approving or processing negotiable instruments, electronic fund transfers, or similar
methods of payments, except that, beginning 4 business days after receipt of information
described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (a), a check services company shall
not report to a national consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p), any
information identified in the subject identity theft report as resulting from identity theft.
(f) Access to blocked information by law enforcement agencies. No provision of this section
shall be construed as requiring a consumer reporting agency to prevent a Federal, State,
or local law enforcement agency from accessing blocked information in a consumer file
to which the agency could otherwise obtain access under this title.

606. Disclosure of investigative consumer reports [15 U.S.C. § 1681d]

(a) Disclosure of fact of preparation. A person may not procure or cause to be prepared an
investigative consumer report on any consumer unless
(1) it is clearly and accurately disclosed to the consumer that an investigative consumer
report including information as to his character, general reputation, personal characteristics
and mode of living, whichever are applicable, may be made, and such disclosure
(A) is made in a writing mailed, or otherwise delivered, to the consumer, not later
than three days after the date on which the report was first requested, and
(B) includes a statement informing the consumer of his right to request the
additional disclosures provided for under subsection (b) of this section and the
written summary of the rights of the consumer prepared pursuant to section
609(c) [§ 1681g]; and
(2) the person certifies or has certified to the consumer reporting agency that
(A) the person has made the disclosures to the consumer required by paragraph
(1); and
(B) the person will comply with subsection (b).
(b) Disclosure on request of nature and scope of investigation. Any person who procures or
causes to be prepared an investigative consumer report on any consumer shall, upon
written request made by the consumer within a reasonable period of time after the receipt
by him of the disclosure required by subsection (a)(1) of this section, make a complete
and accurate disclosure of the nature and scope of the investigation requested. This
disclosure shall be made in a writing mailed, or otherwise delivered, to the consumer not
later than five days after the date on which the request for such disclosure was received
from the consumer or such report was first requested, whichever is the later.
(c) Limitation on liability upon showing of reasonable procedures for compliance with
provisions. No person may be held liable for any violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this
section if he shows by a preponderance of the evidence that at the time of the violation he
maintained reasonable procedures to assure compliance with subsection (a) or (b) of this
section.
(d) Prohibitions
(1) Certification. A consumer reporting agency shall not prepare or furnish investigative
consumer report unless the agency has received a certification under subsection (a)(2)
from the person who requested the report.
(2) Inquiries. A consumer reporting agency shall not make an inquiry for the purpose of
preparing an investigative consumer report on a consumer for employment purposes
if the making of the inquiry by an employer or prospective employer of the consumer
would violate any applicable Federal or State equal employment opportunity law or
regulation.
(3) Certain public record information. Except as otherwise provided in section 613
[§ 1681k], a consumer reporting agency shall not furnish an investigative consumer
report that includes information that is a matter of public record and that relates to an
arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien, or outstanding judgment,
unless the agency has verified the accuracy of the information during the 30-day
period ending on the date on which the report is furnished.
(4) Certain adverse information. A consumer reporting agency shall not prepare or
furnish an investigative consumer report on a consumer that contains information that
is adverse to the interest of the consumer and that is obtained through a personal
interview with a neighbor, friend, or associate of the consumer or with another person
with whom the consumer is acquainted or who has knowledge of such item of
information, unless
(A) the agency has followed reasonable procedures to obtain confirmation of the
information, from an additional source that has independent and direct
knowledge of the information; or
(B) the person interviewed is the best possible source of the information.

607. Compliance procedures [15 U.S.C. § 1681e]

(a) Identity and purposes of credit users. Every consumer reporting agency shall maintain
reasonable procedures designed to avoid violations of section 605 [§ 1681c] and to limit the
furnishing of consumer reports to the purposes listed under section 604 [§ 1681b] of this
title. These procedures shall require that prospective users of the information identify
themselves, certify the purposes for which the information is sought, and certify that the
information will be used for no other purpose. Every consumer reporting agency shall make
a reasonable effort to verify the identity of a new prospective user and the uses certified by
such prospective user prior to furnishing such user a consumer report. No consumer
reporting agency may furnish a consumer report to any person if it has reasonable grounds
for believing that the consumer report will not be used for a purpose listed in section 604
[§ 1681b] of this title.
(b) Accuracy of report. Whenever a consumer reporting agency prepares a consumer report it
shall follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of the
information concerning the individual about whom the report relates.
(c) Disclosure of consumer reports by users allowed. A consumer reporting agency may not
prohibit a user of a consumer report furnished by the agency on a consumer from
disclosing the contents of the report to the consumer, if adverse action against the
consumer has been taken by the user based in whole or in part on the report.
(d) Notice to Users and Furnishers of Information
(1) Notice requirement. A consumer reporting agency shall provide to any person
(A) who regularly and in the ordinary course of business furnishes information to
the agency with respect to any consumer; or
(B) to whom a consumer report is provided by the agency;
a notice of such person’s responsibilities under this title. See also 16 CFR 698, App G-H
69 Fed. Reg. 69776 (11/30/04)
(2) Content of notice. The Federal Trade Commission shall prescribe the content of notices
under paragraph (1), and a consumer reporting agency shall be in compliance with this
subsection if it provides a notice under paragraph (1) that is substantially similar to the
Federal Trade Commission prescription under this paragraph.
(e) Procurement of Consumer Report for Resale
(1) Disclosure. A person may not procure a consumer report for purposes of reselling
the report (or any information in the report) unless the person discloses to the
consumer reporting agency that originally furnishes the report
(A) the identity of the end-user of the report (or information); and
(B) each permissible purpose under section 604 [§ 1681b] for which the report is
furnished to the end-user of the report (or information).
(2) Responsibilities of procurers for resale. A person who procures a consumer report
for purposes of reselling the report (or any information in the report) shall
(A) establish and comply with reasonable procedures designed to ensure that the
report (or information) is resold by the person only for a purpose for which
the report may be furnished under section 604 [§ 1681b], including by
requiring that each person to which the report (or information) is resold and
that resells or provides the report (or information) to any other person
(i) identifies each end user of the resold report (or information);
(ii) certifies each purpose for which the report (or information) will be used;
and
(iii) certifies that the report (or information) will be used for no other purpose;
and
(B) before reselling the report, make reasonable efforts to verify the identifications
and certifications made under subparagraph (A).
(3) Resale of consumer report to a federal agency or department. Notwithstanding
paragraph (1) or (2), a person who procures a consumer report for purposes of
reselling the report (or any information in the report) shall not disclose the identity of
the end-user of the report under paragraph (1) or (2) if–
(A) the end user is an agency or department of the United States Government
which procures the report from the person for purposes of determining the
eligibility of the consumer concerned to receive access or continued access to
classified information (as defined in section 604(b)(4)(E)(i)); and
(B) the agency or department certifies in writing to the person reselling the report
that nondisclosure is necessary to protect classified information or the safety
of persons employed by or contracting with, or undergoing investigation for
work or contracting with the agency or department.

608. Disclosures to governmental agencies [15 U.S.C. § 1681f]

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 604 [§ 1681b] of this title, a consumer
reporting agency may furnish identifying information respecting any consumer, limited to his
name, address, former addresses, places of employment, or former places of employment, to a
governmental agency.

609. Disclosures to consumers [15 U.S.C. § 1681g]

(a) Information on file; sources; report recipients. Every consumer reporting agency shall,
upon request, and subject to 610(a)(1) [§ 1681h], clearly and accurately disclose to the
consumer:
(1) All information in the consumer’s file at the time of the request except that–
(A) if the consumer to whom the file relates requests that the first 5 digits of the
social security number (or similar identification number) of the consumer not
be included in the disclosure and the consumer reporting agency has received
appropriate proof of the identity of the requester, the consumer reporting
agency shall so truncate such number in such disclosure; and
(B) nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require a consumer reporting
agency to disclose to a consumer any information concerning credit scores or
any other risk scores or predictors relating to the consumer.
(2) The sources of the information; except that the sources of information acquired solely
for use in preparing an investigative consumer report and actually use for no other
purpose need not be disclosed: Provided, That in the event an action is brought under
this title, such sources shall be available to the plaintiff under appropriate discovery
procedures in the court in which the action is brought.
(3) (A) Identification of each person (including each end-user identified under section
607(e)(1) [§ 1681e]) that procured a consumer report
(i) for employment purposes, during the 2-year period preceding the date on
which the request is made; or
(ii) for any other purpose, during the 1-year period preceding the date on
which the request is made.
(B) An identification of a person under subparagraph (A) shall include
(i) the name of the person or, if applicable, the trade name (written in full)
under which such person conducts business; and
(ii) upon request of the consumer, the address and telephone number of the
person.
(C) Subparagraph (A) does not apply if–
(i) the end user is an agency or department of the United States Government
that procures the report from the person for purposes of determining the
eligibility of the consumer to whom the report relates to receive access or
continued access to classified information (as defined in section
604(b)(4)(E)(i)); and
(ii) the head of the agency or department makes a written finding as
prescribed under section 604(b)(4)(A).
(4) The dates, original payees, and amounts of any checks upon which is based any adverse
characterization of the consumer, included in the file at the time of the disclosure.
(5) A record of all inquiries received by the agency during the 1-year period preceding
the request that identified the consumer in connection with a credit or insurance
transaction that was not initiated by the consumer.
(6) If the consumer requests the credit file and not the credit score, a statement that the
consumer may request and obtain a credit score.
(b) Exempt information. The requirements of subsection (a) of this section respecting the
disclosure of sources of information and the recipients of consumer reports do not apply
to information received or consumer reports furnished prior to the effective date of this
title except to the extent that the matter involved is contained in the files of the consumer
reporting agency on that date.
(c) Summary of Rights to Obtain and Dispute Information in Consumer Reports and to Obtain
Credit Scores See also 16 CFR Part 698, App F
69 Fed. Reg. 69776 (11/30/04)
(1) Commission Summary of Rights Required
(A) In general. The Commission shall prepare a model summary of the rights of
consumers under this title.
(B) Content of summary. The summary of rights prepared under subparagraph
(A) shall include a description of–
(i) the right of a consumer to obtain a copy of a consumer report under
subsection (a) from each consumer reporting agency;
(ii) the frequency and circumstances under which a consumer is entitled to
receive a consumer report without charge under section 612;
(iii) the right of a consumer to dispute information in the file of the consumer
under section 611;
(iv) the right of a consumer to obtain a credit score from a consumer reporting
agency, and a description of how to obtain a credit score;
(v) the method by which a consumer can contact, and obtain a consumer
report from, a consumer reporting agency without charge, as provided in
the regulations of the Commission prescribed under section 211(c) of the
Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003; and
(vi) the method by which a consumer can contact, and obtain a consumer
report from, a consumer reporting agency described in section 603(w), as
provided in the regulations of the Commission prescribed under section
612(a)(1)(C).
(C) Availability of summary of rights. The Commission shall–
(i) actively publicize the availability of the summary of rights prepared under
this paragraph;
(ii) conspicuously post on its Internet website the availability of such
summary of rights; and
(iii) promptly make such summary of rights available to consumers, on request.
(2) Summary of rights required to be included with agency disclosures. A consumer
reporting agency shall provide to a consumer, with each written disclosure by the
agency to the consumer under this section–
(A) the summary of rights prepared by the Commission under paragraph (1);
(B) in the case of a consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p), a
toll-free telephone number established by the agency, at which personnel are
accessible to consumers during normal business hours;
(C) a list of all Federal agencies responsible for enforcing any provision of this title,
and the address and any appropriate phone number of each such agency, in a
form that will assist the consumer in selecting the appropriate agency;
(D) a statement that the consumer may have additional rights under State law, and
that the consumer may wish to contact a State or local consumer protection
agency or a State attorney general (or the equivalent thereof) to learn of those
rights; and
(E) a statement that a consumer reporting agency is not required to remove
accurate derogatory information from the file of a consumer, unless the
information is outdated under section 605 or cannot be verified.
(d) Summary of Rights of Identity Theft Victims See also 16 CFR Part 698, App E
69 Fed. Reg. 69776 (11/30/04)
(1) In general. The Commission, in consultation with the Federal banking agencies and
the National Credit Union Administration, shall prepare a model summary of the rights
of consumers under this title with respect to the procedures for remedying the effects of
fraud or identity theft involving credit, an electronic fund transfer, or an account or
transaction at or with a financial institution or other creditor.
(2) Summary of rights and contact information. Beginning 60 days after the date on
which the model summary of rights is prescribed in final form by the Commission
pursuant to paragraph (1), if any consumer contacts a consumer reporting agency and
expresses a belief that the consumer is a victim of fraud or identity theft involving
credit, an electronic fund transfer, or an account or transaction at or with a financial
institution or other creditor, the consumer reporting agency shall, in addition to any
other action that the agency may take, provide the consumer with a summary of rights
that contains all of the information required by the Commission under paragraph (1),
and information on how to contact the Commission to obtain more detailed
information.
(e) Information Available to Victims
(1) In general. For the purpose of documenting fraudulent transactions resulting from
identity theft, not later than 30 days after the date of receipt of a request from a victim
in accordance with paragraph (3), and subject to verification of the identity of the victim
and the claim of identity theft in accordance with paragraph (2), a business entity
that has provided credit to, provided for consideration products, goods, or services to,
accepted payment from, or otherwise entered into a commercial transaction for
consideration with, a person who has allegedly made unauthorized use of the means
of identification of the victim, shall provide a copy of application and business
transaction records in the control of the business entity, whether maintained by the
business entity or by another person on behalf of the business entity, evidencing any
transaction alleged to be a result of identity theft to–
(A) the victim;
(B) any Federal, State, or local government law enforcement agency or officer
specified by the victim in such a request; or
(C) any law enforcement agency investigating the identity theft and authorized by
the victim to take receipt of records provided under this subsection.
(2) Verification of identity and claim. Before a business entity provides any information
under paragraph (1), unless the business entity, at its discretion, otherwise has a high
degree of confidence that it knows the identity of the victim making a request under
paragraph (1), the victim shall provide to the business entity–
(A) as proof of positive identification of the victim, at the election of the business
entity–
(i) the presentation of a government-issued identification card;
(ii) personally identifying information of the same type as was provided to the
business entity by the unauthorized person; or
(iii) personally identifying information that the business entity typically
requests from new applicants or for new transactions, at the time of the
victim’s request for information, including any documentation described in
clauses (i) and (ii); and
(B) as proof of a claim of identity theft, at the election of the business entity–
(i) a copy of a police report evidencing the claim of the victim of identity
theft; and
(ii) a properly completed–
(I) copy of a standardized affidavit of identity theft developed and made
available by the Commission; or
(II) an affidavit of fact that is acceptable to the business entity for that
purpose.
(3) Procedures. The request of a victim under paragraph (1) shall–
(A) be in writing;
(B) be mailed to an address specified by the business entity, if any; and
(C) if asked by the business entity, include relevant information about any
transaction alleged to be a result of identity theft to facilitate compliance with
this section including–
(i) if known by the victim (or if readily obtainable by the victim), the date of
the application or transaction; and
(ii) if known by the victim (or if readily obtainable by the victim), any other
identifying information such as an account or transaction number.
(4) No charge to victim. Information required to be provided under paragraph (1) shall
be so provided without charge.
(5) Authority to decline to provide information. A business entity may decline to provide
information under paragraph (1) if, in the exercise of good faith, the business entity
determines that–
(A) this subsection does not require disclosure of the information;
(B) after reviewing the information provided pursuant to paragraph (2), the
business entity does not have a high degree of confidence in knowing the true
identity of the individual requesting the information;
(C) the request for the information is based on a misrepresentation of fact by the
individual requesting the information relevant to the request for information; or
(D) the information requested is Internet navigational data or similar information
about a person’s visit to a website or online service.
(6) Limitation on liability. Except as provided in section 621, sections 616 and 617 do
not apply to any violation of this subsection.
(7) Limitation on civil liability. No business entity may be held civilly liable under any
provision of Federal, State, or other law for disclosure, made in good faith pursuant to
this subsection.
(8) No new recordkeeping obligation. Nothing in this subsection creates an obligation on
the part of a business entity to obtain, retain, or maintain information or records that
are not otherwise required to be obtained, retained, or maintained in the ordinary
course of its business or under other applicable law.
(9) Rule of Construction
(A) In general. No provision of subtitle A of title V of Public Law 106-102,
prohibiting the disclosure of financial information by a business entity to third
parties shall be used to deny disclosure of information to the victim under this
subsection.
(B) Limitation. Except as provided in subparagraph (A), nothing in this
subsection permits a business entity to disclose information, including
information to law enforcement under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph
(1), that the business entity is otherwise prohibited from disclosing under any
other applicable provision of Federal or State law.
(10) Affirmative defense. In any civil action brought to enforce this subsection, it is an
affirmative defense (which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the
evidence) for a business entity to file an affidavit or answer stating that–
(A) the business entity has made a reasonably diligent search of its available
business records; and
(B) the records requested under this subsection do not exist or are not reasonably
available.
(11) Definition of victim. For purposes of this subsection, the term “victim” means a
consumer whose means of identification or financial information has been used or
transferred (or has been alleged to have been used or transferred) without the
authority of that consumer, with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, an identity
theft or a similar crime.
(12) Effective date. This subsection shall become effective 180 days after the date of
enactment of this subsection.
(13) Effectiveness study. Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this
subsection, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to
Congress assessing the effectiveness of this provision.
(f) Disclosure of Credit Scores
(1) In general. Upon the request of a consumer for a credit score, a consumer reporting
agency shall supply to the consumer a statement indicating that the information and
credit scoring model may be different than the credit score that may be used by the
lender, and a notice which shall include–
(A) the current credit score of the consumer or the most recent credit score of the
consumer that was previously calculated by the credit reporting agency for a
purpose related to the extension of credit;
(B) the range of possible credit scores under the model used;
(C) all of the key factors that adversely affected the credit score of the consumer
in the model used, the total number of which shall not exceed 4, subject to
paragraph (9);
(D) the date on which the credit score was created; and
(E) the name of the person or entity that provided the credit score or credit file
upon which the credit score was created.
(2) Definitions. For purposes of this subsection, the following definitions shall apply:
(A) The term “credit score” –
(i) means a numerical value or a categorization derived from a statistical tool or
modeling system used by a person who makes or arranges a loan to predict
the likelihood of certain credit behaviors, including default (and the
numerical value or the categorization derived from such analysis may also
be referred to as a “risk predictor” or “risk score”); and
(ii) does not include–
(I) any mortgage score or rating of an automated underwriting system that
considers one or more factors in addition to credit information,
including the loan to value ratio, the amount of down payment, or the
financial assets of a consumer; or
(II) any other elements of the underwriting process or underwriting decision.
(B) The term “key factors” means all relevant elements or reasons adversely
affecting the credit score for the particular individual, listed in the order of
their importance based on their effect on the credit score.
(3) Timeframe and manner of disclosure. The information required by this subsection
shall be provided in the same timeframe and manner as the information described in
subsection (a).
(4) Applicability to certain uses. This subsection shall not be construed so as to compel a
consumer reporting agency to develop or disclose a score if the agency does not–
(A) distribute scores that are used in connection with residential real property
loans; or
(B) develop scores that assist credit providers in understanding the general credit
behavior of a consumer and predicting the future credit behavior of the
consumer.
(5) Applicability to credit scores developed by another person.
(A) In general. This subsection shall not be construed to require a consumer
reporting agency that distributes credit scores developed by another person or
entity to provide a further explanation of them, or to process a dispute arising
pursuant to section 611, except that the consumer reporting agency shall
provide the consumer with the name and address and website for contacting
the person or entity who developed the score or developed the methodology of
the score.
(B) Exception. This paragraph shall not apply to a consumer reporting agency
that develops or modifies scores that are developed by another person or
entity.
(6) Maintenance of credit scores not required. This subsection shall not be construed to
require a consumer reporting agency to maintain credit scores in its files.
(7) Compliance in certain cases. In complying with this subsection, a consumer
reporting agency shall–
(A) supply the consumer with a credit score that is derived from a credit scoring
model that is widely distributed to users by that consumer reporting agency in
connection with residential real property loans or with a credit score that
assists the consumer in understanding the credit scoring assessment of the
credit behavior of the consumer and predictions about the future credit
behavior of the consumer; and
(B) a statement indicating that the information and credit scoring model may be
different than that used by the lender.
(8) Fair and reasonable fee. A consumer reporting agency may charge a fair and
reasonable fee, as determined by the Commission, for providing the information
required under this subsection. See also 69 Fed. Reg. 64698 (11/08/04)
(9) Use of enquiries as a key factor. If a key factor that adversely affects the credit score
of a consumer consists of the number of enquiries made with respect to a consumer
report, that factor shall be included in the disclosure pursuant to paragraph (1)(C)
without regard to the numerical limitation in such paragraph.
(g) Disclosure of Credit Scores by Certain Mortgage Lenders
(1) In general. Any person who makes or arranges loans and who uses a consumer credit
score, as defined in subsection (f), in connection with an application initiated or
sought by a consumer for a closed end loan or the establishment of an open end loan
for a consumer purpose that is secured by 1 to 4 units of residential real property
(hereafter in this subsection referred to as the “lender”) shall provide the following to
the consumer as soon as reasonably practicable:
(A) Information Required under Subsection (f)
(i) In general. A copy of the information identified in subsection (f) that was
obtained from a consumer reporting agency or was developed and used by
the user of the information.
(ii) Notice under subparagraph (D). In addition to the information provided
to it by a third party that provided the credit score or scores, a lender is
only required to provide the notice contained in subparagraph (D).
(B) Disclosures in Case of Automated Underwriting System
(i) In general. If a person that is subject to this subsection uses an automated
underwriting system to underwrite a loan, that person may satisfy the
obligation to provide a credit score by disclosing a credit score and
associated key factors supplied by a consumer reporting agency.
(ii) Numerical credit score. However, if a numerical credit score is generated
by an automated underwriting system used by an enterprise, and that score
is disclosed to the person, the score shall be disclosed to the consumer
consistent with subparagraph (C).
(iii) Enterprise defined. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “enterprise”
has the same meaning as in paragraph (6) of section 1303 of the Federal
Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992.
(C) Disclosures of credit scores not obtained from a consumer reporting agency. A
person that is subject to the provisions of this subsection and that uses a credit
score, other than a credit score provided by a consumer reporting agency, may
satisfy the obligation to provide a credit score by disclosing a credit score and
associated key factors supplied by a consumer reporting agency.
(D) Notice to home loan applicants. A copy of the following notice, which shall
include the name, address, and telephone number of each consumer reporting
agency providing a credit score that was used:
“Notice To The Home Loan Applicant
“In connection with your application for a home loan, the lender must disclose to you
the score that a consumer reporting agency distributed to users and the lender used in
connection with your home loan, and the key factors affecting your credit scores.
“The credit score is a computer generated summary calculated at the time of the
request and based on information that a consumer reporting agency or lender has on file.
The scores are based on data about your credit history and payment patterns. Credit
scores are important because they are used to assist the lender in determining whether
you will obtain a loan. They may also be used to determine what interest rate you may be
offered on the mortgage. Credit scores can change over time, depending on your conduct,
how your credit history and payment patterns change, and how credit scoring
technologies change.
“Because the score is based on information in your credit history, it is very important
that you review the credit-related information that is being furnished to make sure it is
accurate. Credit records may vary from one company to another.
“If you have questions about your credit score or the credit information that is
furnished to you, contact the consumer reporting agency at the address and telephone
number provided with this notice, or contact the lender, if the lender developed or
generated the credit score. The consumer reporting agency plays no part in the decision
to take any action on the loan application and is unable to provide you with specific
reasons for the decision on a loan application.
“If you have questions concerning the terms of the loan, contact the lender.”
(E) Actions not required under this subsection. This subsection shall not require
any person to–
(i) explain the information provided pursuant to subsection (f);
(ii) disclose any information other than a credit score or key factors, as
defined in subsection (f);
(iii) disclose any credit score or related information obtained by the user after
a loan has closed;
(iv) provide more than 1 disclosure per loan transaction; or
(v) provide the disclosure required by this subsection when another person
has made the disclosure to the consumer for that loan transaction.
(F) No Obligation for Content
(i) In general. The obligation of any person pursuant to this subsection shall
be limited solely to providing a copy of the information that was received
from the consumer reporting agency.
(ii) Limit on liability. No person has liability under this subsection for the
content of that information or for the omission of any information within
the report provided by the consumer reporting agency.
(G) Person defined as excluding enterprise. As used in this subsection, the term
“person” does not include an enterprise (as defined in paragraph (6) of section
1303 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act
of 1992).
(2) Prohibition on Disclosure Clauses Null and Void
(A) In general. Any provision in a contract that prohibits the disclosure of a
credit score by a person who makes or arranges loans or a consumer reporting
agency is void.
(B) No liability for disclosure under this subsection- A lender shall not have
liability under any contractual provision for disclosure of a credit score
pursuant to this subsection.

610. Conditions and form of disclosure to consumers [15 U.S.C. § 1681h]

(a) In General
(1) Proper identification. A consumer reporting agency shall require, as a condition of
making the disclosures required under section 609 [§ 1681g], that the consumer
furnish proper identification.
(2) Disclosure in writing. Except as provided in subsection (b), the disclosures required
to be made under section 609 [§ 1681g] shall be provided under that section in
writing.
(b) Other Forms of Disclosure
(1) In general. If authorized by a consumer, a consumer reporting agency may make the
disclosures required under 609 [§ 1681g]
(A) other than in writing; and
(B) in such form as may be
(i) specified by the consumer in accordance with paragraph (2); and
(ii) available from the agency.
(2) Form. A consumer may specify pursuant to paragraph (1) that disclosures under
section 609 [§ 1681g] shall be made
(A) in person, upon the appearance of the consumer at the place of business of the
consumer reporting agency where disclosures are regularly provided, during
normal business hours, and on reasonable notice;
(B) by telephone, if the consumer has made a written request for disclosure by
telephone;
(C) by electronic means, if available from the agency; or
(D) by any other reasonable means that is available from the agency.
(c) Trained personnel. Any consumer reporting agency shall provide trained personnel to
explain to the consumer any information furnished to him pursuant to section 609
[§ 1681g] of this title.
(d) Persons accompanying consumer. The consumer shall be permitted to be accompanied
by one other person of his choosing, who shall furnish reasonable identification. A
consumer reporting agency may require the consumer to furnish a written statement
granting permission to the consumer reporting agency to discuss the consumer’s file in
such person’s presence.
(e) Limitation of liability. Except as provided in sections 616 and 617 [§§1681n and 1681o] of
this title, no consumer may bring any action or proceeding in the nature of defamation,
invasion of privacy, or negligence with respect to the reporting of information against any
consumer reporting agency, any user of information, or any person who furnishes
information to a consumer reporting agency, based on information disclosed pursuant to
section 609, 610, or 615 [§§ 1681g, 1681h, or 1681m] of this title or based on information
disclosed by a user of a consumer report to or for a consumer against whom the user has
taken adverse action, based in whole or in part on the report, except as to false information
furnished with malice or willful intent to injure such consumer.

611. Procedure in case of disputed accuracy [15 U.S.C. § 1681i]

(a) Reinvestigations of Disputed Information
(1) Reinvestigation Required
(A) In general. Subject to subsection (f), if the completeness or accuracy of any
item of information contained in a consumer’s file at a consumer reporting
agency is disputed by the consumer and the consumer notifies the agency
directly, or indirectly through a reseller, of such dispute, the agency shall, free
of charge, conduct a reasonable reinvestigation to determine whether the
disputed information is inaccurate and record the current status of the disputed
information, or delete the item from the file in accordance with paragraph (5),
before the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which the
agency receives the notice of the dispute from the consumer or reseller.
(B) Extension of period to reinvestigate. Except as provided in subparagraph (C),
the 30-day period described in subparagraph (A) may be extended for not
more than 15 additional days if the consumer reporting agency receives
information from the consumer during that 30-day period that is relevant to
the reinvestigation.
(C) Limitations on extension of period to reinvestigate. Subparagraph (B) shall
not apply to any reinvestigation in which, during the 30-day period described
in subparagraph (A), the information that is the subject of the reinvestigation
is found to be inaccurate or incomplete or the consumer reporting agency
determines that the information cannot be verified.
(2) Prompt Notice of Dispute to Furnisher of Information
(A) In general. Before the expiration of the 5-business-day period beginning on
the date on which a consumer reporting agency receives notice of a dispute
from any consumer or a reseller in accordance with paragraph (1), the agency
shall provide notification of the dispute to any person who provided any item
of information in dispute, at the address and in the manner established with
the person. The notice shall include all relevant information regarding the
dispute that the agency has received from the consumer or reseller.
(B) Provision of other information. The consumer reporting agency shall
promptly provide to the person who provided the information in dispute all
relevant information regarding the dispute that is received by the agency from
the consumer or the reseller after the period referred to in subparagraph (A)
and before the end of the period referred to in paragraph (1)(A).
(3) Determination That Dispute Is Frivolous or Irrelevant
(A) In general. Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a consumer reporting agency may
terminate a reinvestigation of information disputed by a consumer under that
paragraph if the agency reasonably determines that the dispute by the consumer
is frivolous or irrelevant, including by reason of a failure by a consumer to
provide sufficient information to investigate the disputed information.
(B) Notice of determination. Upon making any determination in accordance with
subparagraph (A) that a dispute is frivolous or irrelevant, a consumer reporting
agency shall notify the consumer of such determination not later than 5 business
days after making such determination, by mail or, if authorized by the consumer
for that purpose, by any other means available to the agency.
(C) Contents of notice. A notice under subparagraph (B) shall include
(i) the reasons for the determination under subparagraph (A); and
(ii) identification of any information required to investigate the disputed
information, which may consist of a standardized form describing the
general nature of such information.
(4) Consideration of consumer information. In conducting any reinvestigation under
paragraph (1) with respect to disputed information in the file of any consumer, the
consumer reporting agency shall review and consider all relevant information
submitted by the consumer in the period described in paragraph (1)(A) with respect to
such disputed information.
(5) Treatment of Inaccurate or Unverifiable Information
(A) In general. If, after any reinvestigation under paragraph (1) of any information
disputed by a consumer, an item of the information is found to be inaccurate
or incomplete or cannot be verified, the consumer reporting agency shall–
(i) promptly delete that item of information from the file of the consumer, or
modify that item of information, as appropriate, based on the results of the
reinvestigation; and
(ii) promptly notify the furnisher of that information that the information has
been modified or deleted from the file of the consumer.
(B) Requirements Relating to Reinsertion of Previously Deleted Material
(i) Certification of accuracy of information. If any information is deleted
from a consumer’s file pursuant to subparagraph (A), the information may
not be reinserted in the file by the consumer reporting agency unless the
person who furnishes the information certifies that the information is
complete and accurate.
(ii) Notice to consumer. If any information that has been deleted from a
consumer’s file pursuant to subparagraph (A) is reinserted in the file, the
consumer reporting agency shall notify the consumer of the reinsertion in
writing not later than 5 business days after the reinsertion or, if authorized
by the consumer for that purpose, by any other means available to the
agency.
(iii) Additional information. As part of, or in addition to, the notice under
clause (ii), a consumer reporting agency shall provide to a consumer in
writing not later than 5 business days after the date of the reinsertion
(I) a statement that the disputed information has been reinserted;
(II) the business name and address of any furnisher of information
contacted and the telephone number of such furnisher, if reasonably
available, or of any furnisher of information that contacted the
consumer reporting agency, in connection with the reinsertion of such
information; and
(III) a notice that the consumer has the right to add a statement to the
consumer’s file disputing the accuracy or completeness of the disputed
information.
(C) Procedures to prevent reappearance. A consumer reporting agency shall
maintain reasonable procedures designed to prevent the reappearance in a
consumer’s file, and in consumer reports on the consumer, of information that
is deleted pursuant to this paragraph (other than information that is reinserted
in accordance with subparagraph (B)(i)).
(D) Automated reinvestigation system. Any consumer reporting agency that
compiles and maintains files on consumers on a nationwide basis shall
implement an automated system through which furnishers of information to
that consumer reporting agency may report the results of a reinvestigation that
finds incomplete or inaccurate information in a consumer’s file to other such
consumer reporting agencies.
(6) Notice of Results of Reinvestigation
(A) In general. A consumer reporting agency shall provide written notice to a
consumer of the results of a reinvestigation under this subsection not later
than 5 business days after the completion of the reinvestigation, by mail or, if
authorized by the consumer for that purpose, by other means available to the
agency.
(B) Contents. As part of, or in addition to, the notice under subparagraph (A), a
consumer reporting agency shall provide to a consumer in writing before the
expiration of the 5-day period referred to in subparagraph (A)
(i) a statement that the reinvestigation is completed;
(ii) a consumer report that is based upon the consumer’s file as that file is
revised as a result of the reinvestigation;
(iii) a notice that, if requested by the consumer, a description of the
procedure used to determine the accuracy and completeness of the
information shall be provided to the consumer by the agency,
including the business name and address of any furnisher of
information contacted in connection with such information and the
telephone number of such furnisher, if reasonably available;
(iv) a notice that the consumer has the right to add a statement to the
consumer’s file disputing the accuracy or completeness of the
information; and
(v) a notice that the consumer has the right to request under subsection (d)
that the consumer reporting agency furnish notifications under that
subsection.
(7) Description of reinvestigation procedure. A consumer reporting agency shall
provide to a consumer a description referred to in paragraph (6)(B)(iii) by not later
than 15 days after receiving a request from the consumer for that description.
(8) Expedited dispute resolution. If a dispute regarding an item of information in a consumer’s
file at a consumer reporting agency is resolved in accordance with paragraph
(5)(A) by the deletion of the disputed information by not later than 3 business days
after the date on which the agency receives notice of the dispute from the consumer
in accordance with paragraph (1)(A), then the agency shall not be required to comply
with paragraphs (2), (6), and (7) with respect to that dispute if the agency
(A) provides prompt notice of the deletion to the consumer by telephone;
(B) includes in that notice, or in a written notice that accompanies a confirmation
and consumer report provided in accordance with subparagraph (C), a statement
of the consumer’s right to request under subsection (d) that the agency
furnish notifications under that subsection; and
(C) provides written confirmation of the deletion and a copy of a consumer report
on the consumer that is based on the consumer’s file after the deletion, not
later than 5 business days after making the deletion.
(b) Statement of dispute. If the reinvestigation does not resolve the dispute, the consumer
may file a brief statement setting forth the nature of the dispute. The consumer reporting
agency may limit such statements to not more than one hundred words if it provides the
consumer with assistance in writing a clear summary of the dispute.
(c) Notification of consumer dispute in subsequent consumer reports. Whenever a statement
of a dispute is filed, unless there is reasonable grounds to believe that it is frivolous or
irrelevant, the consumer reporting agency shall, in any subsequent report containing the
information in question, clearly note that it is disputed by the consumer and provide
either the consumer’s statement or a clear and accurate codification or summary thereof.
(d) Notification of deletion of disputed information. Following any deletion of information
which is found to be inaccurate or whose accuracy can no longer be verified or any
notation as to disputed information, the consumer reporting agency shall, at the request of
the consumer, furnish notification that the item has been deleted or the statement,
codification or summary pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) of this section to any person
specifically designated by the consumer who has within two years prior thereto received
a consumer report for employment purposes, or within six months prior thereto received
a consumer report for any other purpose, which contained the deleted or disputed
information.
(e) Treatment of Complaints and Report to Congress
(1) In general. The Commission shall–
(A) compile all complaints that it receives that a file of a consumer that is maintained
by a consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p) contains
incomplete or inaccurate information, with respect to which, the consumer
appears to have disputed the completeness or accuracy with the consumer
reporting agency or otherwise utilized the procedures provided by subsection
(a); and
(B) transmit each such complaint to each consumer reporting agency involved.
(2) Exclusion. Complaints received or obtained by the Commission pursuant to its
investigative authority under the Federal Trade Commission Act shall not be subject
to paragraph (1).
(3) Agency responsibilities. Each consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p)
that receives a complaint transmitted by the Commission pursuant to paragraph (1)
shall–
(A) review each such complaint to determine whether all legal obligations
imposed on the consumer reporting agency under this title (including any
obligation imposed by an applicable court or administrative order) have been
met with respect to the subject matter of the complaint;
(B) provide reports on a regular basis to the Commission regarding the
determinations of and actions taken by the consumer reporting agency, if any,
in connection with its review of such complaints; and
(C) maintain, for a reasonable time period, records regarding the disposition of
each such complaint that is sufficient to demonstrate compliance with this
subsection.
(4) Rulemaking authority. The Commission may prescribe regulations, as appropriate to
implement this subsection.
(5) Annual report. The Commission shall submit to the Committee on Banking,
Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of
the House of Representatives an annual report regarding information gathered by the
Commission under this subsection.’.
(f) Reinvestigation Requirement Applicable to Resellers
(1) Exemption from general reinvestigation requirement. Except as provided in paragraph
(2), a reseller shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.
(2) Action required upon receiving notice of a dispute. If a reseller receives a notice
from a consumer of a dispute concerning the completeness or accuracy of any item of
information contained in a consumer report on such consumer produced by the
reseller, the reseller shall, within 5 business days of receiving the notice, and free of
charge–
(A) determine whether the item of information is incomplete or inaccurate as a
result of an act or omission of the reseller; and
(B) if (i) the reseller determines that the item of information is incomplete or
inaccurate as a result of an act or omission of the reseller, not later
than 20 days after receiving the notice, correct the information in the
consumer report or delete it; or
(ii) if the reseller determines that the item of information is not incomplete
or inaccurate as a result of an act or omission of the reseller, convey
the notice of the dispute, together with all relevant information
provided by the consumer, to each consumer reporting agency that
provided the reseller with the information that is the subject of the
dispute, using an address or a notification mechanism specified by the
consumer reporting agency for such notices.
(3) Responsibility of consumer reporting agency to notify consumer through reseller.
Upon the completion of a reinvestigation under this section of a dispute concerning
the completeness or accuracy of any information in the file of a consumer by a
consumer reporting agency that received notice of the dispute from a reseller under
paragraph (2)–
(A) the notice by the consumer reporting agency under paragraph (6), (7), or (8)
of subsection (a) shall be provided to the reseller in lieu of the consumer; and
(B) the reseller shall immediately reconvey such notice to the consumer, including
any notice of a deletion by telephone in the manner required under paragraph
(8)(A).
(4) Reseller reinvestigations. No provision of this subsection shall be construed as prohibiting
a reseller from conducting a reinvestigation of a consumer dispute directly.

612. Charges for certain disclosures [15 U.S.C. § 1681j] See also 16 CFR Part 610
69 Fed. Reg. 35467 (06/24/04)

(a) Free Annual Disclosure
(1) Nationwide Consumer Reporting Agencies
(A) In general. All consumer reporting agencies described in subsections (p) and
(w) of section 603 shall make all disclosures pursuant to section 609 once
during any 12-month period upon request of the consumer and without charge
to the consumer.
(B) Centralized source. Subparagraph (A) shall apply with respect to a consumer
reporting agency described in section 603(p) only if the request from the
consumer is made using the centralized source established for such purpose in
accordance with section 211(c) of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions
Act of 2003.
(C) Nationwide Specialty Consumer Reporting Agency
(i) In general. The Commission shall prescribe regulations applicable to each
consumer reporting agency described in section 603(w) to require the establishment
of a streamlined process for consumers to request consumer reports
under subparagraph (A), which shall include, at a minimum, the establishment
by each such agency of a toll-free telephone number for such requests.
(ii) Considerations. In prescribing regulations under clause (i), the
Commission shall consider–
(I) the significant demands that may be placed on consumer reporting
agencies in providing such consumer reports;
(II) appropriate means to ensure that consumer reporting agencies can satisfactorily
meet those demands, including the efficacy of a system of
staggering the availability to consumers of such consumer reports; and
(III) the ease by which consumers should be able to contact consumer
reporting agencies with respect to access to such consumer reports.
(iii) Date of issuance. The Commission shall issue the regulations required by
this subparagraph in final form not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003.
(iv) Consideration of ability to comply. The regulations of the Commission
under this subparagraph shall establish an effective date by which each
nationwide specialty consumer reporting agency (as defined in section
603(w)) shall be required to comply with subsection (a), which effective
date–
(I) shall be established after consideration of the ability of each
nationwide specialty consumer reporting agency to comply with
subsection (a); and
(II) shall be not later than 6 months after the date on which such
regulations are issued in final form (or such additional period not to
exceed 3 months, as the Commission determines appropriate).
(2) Timing. A consumer reporting agency shall provide a consumer report under
paragraph (1) not later than 15 days after the date on which the request is received
under paragraph (1).
(3) Reinvestigations. Notwithstanding the time periods specified in section 611(a)(1), a
reinvestigation under that section by a consumer reporting agency upon a request of a
consumer that is made after receiving a consumer report under this subsection shall
be completed not later than 45 days after the date on which the request is received.
(4) Exception for first 12 months of operation. This subsection shall not apply to a
consumer reporting agency that has not been furnishing consumer reports to third
parties on a continuing basis during the 12-month period preceding a request under
paragraph (1), with respect to consumers residing nationwide.
(b) Free disclosure after adverse notice to consumer. Each consumer reporting agency that
maintains a file on a consumer shall make all disclosures pursuant to section 609
[§ 1681g] without charge to the consumer if, not later than 60 days after receipt by such
consumer of a notification pursuant to section 615 [§ 1681m], or of a notification from a
debt collection agency affiliated with that consumer reporting agency stating that the
consumer’s credit rating may be or has been adversely affected, the consumer makes a
request under section 609 [§ 1681g].
(c) Free disclosure under certain other circumstances. Upon the request of the consumer, a
consumer reporting agency shall make all disclosures pursuant to section 609 [§ 1681g]
once during any 12-month period without charge to that consumer if the consumer
certifies in writing that the consumer
(1) is unemployed and intends to apply for employment in the 60-day period beginning
on the date on which the certification is made;
(2) is a recipient of public welfare assistance; or
(3) has reason to believe that the file on the consumer at the agency contains inaccurate
information due to fraud.
(d) Free disclosures in connection with fraud alerts. Upon the request of a consumer, a
consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p) shall make all disclosures
pursuant to section 609 without charge to the consumer, as provided in subsections (a)(2)
and (b)(2) of section 605A, as applicable.
(e) Other charges prohibited A consumer reporting agency shall not impose any charge on a
consumer for providing any notification required by this title or making any disclosure
required by this title, except as authorized by subsection (f).
(f) Reasonable Charges Allowed for Certain Disclosures
(1) In general. In the case of a request from a consumer other than a request that is
covered by any of subsections (a) through (d), a consumer reporting agency may
impose a reasonable charge on a consumer
(A) for making a disclosure to the consumer pursuant to section 609 [§ 1681g],
which charge
4 Pursuant to Section 612(f)(2), the Federal Trade Commission increased the maximum charge to $11.00,
effective January 1, 2009. See 73 Fed. Reg. 79845 (Dec. 29, 2008).
(i) shall not exceed $8;4 and
(ii) shall be indicated to the consumer before making the disclosure; and
(B) for furnishing, pursuant to 611(d) [§ 1681i], following a reinvestigation under
section 611(a) [§ 1681i], a statement, codification, or summary to a person
designated by the consumer under that section after the 30-day period
beginning on the date of notification of the consumer under paragraph (6) or
(8) of section 611(a) [§ 1681i] with respect to the reinvestigation, which
charge
(i) shall not exceed the charge that the agency would impose on each
designated recipient for a consumer report; and
(ii) shall be indicated to the consumer before furnishing such information.
(2) Modification of amount. The Federal Trade Commission shall increase the amount
referred to in paragraph (1)(A)(i) on January 1 of each year, based proportionally on
changes in the Consumer Price Index, with fractional changes rounded to the nearest
fifty cents.
(g) Prevention of Deceptive Marketing of Credit Reports
(1) In general. Subject to rulemaking pursuant to section 205(b) of the Credit CARD Act of
2009, any advertisement for a free credit report in any medium shall prominently disclose in such
advertisement that free credit reports are available under Federal law at “AnnualCreditReport.com”
(or such other source as may be authorized under Federal law).
(2) Television and radio advertisement. In the case of an advertisement broadcast by
television, the disclosures required under paragraph (1) shall be included in the audio and visual
part of such advertisement. In the case of an advertisement broadcast by televison or radio, the
disclosure required under paragraph (1) shall consist only of the following: “This is not the free
credit report provided for by Federal law.’

613. Public record information for employment purposes [15 U.S.C. § 1681k]

(a) In general. A consumer reporting agency which furnishes a consumer report for employment
purposes and which for that purpose compiles and reports items of information on
consumers which are matters of public record and are likely to have an adverse effect
upon a consumer’s ability to obtain employment shall
(1) at the time such public record information is reported to the user of such consumer report,
notify the consumer of the fact that public record information is being reported
by the consumer reporting agency, together with the name and address of the person
to whom such information is being reported; or
(2) maintain strict procedures designed to insure that whenever public record information
which is likely to have an adverse effect on a consumer’s ability to obtain employment
is reported it is complete and up to date. For purposes of this paragraph, items of public
record relating to arrests, indictments, convictions, suits, tax liens, and outstanding
judgments shall be considered up to date if the current public record status of the item
at the time of the report is reported.
(b) Exemption for national security investigations. Subsection (a) does not apply in the case
of an agency or department of the United States Government that seeks to obtain and use a
consumer report for employment purposes, if the head of the agency or department makes
a written finding as prescribed under section 604(b)(4)(A).

614. Restrictions on investigative consumer reports [15 U.S.C. § 1681l]

Whenever a consumer reporting agency prepares an investigative consumer report, no
adverse information in the consumer report (other than information which is a matter of public
record) may be included in a subsequent consumer report unless such adverse information has
been verified in the process of making such subsequent consumer report, or the adverse
information was received within the three-month period preceding the date the subsequent report
is furnished.

615. Requirements on users of consumer reports [15 U.S.C. § 1681m]

(a) Duties of users taking adverse actions on the basis of information contained in consumer
reports. If any person takes any adverse action with respect to any consumer that is based
in whole or in part on any information contained in a consumer report, the person shall
(1) provide oral, written, or electronic notice of the adverse action to the consumer;
(2) provide to the consumer orally, in writing, or electronically
(A) the name, address, and telephone number of the consumer reporting agency
(including a toll-free telephone number established by the agency if the agency
compiles and maintains files on consumers on a nationwide basis) that
furnished the report to the person; and
(B) a statement that the consumer reporting agency did not make the decision to
take the adverse action and is unable to provide the consumer the specific
reasons why the adverse action was taken; and
(3) provide to the consumer an oral, written, or electronic notice of the consumer’s right
(A) to obtain, under section 612 [§ 1681j], a free copy of a consumer report on the
consumer from the consumer reporting agency referred to in paragraph (2),
which notice shall include an indication of the 60-day period under that section
for obtaining such a copy; and
(B) to dispute, under section 611 [§ 1681i], with a consumer reporting agency the
accuracy or completeness of any information in a consumer report furnished by
the agency.
(b) Adverse Action Based on Information Obtained from Third Parties Other than Consumer
Reporting Agencies
(1) In general. Whenever credit for personal, family, or household purposes involving a
consumer is denied or the charge for such credit is increased either wholly or partly because
of information obtained from a person other than a consumer reporting agency
bearing upon the consumer’s credit worthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character,
general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living, the user of such information
shall, within a reasonable period of time, upon the consumer’s written request
for the reasons for such adverse action received within sixty days after learning of such
adverse action, disclose the nature of the information to the consumer. The user of such
information shall clearly and accurately disclose to the consumer his right to make such
written request at the time such adverse action is communicated to the consumer.
(2) Duties of Person Taking Certain Actions Based on Information Provided by Affiliate
(A) Duties, generally. If a person takes an action described in subparagraph (B)
with respect to a consumer, based in whole or in part on information described
in subparagraph (C), the person shall
(i) notify the consumer of the action, including a statement that the consumer
may obtain the information in accordance with clause (ii); and
(ii) upon a written request from the consumer received within 60 days after
transmittal of the notice required by clause (i), disclose to the consumer
the nature of the information upon which the action is based by not later
than 30 days after receipt of the request.
(B) Action described. An action referred to in subparagraph (A) is an adverse
action described in section 603(k)(1)(A) [§ 1681a], taken in connection with a
transaction initiated by the consumer, or any adverse action described in
clause (i) or (ii) of section 603(k)(1)(B) [§ 1681a].
(C) Information described. Information referred to in subparagraph (A)
(i) except as provided in clause (ii), is information that
(I) is furnished to the person taking the action by a person related by
common ownership or affiliated by common corporate control to the
person taking the action; and
(II) bears on the credit worthiness, credit standing, credit capacity,
character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of
living of the consumer; and
(ii) does not include
(I) information solely as to transactions or experiences between the
consumer and the person furnishing the information; or
(II) information in a consumer report.
(c) Reasonable procedures to assure compliance. No person shall be held liable for any
violation of this section if he shows by a preponderance of the evidence that at the time
of the alleged violation he maintained reasonable procedures to assure compliance with
the provisions of this section.
(d) Duties of Users Making Written Credit or Insurance Solicitations on the Basis of
Information Contained in Consumer Files
(1) In general. Any person who uses a consumer report on any consumer in connection
with any credit or insurance transaction that is not initiated by the consumer, that is
provided to that person under section 604(c)(1)(B) [§ 1681b], shall provide with each
written solicitation made to the consumer regarding the transaction a clear and
conspicuous statement that
(A) information contained in the consumer’s consumer report was used in
connection with the transaction;
(B) the consumer received the offer of credit or insurance because the consumer
satisfied the criteria for credit worthiness or insurability under which the
consumer was selected for the offer;
(C) if applicable, the credit or insurance may not be extended if, after the
consumer responds to the offer, the consumer does not meet the criteria used
to select the consumer for the offer or any applicable criteria bearing on credit
worthiness or insurability or does not furnish any required collateral;
(D) the consumer has a right to prohibit information contained in the consumer’s
file with any consumer reporting agency from being used in connection with
any credit or insurance transaction that is not initiated by the consumer; and
(E) the consumer may exercise the right referred to in subparagraph (D) by
notifying a notification system established under section 604(e) [§ 1681b].
(2) Disclosure of address and telephone number; format. A statement under paragraph
(1) shall–
(A) include the address and toll-free telephone number of the appropriate
notification system established under section 604(e); and
(B) be presented in such format and in such type size and manner as to be simple
and easy to understand, as established by the Commission, by rule, in
consultation with the Federal banking agencies and the National Credit
Union Administration. See also 16 CFR Part 642
16 CFR Part 698 App A
70 Fed. Reg. 5022 (01/31/05)
(3) Maintaining criteria on file. A person who makes an offer of credit or insurance to a
consumer under a credit or insurance transaction described in paragraph (1) shall
maintain on file the criteria used to select the consumer to receive the offer, all
criteria bearing on credit worthiness or insurability, as applicable, that are the basis
for determining whether or not to extend credit or insurance pursuant to the offer, and
any requirement for the furnishing of collateral as a condition of the extension of
credit or insurance, until the expiration of the 3-year period beginning on the date on
which the offer is made to the consumer.
(4) Authority of federal agencies regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices not
affected. This section is not intended to affect the authority of any Federal or State
agency to enforce a prohibition against unfair or deceptive acts or practices, including
the making of false or misleading statements in connection with a credit or insurance
transaction that is not initiated by the consumer.
See also 16 CFR Part 681
(e) Red Flag Guidelines and Regulations Required 72 Fed. Reg. 63772-74 (11/09/07)
74 Fed. Reg. 22640-41 (05/14/09)
(1) Guidelines. The Federal banking agencies, the National Credit Union Administration,
and the Commission shall jointly, with respect to the entities that are subject to
their respective enforcement authority under section 621–
(A) establish and maintain guidelines for use by each financial institution and
each creditor regarding identity theft with respect to account holders at, or
customers of, such entities, and update such guidelines as often as necessary;
(B) prescribe regulations requiring each financial institution and each creditor to
establish reasonable policies and procedures for implementing the guidelines
established pursuant to subparagraph (A), to identify possible risks to account
holders or customers or to the safety and soundness of the institution or
customers; and
(C) prescribe regulations applicable to card issuers to ensure that, if a card issuer
receives notification of a change of address for an existing account, and
within a short period of time (during at least the first 30 days after such
notification is received) receives a request for an additional or replacement
card for the same account, the card issuer may not issue the additional or
replacement card, unless the card issuer, in accordance with reasonable
policies and procedures–
(i) notifies the cardholder of the request at the former address of the
cardholder and provides to the cardholder a means of promptly reporting
incorrect address changes;
(ii) notifies the cardholder of the request by such other means of communication
as the cardholder and the card issuer previously agreed to; or
(iii) uses other means of assessing the validity of the change of address, in
accordance with reasonable policies and procedures established by the
card issuer in accordance with the regulations prescribed under
subparagraph (B).
(2) Criteria
(A) In general. In developing the guidelines required by paragraph (1)(A), the
agencies described in paragraph (1) shall identify patterns, practices, and
specific forms of activity that indicate the possible existence of identity theft.
(B) Inactive accounts. In developing the guidelines required by paragraph (1)(A),
the agencies described in paragraph (1) shall consider including reasonable
guidelines providing that when a transaction occurs with respect to a credit or
deposit account that has been inactive for more than 2 years, the creditor or
financial institution shall follow reasonable policies and procedures that
provide for notice to be given to a consumer in a manner reasonably designed
to reduce the likelihood of identity theft with respect to such account.
(3) Consistency with verification requirements. Guidelines established pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall not be inconsistent with the policies and procedures required
under section 5318(l) of title 31, United States Code.
(f) Prohibition on Sale or Transfer of Debt Caused by Identity Theft
(1) In general. No person shall sell, transfer for consideration, or place for collection a
debt that such person has been notified under section 605B has resulted from identity
theft.
(2) Applicability. The prohibitions of this subsection shall apply to all persons collecting
a debt described in paragraph (1) after the date of a notification under paragraph (1).
(3) Rule of construction. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit–
(A) the repurchase of a debt in any case in which the assignee of the debt requires
such repurchase because the debt has resulted from identity theft;
(B) the securitization of a debt or the pledging of a portfolio of debt as collateral
in connection with a borrowing; or
(C) the transfer of debt as a result of a merger, acquisition, purchase and
assumption transaction, or transfer of substantially all of the assets of an
entity.
(g) Debt collector communications concerning identity theft. If a person acting as a debt
collector (as that term is defined in title VIII) on behalf of a third party that is a creditor
or other user of a consumer report is notified that any information relating to a debt that
the person is attempting to collect may be fraudulent or may be the result of identity
theft, that person shall–
(1) notify the third party that the information may be fraudulent or may be the result of
identity theft; and
(2) upon request of the consumer to whom the debt purportedly relates, provide to the
consumer all information to which the consumer would otherwise be entitled if the
consumer were not a victim of identity theft, but wished to dispute the debt under
provisions of law applicable to that person.
(h) Duties of Users in Certain Credit Transactions
(1) In general. Subject to rules prescribed as provided in paragraph (6), if any person
uses a consumer report in connection with an application for, or a grant, extension, or
other provision of, credit on material terms that are materially less favorable than the
most favorable terms available to a substantial proportion of consumers from or
through that person, based in whole or in part on a consumer report, the person shall
provide an oral, written, or electronic notice to the consumer in the form and manner
required by regulations prescribed in accordance with this subsection.
(2) Timing. The notice required under paragraph (1) may be provided at the time of an
application for, or a grant, extension, or other provision of, credit or the time of communication
of an approval of an application for, or grant, extension, or other provision
of, credit, except as provided in the regulations prescribed under paragraph (6).
(3) Exceptions. No notice shall be required from a person under this subsection if–
(A) the consumer applied for specific material terms and was granted those terms,
unless those terms were initially specified by the person after the transaction
was initiated by the consumer and after the person obtained a consumer
report; or
(B) the person has provided or will provide a notice to the consumer under
subsection (a) in connection with the transaction.
(4) Other notice not sufficient. A person that is required to provide a notice under subsection
(a) cannot meet that requirement by providing a notice under this subsection.
(5) Content and delivery of notice. A notice under this subsection shall, at a minimum–
(A) include a statement informing the consumer that the terms offered to the
consumer are set based on information from a consumer report;
(B) identify the consumer reporting agency furnishing the report;
(C) include a statement informing the consumer that the consumer may obtain a
copy of a consumer report from that consumer reporting agency without
charge; and
(D) include the contact information specified by that consumer reporting agency
for obtaining such consumer reports (including a toll-free telephone number
established by the agency in the case of a consumer reporting agency
described in section 603(p)).
(6) Rulemaking
(A) Rules required. The Commission and the Board shall jointly prescribe rules.
(B) Content. Rules required by subparagraph (A) shall address, but are not
limited to–
(i) the form, content, time, and manner of delivery of any notice under this
subsection;
(ii) clarification of the meaning of terms used in this subsection, including
what credit terms are material, and when credit terms are materially less
favorable;
(iii) exceptions to the notice requirement under this subsection for classes of
persons or transactions regarding which the agencies determine that notice
would not significantly benefit consumers;
(iv) a model notice that may be used to comply with this subsection; and
(v) the timing of the notice required under paragraph (1), including the circumstances
under which the notice must be provided after the terms offered to
the consumer were set based on information from a consumer report.
(7) Compliance. A person shall not be liable for failure to perform the duties required by
this section if, at the time of the failure, the person maintained reasonable policies
and procedures to comply with this section.
(8) Enforcement
(A) No civil actions. Sections 616 and 617 shall not apply to any failure by any
person to comply with this section.
(B) Administrative enforcement. This section shall be enforced exclusively under
section 621 by the Federal agencies and officials identified in that section.

616. Civil liability for willful noncompliance [15 U.S.C. § 1681n]

(a) In general. Any person who willfully fails to comply with any requirement imposed
under this title with respect to any consumer is liable to that consumer in an amount
equal to the sum of
(1) (A) any actual damages sustained by the consumer as a result of the failure or
damages of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000; or
(B) in the case of liability of a natural person for obtaining a consumer report
under false pretenses or knowingly without a permissible purpose, actual
damages sustained by the consumer as a result of the failure or $1,000,
whichever is greater;
(2) such amount of punitive damages as the court may allow; and
(3) in the case of any successful action to enforce any liability under this section, the
costs of the action together with reasonable attorney’s fees as determined by the court.
(b) Civil liability for knowing noncompliance. Any person who obtains a consumer report
from a consumer reporting agency under false pretenses or knowingly without a
permissible purpose shall be liable to the consumer reporting agency for actual damages
sustained by the consumer reporting agency or $1,000, whichever is greater.
(c) Attorney’s fees. Upon a finding by the court that an unsuccessful pleading, motion, or
other paper filed in connection with an action under this section was filed in bad faith or
for purposes of harassment, the court shall award to the prevailing party attorney’s fees
reasonable in relation to the work expended in responding to the pleading, motion, or
other paper.
(d) Clarification of willful noncompliance. For the purposes of this section, any person who
printed an expiration date on any receipt provided to a consumer cardholder at a point of
sale or transaction between December 4, 2004, and the date of the enactment of this
subsection but otherwise complied with the requirements of section 605(g) for such
receipt shall not be in willful noncompliance with section 605(g) by reason of printing
such expiration date on the receipt.

617. Civil liability for negligent noncompliance [15 U.S.C. § 1681o]

(a) In general. Any person who is negligent in failing to comply with any requirement
imposed under this title with respect to any consumer is liable to that consumer in an
amount equal to the sum of
(1) any actual damages sustained by the consumer as a result of the failure; and
(2) in the case of any successful action to enforce any liability under this section, the
costs of the action together with reasonable attorney’s fees as determined by the court.
(b) Attorney’s fees. On a finding by the court that an unsuccessful pleading, motion, or other
paper filed in connection with an action under this section was filed in bad faith or for
purposes of harassment, the court shall award to the prevailing party attorney’s fees
reasonable in relation to the work expended in responding to the pleading, motion, or
other paper.

618. Jurisdiction of courts; limitation of actions [15 U.S.C. § 1681p]

An action to enforce any liability created under this title may be brought in any
appropriate United States district court, without regard to the amount in controversy, or in any
other court of competent jurisdiction, not later than the earlier of (1) 2 years after the date of
discovery by the plaintiff of the violation that is the basis for such liability; or (2) 5 years after
the date on which the violation that is the basis for such liability occurs.
5 Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, the Federal Trade Commission
increased the maximum civil penalty to $3,500 per violation, effective February 9, 2009. See 74 Fed. Reg. 857 (Jan.
9, 2009).

619. Obtaining information under false pretenses [15 U.S.C. § 1681q]

Any person who knowingly and willfully obtains information on a consumer from a
consumer reporting agency under false pretenses shall be fined under title 18, United States
Code, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.

620. Unauthorized disclosures by officers or employees [15 U.S.C. § 1681r]

Any officer or employee of a consumer reporting agency who knowingly and willfully
provides information concerning an individual from the agency’s files to a person not authorized
to receive that information shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned for not
more than 2 years, or both.

621. Administrative enforcement [15 U.S.C. § 1681s]

(a) (1) Enforcement by Federal Trade Commission. Compliance with the requirements
imposed under this title shall be enforced under the Federal Trade Commission Act
[15 U.S.C. §§ 41 et seq.] by the Federal Trade Commission with respect to consumer
reporting agencies and all other persons subject thereto, except to the extent that
enforcement of the requirements imposed under this title is specifically committed to
some other government agency under subsection (b) hereof. For the purpose of the
exercise by the Federal Trade Commission of its functions and powers under the Federal
Trade Commission Act, a violation of any requirement or prohibition imposed
under this title shall constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice in commerce in
violation of section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act [15 U.S.C. § 45(a)]
and shall be subject to enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission under section
5(b) thereof [15 U.S.C. § 45(b)] with respect to any consumer reporting agency or
person subject to enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission pursuant to this
subsection, irrespective of whether that person is engaged in commerce or meets any
other jurisdictional tests in the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Federal Trade
Commission shall have such procedural, investigative, and enforcement powers,
including the power to issue procedural rules in enforcing compliance with the
requirements imposed under this title and to require the filing of reports, the production
of documents, and the appearance of witnesses as though the applicable terms
and conditions of the Federal Trade Commission Act were part of this title. Any
person violating any of the provisions of this title shall be subject to the penalties and
entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission
Act as though the applicable terms and provisions thereof were part of this title.
(2) (A) In the event of a knowing violation, which constitutes a pattern or practice of
violations of this title, the Commission may commence a civil action to
recover a civil penalty in a district court of the United States against any
person that violates this title. In such action, such person shall be liable for a
civil penalty of not more than $2,500 per violation.5
(B) In determining the amount of a civil penalty under subparagraph (A), the
court shall take into account the degree of culpability, any history of prior
such conduct, ability to pay, effect on ability to continue to do business, and
such other matters as justice may require.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a court may not impose any civil penalty on a person
for a violation of section 623(a)(1) [§ 1681s-2] unless the person has been enjoined
from committing the violation, or ordered not to commit the violation, in an action or
proceeding brought by or on behalf of the Federal Trade Commission, and has
violated the injunction or order, and the court may not impose any civil penalty for
any violation occurring before the date of the violation of the injunction or order.
(b) Enforcement by other agencies. Compliance with the requirements imposed under this
title with respect to consumer reporting agencies, persons who use consumer reports from
such agencies, persons who furnish information to such agencies, and users of information
that are subject to subsection (d) of section 615 [§ 1681m] shall be enforced under
(1) section 8 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. § 1818], in the case of
(A) national banks, and Federal branches and Federal agencies of foreign banks,
by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency;
(B) member banks of the Federal Reserve System (other than national banks),
branches and agencies of foreign banks (other than Federal branches, Federal
agencies, and insured State branches of foreign banks), commercial lending
companies owned or controlled by foreign banks, and organizations operating
under section 25 or 25A of the Federal Reserve Act [12 U.S.C. §§ 601 et seq.,
§§ 611 et seq], by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; and
(C) banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (other than members
of the Federal Reserve System) and insured State branches of foreign banks, by the
Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;
(2) section 8 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [12 U.S.C. § 1818], by the Director of
the Office of Thrift Supervision, in the case of a savings association the deposits of
which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation;
(3) the Federal Credit Union Act [12 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq.], by the Administrator of the
National Credit Union Administration [National Credit Union Administration Board]
with respect to any Federal credit union;
(4) subtitle IV of title 49 [49 U.S.C. §§ 10101 et seq.], by the Secretary of Transportation,
with respect to all carriers subject to the jurisdiction of the Surface
Transportation Board;
(5) the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 [49 U.S.C. Appx §§ 1301 et seq.], by the Secretary
of Transportation with respect to any air carrier or foreign air carrier subject to that
Act [49 U.S.C. Appx §§ 1301 et seq.]; and
(6) the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 [7 U.S.C. §§ 181 et seq.] (except as provided in
section 406 of that Act [7 U.S.C. §§ 226 and 227]), by the Secretary of Agriculture
with respect to any activities subject to that Act.
The terms used in paragraph (1) that are not defined in this title or otherwise defined in section
3(s) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. §1813(s)) shall have the meaning given to
them in section 1(b) of the International Banking Act of 1978 (12 U.S.C. § 3101).
(c) State Action for Violations
(1) Authority of states. In addition to such other remedies as are provided under State
law, if the chief law enforcement officer of a State, or an official or agency
designated by a State, has reason to believe that any person has violated or is
violating this title, the State
(A) may bring an action to enjoin such violation in any appropriate United States
district court or in any other court of competent jurisdiction;
(B) subject to paragraph (5), may bring an action on behalf of the residents of the
State to recover
(i) damages for which the person is liable to such residents under sections
616 and 617 [§§ 1681n and 1681o] as a result of the violation;
(ii) in the case of a violation described in any of paragraphs (1) through (3) of
section 623(c) [§ 1681s-2], damages for which the person would, but for
section 623(c), be liable to such residents as a result of the violation; or
(iii) damages of not more than $1,000 for each willful or negligent violation;
and
(C) in the case of any successful action under subparagraph (A) or (B), shall be
awarded the costs of the action and reasonable attorney fees as determined by
the court.
(2) Rights of federal regulators. The State shall serve prior written notice of any action
under paragraph (1) upon the Federal Trade Commission or the appropriate Federal
regulator determined under subsection (b) and provide the Commission or
appropriate Federal regulator with a copy of its complaint, except in any case in
which such prior notice is not feasible, in which case the State shall serve such notice
immediately upon instituting such action. The Federal Trade Commission or
appropriate Federal regulator shall have the right
(A) to intervene in the action;
(B) upon so intervening, to be heard on all matters arising therein;
(C) to remove the action to the appropriate United States district court; and
(D) to file petitions for appeal.
(3) Investigatory powers. For purposes of bringing any action under this subsection,
nothing in this subsection shall prevent the chief law enforcement officer, or an
official or agency designated by a State, from exercising the powers conferred on the
chief law enforcement officer or such official by the laws of such State to conduct
investigations or to administer oaths or affirmations or to compel the attendance of
witnesses or the production of documentary and other evidence.
(4) Limitation on state action while federal action pending. If the Federal Trade
Commission or the appropriate Federal regulator has instituted a civil action or an
administrative action under section 8 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act for a
violation of this title, no State may, during the pendency of such action, bring an
action under this section against any defendant named in the complaint of the
Commission or the appropriate Federal regulator for any violation of this title that is
alleged in that complaint.
(5) Limitations on State Actions for Certain Violations
(A) Violation of injunction required. A State may not bring an action against a
person under paragraph (1)(B) for a violation described in any of paragraphs
(1) through (3) of section 623(c), unless
(i) the person has been enjoined from committing the violation, in an action
brought by the State under paragraph (1)(A); and
(ii) the person has violated the injunction.
(B) Limitation on damages recoverable. In an action against a person under
paragraph (1)(B) for a violation described in any of paragraphs (1) through (3)
of section 623(c), a State may not recover any damages incurred before the
date of the violation of an injunction on which the action is based.
(d) Enforcement under other authority. For the purpose of the exercise by any agency referred
to in subsection (b) of this section of its powers under any Act referred to in that subsection,
a violation of any requirement imposed under this title shall be deemed to be a violation
of a requirement imposed under that Act. In addition to its powers under any provision
of law specifically referred to in subsection (b) of this section, each of the agencies referred
to in that subsection may exercise, for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any
requirement imposed under this title any other authority conferred on it by law.
(e) Regulatory authority
(1) The Federal banking agencies referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b)
shall jointly prescribe such regulations as necessary to carry out the purposes of this
Act with respect to any persons identified under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection
(b), and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall have authority
to prescribe regulations consistent with such joint regulations with respect to bank
holding companies and affiliates (other than depository institutions and consumer
reporting agencies) of such holding companies.
(2) The Board of the National Credit Union Administration shall prescribe such
regulations as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act with respect to any
persons identified under paragraph (3) of subsection (b).
(f) Coordination of Consumer Complaint Investigations
(1) In general. Each consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p) shall
develop and maintain procedures for the referral to each other such agency of any
consumer complaint received by the agency alleging identity theft, or requesting a
fraud alert under section 605A or a block under section 605B.
(2) Model form and procedure for reporting identity theft. The Commission, in consultation
with the Federal banking agencies and the National Credit Union Administration,
shall develop a model form and model procedures to be used by consumers
who are victims of identity theft for contacting and informing creditors and
consumer reporting agencies of the fraud. See also 70 Fed.Reg. 21792 (04/27/05)
(3) Annual summary reports. Each consumer reporting agency described in section
603(p) shall submit an annual summary report to the Commission on consumer
complaints received by the agency on identity theft or fraud alerts.
(g) FTC regulation of coding of trade names. If the Commission determines that a person
described in paragraph (9) of section 623(a) has not met the requirements of such
paragraph, the Commission shall take action to ensure the person’s compliance with such
paragraph, which may include issuing model guidance or prescribing reasonable policies
and procedures, as necessary to ensure that such person complies with such paragraph.

622. Information on overdue child support obligations [15 U.S.C. § 1681s-1]

Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a consumer reporting agency shall include
in any consumer report furnished by the agency in accordance with section 604 [§ 1681b]
of this title, any information on the failure of the consumer to pay overdue support which
(1) is provided
(A) to the consumer reporting agency by a State or local child support enforcement
agency; or
(B) to the consumer reporting agency and verified by any local, State, or Federal
government agency; and
(2) antedates the report by 7 years or less.

623. Responsibilities of furnishers of information to consumer reporting agencies
[15 U.S.C. § 1681s-2]

(a) Duty of Furnishers of Information to Provide Accurate Information
(1) Prohibition
(A) Reporting information with actual knowledge of errors. A person shall not
furnish any information relating to a consumer to any consumer reporting
agency if the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the
information is inaccurate.
(B) Reporting information after notice and confirmation of errors. A person shall
not furnish information relating to a consumer to any consumer reporting
agency if
(i) the person has been notified by the consumer, at the address specified by
the person for such notices, that specific information is inaccurate; and
(ii) the information is, in fact, inaccurate.
(C) No address requirement. A person who clearly and conspicuously specifies to
the consumer an address for notices referred to in subparagraph (B) shall not
be subject to subparagraph (A); however, nothing in subparagraph (B) shall
require a person to specify such an address.
(D) Definition. For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term “reasonable cause to
believe that the information is inaccurate” means having specific knowledge,
other than solely allegations by the consumer, that would cause a reasonable
person to have substantial doubts about the accuracy of the information.
(2) Duty to correct and update information. A person who
(A) regularly and in the ordinary course of business furnishes information to one
or more consumer reporting agencies about the person’s transactions or
experiences with any consumer; and
(B) has furnished to a consumer reporting agency information that the person
determines is not complete or accurate, shall promptly notify the consumer
reporting agency of that determination and provide to the agency any
corrections to that information, or any additional information, that is
necessary to make the information provided by the person to the agency
complete and accurate, and shall not thereafter furnish to the agency any of
the information that remains not complete or accurate.
(3) Duty to provide notice of dispute. If the completeness or accuracy of any information
furnished by any person to any consumer reporting agency is disputed to such person
by a consumer, the person may not furnish the information to any consumer reporting
agency without notice that such information is disputed by the consumer.
(4) Duty to provide notice of closed accounts. A person who regularly and in the
ordinary course of business furnishes information to a consumer reporting agency
regarding a consumer who has a credit account with that person shall notify the
agency of the voluntary closure of the account by the consumer, in information
regularly furnished for the period in which the account is closed.
(5) Duty to Provide Notice of Delinquency of Accounts
(A) In general. A person who furnishes information to a consumer reporting
agency regarding a delinquent account being placed for collection, charged to
profit or loss, or subjected to any similar action shall, not later than 90 days
after furnishing the information, notify the agency of the date of delinquency
on the account, which shall be the month and year of the commencement of
the delinquency on the account that immediately preceded the action.
(B) Rule of construction. For purposes of this paragraph only, and provided that
the consumer does not dispute the information, a person that furnishes information
on a delinquent account that is placed for collection, charged for profit
or loss, or subjected to any similar action, complies with this paragraph, if–
(i) the person reports the same date of delinquency as that provided by the
creditor to which the account was owed at the time at which the
commencement of the delinquency occurred, if the creditor previously
reported that date of delinquency to a consumer reporting agency;
(ii) the creditor did not previously report the date of delinquency to a
consumer reporting agency, and the person establishes and follows
reasonable procedures to obtain the date of delinquency from the creditor
or another reliable source and reports that date to a consumer reporting
agency as the date of delinquency; or
(iii) the creditor did not previously report the date of delinquency to a
consumer reporting agency and the date of delinquency cannot be
reasonably obtained as provided in clause (ii), the person establishes and
follows reasonable procedures to ensure the date reported as the date of
delinquency precedes the date on which the account is placed for
collection, charged to profit or loss, or subjected to any similar action, and
reports such date to the credit reporting agency.
(6) Duties of Furnishers Upon Notice of Identity Theft-Related Information
(A) Reasonable procedures. A person that furnishes information to any consumer
reporting agency shall have in place reasonable procedures to respond to any
notification that it receives from a consumer reporting agency under section
605B relating to information resulting from identity theft, to prevent that
person from refurnishing such blocked information.
(B) Information alleged to result from identity theft. If a consumer submits an
identity theft report to a person who furnishes information to a consumer
reporting agency at the address specified by that person for receiving such
reports stating that information maintained by such person that purports to
relate to the consumer resulted from identity theft, the person may not furnish
such information that purports to relate to the consumer to any consumer
reporting agency, unless the person subsequently knows or is informed by the
consumer that the information is correct.
(7) Negative Information
(A) Notice to Consumer Required
(i) In general. If any financial institution that extends credit and regularly
and in the ordinary course of business furnishes information to a consumer
reporting agency described in section 603(p) furnishes negative
information to such an agency regarding credit extended to a customer, the
financial institution shall provide a notice of such furnishing of negative
information, in writing, to the customer.
(ii) Notice effective for subsequent submissions. After providing such notice,
the financial institution may submit additional negative information to a
consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p) with respect to the
same transaction, extension of credit, account, or customer without
providing additional notice to the customer.
(B) Time of Notice
(i) In general. The notice required under subparagraph (A) shall be provided to
the customer prior to, or no later than 30 days after, furnishing the negative
information to a consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p).
(ii) Coordination with new account disclosures. If the notice is provided to the
customer prior to furnishing the negative information to a consumer
reporting agency, the notice may not be included in the initial disclosures
provided under section 127(a) of the Truth in Lending Act.
(C) Coordination with other disclosures- The notice required under subparagraph (A)–
(i) may be included on or with any notice of default, any billing statement, or
any other materials provided to the customer; and
(ii) must be clear and conspicuous.
(D) Model Disclosure
(i) Duty of board to prepare. The Board shall prescribe a brief model disclosure
a financial institution may use to comply with subparagraph (A),
which shall not exceed 30 words. See also 12 CFR Part 222, App B
70 Fed. Reg. 33281 (06/15/04)
(ii) Use of model not required. No provision of this paragraph shall be
construed as requiring a financial institution to use any such model form
prescribed by the Board.
(iii) Compliance using model. A financial institution shall be deemed to be in
compliance with subparagraph (A) if the financial institution uses any
such model form prescribed by the Board, or the financial institution uses
any such model form and rearranges its format.
(E) Use of notice without submitting negative information. No provision of this
paragraph shall be construed as requiring a financial institution that has
provided a customer with a notice described in subparagraph (A) to furnish
negative information about the customer to a consumer reporting agency.
(F) Safe harbor. A financial institution shall not be liable for failure to perform
the duties required by this paragraph if, at the time of the failure, the financial
institution maintained reasonable policies and procedures to comply with this
paragraph or the financial institution reasonably believed that the institution is
prohibited, by law, from contacting the consumer.
(G) Definitions. For purposes of this paragraph, the following definitions shall apply:
(i) The term “negative information” means information concerning a customer’s
delinquencies, late payments, insolvency, or any form of default.
(ii) The terms “customer” and “financial institution” have the same meanings as
in section 509 Public Law 106-102.
See also 16 CFR Part 660.4
(8) Ability of Consumer to Dispute Information Directly with Furnisher 74 Fed. Reg. 31484 (7/1/09)
(A) In general. The Federal banking agencies, the National Credit Union Administration,
and the Commission shall jointly prescribe regulations that shall
identify the circumstances under which a furnisher shall be required to
reinvestigate a dispute concerning the accuracy of information contained in a
consumer report on the consumer, based on a direct request of a consumer.
(B) Considerations. In prescribing regulations under subparagraph (A), the agencies
shall weigh–
(i) the benefits to consumers with the costs on furnishers and the credit
reporting system;
(ii) the impact on the overall accuracy and integrity of consumer reports of
any such requirements;
(iii) whether direct contact by the consumer with the furnisher would likely
result in the most expeditious resolution of any such dispute; and
(iv) the potential impact on the credit reporting process if credit repair organizations,
as defined in section 403(3) [15 U.S.C. §1679a(3)], including
entities that would be a credit repair organization, but for section
403(3)(B)(i), are able to circumvent the prohibition in subparagraph (G).
(C) Applicability. Subparagraphs (D) through (G) shall apply in any circumstance
identified under the regulations promulgated under subparagraph (A).
(D) Submitting a notice of dispute- A consumer who seeks to dispute the accuracy
of information shall provide a dispute notice directly to such person at the
address specified by the person for such notices that–
(i) identifies the specific information that is being disputed;
(ii) explains the basis for the dispute; and
(iii) includes all supporting documentation required by the furnisher to
substantiate the basis of the dispute.
(E) Duty of person after receiving notice of dispute. After receiving a notice of
dispute from a consumer pursuant to subparagraph (D), the person that
provided the information in dispute to a consumer reporting agency shall–
(i) conduct an investigation with respect to the disputed information;
(ii) review all relevant information provided by the consumer with the notice;
(iii) complete such person’s investigation of the dispute and report the results
of the investigation to the consumer before the expiration of the period
under section 611(a)(1) within which a consumer reporting agency would
be required to complete its action if the consumer had elected to dispute
the information under that section; and
(iv) if the investigation finds that the information reported was inaccurate,
promptly notify each consumer reporting agency to which the person
furnished the inaccurate information of that determination and provide to
the agency any correction to that information that is necessary to make the
information provided by the person accurate.
(F) Frivolous or Irrelevant Dispute
(i) In general. This paragraph shall not apply if the person receiving a notice
of a dispute from a consumer reasonably determines that the dispute is
frivolous or irrelevant, including–
(I) by reason of the failure of a consumer to provide sufficient
information to investigate the disputed information; or
(II) the submission by a consumer of a dispute that is substantially the
same as a dispute previously submitted by or for the consumer, either
directly to the person or through a consumer reporting agency under
subsection (b), with respect to which the person has already performed
the person’s duties under this paragraph or subsection (b), as
applicable.
(ii) Notice of determination. Upon making any determination under clause (i)
that a dispute is frivolous or irrelevant, the person shall notify the
consumer of such determination not later than 5 business days after
making such determination, by mail or, if authorized by the consumer for
that purpose, by any other means available to the person.
(iii) Contents of notice. A notice under clause (ii) shall include–
(I) the reasons for the determination under clause (i); and
(II) identification of any information required to investigate the disputed
information, which may consist of a standardized form describing the
general nature of such information.
(G) Exclusion of credit repair organizations. This paragraph shall not apply if the
notice of the dispute is submitted by, is prepared on behalf of the consumer
by, or is submitted on a form supplied to the consumer by, a credit repair
organization, as defined in section 403(3), or an entity that would be a credit
repair organization, but for section 403(3)(B)(i).
(9) Duty to provide notice of status as medical information furnisher. A person whose
primary business is providing medical services, products, or devices, or the person’s
agent or assignee, who furnishes information to a consumer reporting agency on a
consumer shall be considered a medical information furnisher for purposes of this
title, and shall notify the agency of such status.
(b) Duties of Furnishers of Information upon Notice of Dispute
(1) In general. After receiving notice pursuant to section 611(a)(2) [§ 1681i] of a dispute
with regard to the completeness or accuracy of any information provided by a person
to a consumer reporting agency, the person shall
(A) conduct an investigation with respect to the disputed information;
(B) review all relevant information provided by the consumer reporting agency
pursuant to section 611(a)(2) [§ 1681i];
(C) report the results of the investigation to the consumer reporting agency;
(D) if the investigation finds that the information is incomplete or inaccurate, report
those results to all other consumer reporting agencies to which the person
furnished the information and that compile and maintain files on consumers on a
nationwide basis; and
(E) if an item of information disputed by a consumer is found to be inaccurate or
incomplete or cannot be verified after any reinvestigation under paragraph (1), for
purposes of reporting to a consumer reporting agency only, as appropriate, based
on the results of the reinvestigation promptly–
(i) modify that item of information;
(ii) delete that item of information; or
(iii) permanently block the reporting of that item of information.
(2) Deadline. A person shall complete all investigations, reviews, and reports required
under paragraph (1) regarding information provided by the person to a consumer
reporting agency, before the expiration of the period under section 611(a)(1)
[§ 1681i] within which the consumer reporting agency is required to complete actions
required by that section regarding that information.
(c) Limitation on liability. Except as provided in section 621(c)(1)(B), sections 616 and 617
do not apply to any violation of–
(1) subsection (a) of this section, including any regulations issued thereunder;
(2) subsection (e) of this section, except that nothing in this paragraph shall limit,
expand, or otherwise affect liability under section 616 or 617, as applicable, for
violations of subsection (b) of this section; or
(3) subsection (e) of section 615.
(d) Limitation on enforcement. The provisions of law described in paragraphs (1) through
(3) of subsection (c) (other than with respect to the exception described in paragraph (2)
of subsection (c)) shall be enforced exclusively as provided under section 621 by the
Federal agencies and officials and the State officials identified in section 621.
(e) Accuracy Guidelines and Regulations Required See also 16 CFR Part 660
74 Fed. Reg. 31484 (7/1/09)
(1) Guidelines. The Federal banking agencies, the National Credit Union Administration,
and the Commission shall, with respect to the entities that are subject to their
respective enforcement authority under section 621, and in coordination as described
in paragraph (2)–
(A) establish and maintain guidelines for use by each person that furnishes
information to a consumer reporting agency regarding the accuracy and
integrity of the information relating to consumers that such entities furnish to
consumer reporting agencies, and update such guidelines as often as
necessary; and
(B) prescribe regulations requiring each person that furnishes information to a
consumer reporting agency to establish reasonable policies and procedures for
implementing the guidelines established pursuant to subparagraph (A).
(2) Coordination. Each agency required to prescribe regulations under paragraph (1)
shall consult and coordinate with each other such agency so that, to the extent
possible, the regulations prescribed by each such entity are consistent and comparable
with the regulations prescribed by each other such agency.
(3) Criteria. In developing the guidelines required by paragraph (1)(A), the agencies
described in paragraph (1) shall–
(A) identify patterns, practices, and specific forms of activity that can compromise
the accuracy and integrity of information furnished to consumer reporting
agencies;
(B) review the methods (including technological means) used to furnish
information relating to consumers to consumer reporting agencies;
(C) determine whether persons that furnish information to consumer reporting
agencies maintain and enforce policies to assure the accuracy and integrity of
information furnished to consumer reporting agencies; and
(D) examine the policies and processes that persons that furnish information to
consumer reporting agencies employ to conduct reinvestigations and correct
inaccurate information relating to consumers that has been furnished to
consumer reporting agencies.
See also 16 CFR Parts 680, 698 Appx C

624. Affiliate sharing [15 U.S.C. § 1681s-3] 72 Fed. Reg. 61455-64 (10/30/07)
74 Fed. Reg. 22639-40 (05/14/09)

(a) Special Rule for Solicitation for Purposes of Marketing)
(1) Notice. Any person that receives from another person related to it by common
ownership or affiliated by corporate control a communication of information that
would be a consumer report, but for clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of section 603(d)(2)(A),
may not use the information to make a solicitation for marketing purposes to a
consumer about its products or services, unless–
(A) it is clearly and conspicuously disclosed to the consumer that the information
may be communicated among such persons for purposes of making such
solicitations to the consumer; and
(B) the consumer is provided an opportunity and a simple method to prohibit the
making of such solicitations to the consumer by such person.
(2) Consumer Choice
(A) In general. The notice required under paragraph (1) shall allow the consumer
the opportunity to prohibit all solicitations referred to in such paragraph, and
may allow the consumer to choose from different options when electing to
prohibit the sending of such solicitations, including options regarding the
types of entities and information covered, and which methods of delivering
solicitations the consumer elects to prohibit.
(B) Format. Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the notice required under
paragraph (1) shall be clear, conspicuous, and concise, and any method
provided under paragraph (1)(B) shall be simple. The regulations prescribed
to implement this section shall provide specific guidance regarding how to
comply with such standards.
(3) Duration
(A) In general. The election of a consumer pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) to prohibit
the making of solicitations shall be effective for at least 5 years,
beginning on the date on which the person receives the election of the
consumer, unless the consumer requests that such election be revoked.
(B) Notice upon expiration of effective period. At such time as the election of a
consumer pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) is no longer effective, a person may
not use information that the person receives in the manner described in
paragraph (1) to make any solicitation for marketing purposes to the
consumer, unless the consumer receives a notice and an opportunity, using a
simple method, to extend the opt-out for another period of at least 5 years,
pursuant to the procedures described in paragraph (1).
(4) Scope. This section shall not apply to a person–
(A) using information to make a solicitation for marketing purposes to a consumer
with whom the person has a pre-existing business relationship;
(B) using information to facilitate communications to an individual for whose
benefit the person provides employee benefit or other services pursuant to a
contract with an employer related to and arising out of the current
employment relationship or status of the individual as a participant or
beneficiary of an employee benefit plan;
(C) using information to perform services on behalf of another person related by
common ownership or affiliated by corporate control, except that this
subparagraph shall not be construed as permitting a person to send
solicitations on behalf of another person, if such other person would not be
permitted to send the solicitation on its own behalf as a result of the election
of the consumer to prohibit solicitations under paragraph (1)(B);
(D) using information in response to a communication initiated by the consumer;
(E) using information in response to solicitations authorized or requested by the
consumer; or
(F) if compliance with this section by that person would prevent compliance by
that person with any provision of State insurance laws pertaining to unfair
discrimination in any State in which the person is lawfully doing business.
(5) No retroactivity. This subsection shall not prohibit the use of information to send a
solicitation to a consumer if such information was received prior to the date on which
persons are required to comply with regulations implementing this subsection.
(b) Notice for other purposes permissible. A notice or other disclosure under this section
may be coordinated and consolidated with any other notice required to be issued under
any other provision of law by a person that is subject to this section, and a notice or other
disclosure that is equivalent to the notice required by subsection (a), and that is provided
by a person described in subsection (a) to a consumer together with disclosures required
by any other provision of law, shall satisfy the requirements of subsection (a).
(c) User requirements. Requirements with respect to the use by a person of information
received from another person related to it by common ownership or affiliated by
corporate control, such as the requirements of this section, constitute requirements with
respect to the exchange of information among persons affiliated by common ownership
or common corporate control, within the meaning of section 625(b)(2).
(d) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) The term “pre-existing business relationship” means a relationship between a person,
or a person’s licensed agent, and a consumer, based on–
(A) a financial contract between a person and a consumer which is in force;
(B) the purchase, rental, or lease by the consumer of that person’s goods or
services, or a financial transaction (including holding an active account or a
policy in force or having another continuing relationship) between the
consumer and that person during the 18-month period immediately preceding
the date on which the consumer is sent a solicitation covered by this section;
(C) an inquiry or application by the consumer regarding a product or service
offered by that person, during the 3-month period immediately preceding the
date on which the consumer is sent a solicitation covered by this section; or
(D) any other pre-existing customer relationship defined in the regulations
implementing this section.
(2) The term “solicitation” means the marketing of a product or service initiated by a
person to a particular consumer that is based on an exchange of information described
in subsection (a), and is intended to encourage the consumer to purchase such product
or service, but does not include communications that are directed at the general
public or determined not to be a solicitation by the regulations prescribed under this
section.

625. Relation to State laws [15 U.S.C. § 1681t]

(a) In general. Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), this title does not annul, alter,
affect, or exempt any person subject to the provisions of this title from complying with
the laws of any State with respect to the collection, distribution, or use of any information
on consumers, or for the prevention or mitigation of identity theft, except to the extent
that those laws are inconsistent with any provision of this title, and then only to the extent
of the inconsistency.
(b) General exceptions. No requirement or prohibition may be imposed under the laws of
any State
(1) with respect to any subject matter regulated under
(A) subsection (c) or (e) of section 604 [§ 1681b], relating to the prescreening of
consumer reports;
(B) section 611 [§ 1681i], relating to the time by which a consumer reporting
agency must take any action, including the provision of notification to a
consumer or other person, in any procedure related to the disputed accuracy of
information in a consumer’s file, except that this subparagraph shall not apply
to any State law in effect on the date of enactment of the Consumer Credit
Reporting Reform Act of 1996;
(C) subsections (a) and (b) of section 615 [§ 1681m], relating to the duties of a
person who takes any adverse action with respect to a consumer;
(D) section 615(d) [§ 1681m], relating to the duties of persons who use a
consumer report of a consumer in connection with any credit or insurance
transaction that is not initiated by the consumer and that consists of a firm
offer of credit or insurance;
(E) section 605 [§ 1681c], relating to information contained in consumer reports,
except that this subparagraph shall not apply to any State law in effect on the
date of enactment of the Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act of 1996;
(F) section 623 [§ 1681s-2], relating to the responsibilities of persons who furnish
information to consumer reporting agencies, except that this paragraph shall
not apply
(i) with respect to section 54A(a) of chapter 93 of the Massachusetts
Annotated Laws (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Consumer
Credit Reporting Reform Act of 1996); or
(ii) with respect to section 1785.25(a) of the California Civil Code (as in
effect on the date of enactment of the Consumer Credit Reporting Reform
Act of 1996);
(G) section 609(e), relating to information available to victims under section 609(e);
(H) section 624, relating to the exchange and use of information to make a
solicitation for marketing purposes; or
(I) section 615(h), relating to the duties of users of consumer reports to provide
notice with respect to terms in certain credit transactions;
(2) with respect to the exchange of information among persons affiliated by common
ownership or common corporate control, except that this paragraph shall not apply
with respect to subsection (a) or (c)(1) of section 2480e of title 9, Vermont Statutes
Annotated (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Consumer Credit Reporting
Reform Act of 1996);
(3) with respect to the disclosures required to be made under subsection (c), (d), (e), or
(g) of section 609, or subsection (f) of section 609 relating to the disclosure of credit
scores for credit granting purposes, except that this paragraph–
(A) shall not apply with respect to sections 1785.10, 1785.16, and 1785.20.2 of
the California Civil Code (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Fair and
Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003) and section 1785.15 through
section 1785.15.2 of such Code (as in effect on such date);
(B) shall not apply with respect to sections 5-3-106(2) and 212-14.3-104.3 of the
Colorado Revised Statutes (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Fair
and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003); and
(C) shall not be construed as limiting, annulling, affecting, or superseding any
provision of the laws of any State regulating the use in an insurance activity,
or regulating disclosures concerning such use, of a credit-based insurance
score of a consumer by any person engaged in the business of insurance;
(4) with respect to the frequency of any disclosure under section 612(a), except that this
paragraph shall not apply–
(A) with respect to section 12-14.3-105(1)(d) of the Colorado Revised Statutes (as
in effect on the date of enactment of the Fair and Accurate Credit
Transactions Act of 2003);
(B) with respect to section 10-1-393(29)(C) of the Georgia Code (as in effect on the
date of enactment of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003);
(C) with respect to section 1316.2 of title 10 of the Maine Revised Statutes (as in
effect on the date of enactment of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions
Act of 2003);
(D) with respect to sections 14-1209(a)(1) and 14-1209(b)(1)(i) of the
Commercial Law Article of the Code of Maryland (as in effect on the date of
enactment of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003);
(E) with respect to section 59(d) and section 59(e) of chapter 93 of the General
Laws of Massachusetts (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Fair and
Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003);
(F) with respect to section 56:11-37.10(a)(1) of the New Jersey Revised Statutes
(as in effect on the date of enactment of the Fair and Accurate Credit
Transactions Act of 2003); or
(G) with respect to section 2480c(a)(1) of title 9 of the Vermont Statutes
Annotated (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Fair and Accurate
Credit Transactions Act of 2003); or
(5) with respect to the conduct required by the specific provisions of–
(A) section 605(g);
(B) section 605A;
(C) section 605B;
(D) section 609(a)(1)(A);
(E) section 612(a);
(F) subsections (e), (f), and (g) of section 615;
(G) section 621(f);
(H) section 623(a)(6); or
(I) section 628.
(c) Definition of firm offer of credit or insurance. Notwithstanding any definition of the
term “firm offer of credit or insurance” (or any equivalent term) under the laws of any
State, the definition of that term contained in section 603(l) [§ 1681a] shall be construed
to apply in the enforcement and interpretation of the laws of any State governing
consumer reports.
(d) Limitations. Subsections (b) and (c) do not affect any settlement, agreement, or consent
judgment between any State Attorney General and any consumer reporting agency in
effect on the date of enactment of the Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act of 1996.

626. Disclosures to FBI for counterintelligence purposes [15 U.S.C. § 1681u]

(a) Identity of financial institutions. Notwithstanding section 604 [§ 1681b] or any other
provision of this title, a consumer reporting agency shall furnish to the Federal Bureau of
Investigation the names and addresses of all financial institutions (as that term is defined
in section 1101 of the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 [12 U.S.C. § 3401]) at
which a consumer maintains or has maintained an account, to the extent that information
is in the files of the agency, when presented with a written request for that information,
signed by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or the Director’s designee
in a position not lower than Deputy Assistant Director at Bureau headquarters or a
Special Agent in Charge of a Bureau field office designated by the Director, which
certifies compliance with this section. The Director or the Director’s designee may make
such a certification only if the Director or the Director’s designee has determined in
writing, that such information is sought for the conduct of an authorized investigation to
protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities, provided that
such an investigation of a United States person is not conducted solely upon the basis of
activities protected by the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
(b) Identifying information. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 604 [§ 1681b] or any
other provision of this title, a consumer reporting agency shall furnish identifying
information respecting a consumer, limited to name, address, former addresses, places of
employment, or former places of employment, to the Federal Bureau of Investigation
when presented with a written request, signed by the Director or the Director’s designee,
which certifies compliance with this subsection. The Director or the Director’s designee
in a position not lower than Deputy Assistant Director at Bureau headquarters or a
Special Agent in Charge of a Bureau field office designated by the Director may make
such a certification only if the Director or the Director’s designee has determined in
writing that such information is sought for the conduct of an authorized investigation to
protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities, provided that
such an investigation of a United States person is not conducted solely upon the basis of
activities protected by the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
(c) Court order for disclosure of consumer reports. Notwithstanding section 604 [§ 1681b]
or any other provision of this title, if requested in writing by the Director of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, or a designee of the Director in a position not lower than Deputy
Assistant Director at Bureau headquarters or a Special Agent in Charge of a Bureau field
office designated by the Director, a court may issue an order ex parte directing a
consumer reporting agency to furnish a consumer report to the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, upon a showing in camera that the consumer report is sought for the
conduct of an authorized investigation to protect against international terrorism or
clandestine intelligence activities, provided that such an investigation of a United States
person is not conducted solely upon the basis of activities protected by the first
amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The terms of an order issued under
this subsection shall not disclose that the order is issued for purposes of a
counterintelligence investigation.
(d) Confidentiality. No consumer reporting agency or officer, employee, or agent of a
consumer reporting agency shall disclose to any person, other than those officers,
employees, or agents of a consumer reporting agency necessary to fulfill the requirement
to disclose information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation under this section, that the
Federal Bureau of Investigation has sought or obtained the identity of financial institutions
or a consumer report respecting any consumer under subsection (a), (b), or (c), and no
consumer reporting agency or officer, employee, or agent of a consumer reporting agency
shall include in any consumer report any information that would indicate that the Federal
Bureau of Investigation has sought or obtained such information or a consumer report.
(e) Payment of fees. The Federal Bureau of Investigation shall, subject to the availability of
appropriations, pay to the consumer reporting agency assembling or providing report or
information in accordance with procedures established under this section a fee for
reimbursement for such costs as are reasonably necessary and which have been directly
incurred in searching, reproducing, or transporting books, papers, records, or other data
required or requested to be produced under this section.
(f) Limit on dissemination. The Federal Bureau of Investigation may not disseminate
information obtained pursuant to this section outside of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, except to other Federal agencies as may be necessary for the approval or
conduct of a foreign counterintelligence investigation, or, where the information
concerns a person subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, to appropriate
investigative authorities within the military department concerned as may be necessary
for the conduct of a joint foreign counterintelligence investigation.
(g) Rules of construction. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit information
from being furnished by the Federal Bureau of Investigation pursuant to a subpoena or
court order, in connection with a judicial or administrative proceeding to enforce the
provisions of this Act. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize or permit
the withholding of information from the Congress.
(h) Reports to Congress. On a semiannual basis, the Attorney General shall fully inform the
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on Banking, Finance
and Urban Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Select Committee on
Intelligence and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate
concerning all requests made pursuant to subsections (a), (b), and (c).
(i) Damages. Any agency or department of the United States obtaining or disclosing any
consumer reports, records, or information contained therein in violation of this section is
liable to the consumer to whom such consumer reports, records, or information relate in
an amount equal to the sum of
(1) $100, without regard to the volume of consumer reports, records, or information
involved;
(2) any actual damages sustained by the consumer as a result of the disclosure;
(3) if the violation is found to have been willful or intentional, such punitive damages as
a court may allow; and
(4) in the case of any successful action to enforce liability under this subsection, the costs
of the action, together with reasonable attorney fees, as determined by the court.
(j) Disciplinary actions for violations. If a court determines that any agency or department
of the United States has violated any provision of this section and the court finds that the
circumstances surrounding the violation raise questions of whether or not an officer or
employee of the agency or department acted willfully or intentionally with respect to the
violation, the agency or department shall promptly initiate a proceeding to determine
whether or not disciplinary action is warranted against the officer or employee who was
responsible for the violation.
(k) Good-faith exception. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, any consumer
reporting agency or agent or employee thereof making disclosure of consumer reports or
identifying information pursuant to this subsection in good-faith reliance upon a
certification of the Federal Bureau of Investigation pursuant to provisions of this section
shall not be liable to any person for such disclosure under this title, the constitution of
any State, or any law or regulation of any State or any political subdivision of any State.
(l) Limitation of remedies. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the remedies
and sanctions set forth in this section shall be the only judicial remedies and sanctions for
violation of this section.
(m) Injunctive relief. In addition to any other remedy contained in this section, injunctive
relief shall be available to require compliance with the procedures of this section. In the
event of any successful action under this subsection, costs together with reasonable
attorney fees, as determined by the court, may be recovered.

627. Disclosures to governmental agencies for counterterrorism purposes [15 U.S.C. §1681v]

(a) Disclosure. Notwithstanding section 604 or any other provision of this title, a
consumer reporting agency shall furnish a consumer report of a consumer and all other
information in a consumer’s file to a government agency authorized to conduct
investigations of, or intelligence or counterintelligence activities or analysis related to,
international terrorism when presented with a written certification by such government
agency that such information is necessary for the agency’s conduct or such investigation,
activity or analysis.
(b) Form of certification. The certification described in subsection (a) shall be signed by a
supervisory official designated by the head of a Federal agency or an officer of a Federal
agency whose appointment to office is required to be made by the President, by and with
the advice and consent of the Senate.
(c) Confidentiality. No consumer reporting agency, or officer, employee, or agent of such
consumer reporting agency, shall disclose to any person, or specify in any consumer
report, that a government agency has sought or obtained access to information under
subsection (a).
(d) Rule of construction. Nothing in section 626 shall be construed to limit the authority of
the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under this section.
(e) Safe harbor. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, any consumer reporting
agency or agent or employee thereof making disclosure of consumer reports or other
information pursuant to this section in good-faith reliance upon a certification of a
governmental agency pursuant to the provisions of this section shall not be liable to any
person for such disclosure under this subchapter, the constitution of any State, or any law
or regulation of any State or any political subdivision of any State.

628. Disposal of records [15 U.S.C. §1681w]
See also 16 CFR Part 682

(a) Regulations 69 Fed. Reg. 68690 (11/24/04)
(1) In general. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the
Federal banking agencies, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Commission
with respect to the entities that are subject to their respective enforcement
authority under section 621, and the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in
coordination as described in paragraph (2), shall issue final regulations requiring any
person that maintains or otherwise possesses consumer information, or any
compilation of consumer information, derived from consumer reports for a business
purpose to properly dispose of any such information or compilation.
(2) Coordination. Each agency required to prescribe regulations under paragraph (1)
shall–
(A) consult and coordinate with each other such agency so that, to the extent
possible, the regulations prescribed by each such agency are consistent and
comparable with the regulations by each such other agency; and
(B) ensure that such regulations are consistent with the requirements and
regulations issued pursuant to Public Law 106-102 and other provisions of
Federal law.
(3) Exemption authority. In issuing regulations under this section, the Federal banking
agencies, the National Credit Union Administration, the Commission, and the
Securities and Exchange Commission may exempt any person or class of persons from
application of those regulations, as such agency deems appropriate to carry out the
purpose of this section.
(b) Rule of construction. Nothing in this section shall be construed–
(1) to require a person to maintain or destroy any record pertaining to a consumer that is
not imposed under other law; or
(2) to alter or affect any requirement imposed under any other provision of law to
maintain or destroy such a record.

629. Corporate and technological circumvention prohibited [15 U.S.C. §1681x]

The Commission shall prescribe regulations, to become effective not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this section, to prevent a consumer reporting agency from
circumventing or evading treatment as a consumer reporting agency described in section 603(p)
for purposes of this title, including–
(1) by means of a corporate reorganization or restructuring, including a merger, acquisition,
dissolution, divestiture, or asset sale of a consumer reporting agency; or
(2) by maintaining or merging public record and credit account information in a manner
that is substantially equivalent to that described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section
603(p), in the manner described in section 603(p).
See also 16 CFR Part 611
69 Fed. Reg. 8531 (02/24/04)
69 Fed. Reg. 29061 (05/20/04)