About Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act

Consumers have the right to be informed if and when someone requests a copy of their credit report, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act protects the rights of consumers in this regard. Creditors, employers and other vendors cannot gain access to your report without your consent. Further, once your credit report is accessed, you have the right to request a review of the information reported about you.

Identification

Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) refers to a consumer reporting agency's obligation to disclose information to consumers upon request. Credit reporting agencies are required to make available all information in the consumer's file, as well as the sources of the information on file. The information disclosed must also include the dates and original payees of all accounts. Further, Section 609 of the FCRA stipulates that consumer reporting agencies must clearly make consumers aware of their right to dispute information in their credit file.

Summary of Rights

According to Section 609 of the FCRA, a summary of rights must be included in the information disclosed in a consumer credit file. A consumer reporting agency must include a toll free number of the agency as well as a list of federal agencies that can enforce provisions of disclosure documents. In addition, credit reporting agencies must also disclose the rights of victims of identity theft. Victims of identity theft are entitled to documentation of fraudulent transactions within 30 days after filing an identity theft claim.

Credit Scores

Credit reporting agencies must supply consumers with a credit score based on a scoring model used by residential property lenders, according to Section 609 of the FCRA. The score should accurately assess the consumer's credit behavior as well as accurately predict future credit habits . Consumer reporting agencies are allowed to charge a "fair and reasonable fee" to obtain a report and/or credit score.

Considerations

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is federal law. Section 609 of the FCRA must disclose a statement that consumers may have additional rights under state law. State or local consumer protection agencies or the attorney general's office usually have a list of state laws regarding credit reporting, debt collection and rights violations.