Improper Access to Credit Report

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), only certain parties are allowed to access and view your credit report. These parties are generally only allowed to see this information under very specific circumstances. If you discover that another entity or individual has accessed your credit report, it is important to act quickly to protect your personal and financial information. You should also discuss your situation with Sharmin & Sharmin P.A. Florida credit report lawyers to determine how to proceed at 561-655-3925. 

Who Can Legally Access Your Florida Credit Report

Aside from reporting agencies such as TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, only certain entities are allowed to access your credit report. Your credit report is often pulled when determining financial eligibility or reporting your credit. Typical parties who can request your credit report include:

• Insurance companies
• Banks and credit unions
• Creditors
• Employers
• Landlords
• Government entities
• The court system (under specific circumstances)
• Investors
• Utility companies 
• Education lenders

If your credit report is accessed by an entity that is not supposed to have access to it, or an approved entity uses your credit report information illegally, then the safety of your credit could be in jeopardy. Swift action must be taken to cut off access to stop further harm. 

Unauthorized Inquiries Can Harm Your Florida Credit

In addition to agencies illegally accessing your credit report, you also need to be concerned if you discover an unauthorized inquiry on your credit report. This could be a sign of identity fraud on your credit report. Bad actors can use stolen information to access your credit report for activities that involve hard inquiries. Some may even open up new lines of credit. These activities can hurt your credit health and put your personal information at further risk. When this happens, you should freeze your credit and report the discrepancy on your credit report right away. 

Report Improper Access and Unauthorized Activity on Your Florida Credit Report

Regardless of who has improperly accessed your credit report, you must take action as soon as you are aware of the problem. You have the right to protect your information and file a complaint. You can also take legal action directly against the offending party and hold them accountable. However, you must first take the proper steps to report improper access. 

You should start by reporting illegal access to the three credit reporting agencies, as well as freezing your credit if necessary. If another company accessed your credit without proper authorization, you may also need to file a report with them. If the access was of a fraudulent nature, you should file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Be sure to collect and submit evidence with your reports, and carefully monitor your credit report to ensure corrections are made. Hire legal representation to streamline the process and protect your rights. 

Consult a Florida Credit Report Lawyer When Your Credit Report Rights Have Been Violated

You have the right to protect your credit report from illegal access. Unauthorized activity can damage your credit and can even result in steep financial losses. Contact Sharmin & Sharmin P.A. about your legal options and recovering what you have lost. The faster you act and the more evidence you provide, the faster your case can be resolved at 561-655-3925.