FORT SILL, Okla. (June 4, 2015) -- Many consumers know to monitor their credit score by obtaining reports from the top three credit agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) entitles consumers to one free credit report each year, accessible via www.annual creditreport.com.
Checking and protecting this credit score regularly is a good idea, but many people might not be aware this isn't their only credit score.The FCRA also entitles you to a free credit report, technically known as a "file disclosure," from the many nationwide specialty consumer reporting agencies (SCRA).
These agencies gather information on consumers focused on certain industries, then compile reports that contain much more than credit history. This other information may include driving records, public records of civil or criminal cases, medical information and bankruptcy filings.
The agencies collect this information through furnisher companies dedicated to feeding information to agencies. The agency compiles its report based on the furnisher's information to funnel out to users such as landlords, insurers and employers. Users are similar to lenders in that they may turn you down for a lease, insurance or employment based on your SCRA score.
But, just like lenders, if you are turned down by a user, the user must supply you with an adverse action notice along with a copy of your report.
The SCRA credit score is especially important for service members because we are constantly on the move. Unfortunately, there is no centralized source for obtaining free specialty credit reports, but many companies will provide a specialty report if you call them. Obtaining your specialty reports will not only give you a more accurate depiction of your overall creditworthiness, but it will also alert you to potential identity theft or misinformation on your credit report.
Certain life events warrant a look at your specialty credit reports.
For example, if you want to rent an apartment or a house when you PCS, ask your potential landlord what credit screening company he or she uses. Obtaining a copy of your specialty report from the agency will guarantee you know what your landlord knows prior to signing a lease agreement.
If you have recently been a victim of identity theft, you may prefer to order all available types of reports to double-check for accuracy against your main credit report from the three major credit bureaus.
For example, a report might show a lease executed in your name by the thief that is not accurately captured on your main credit report from TransUnion, Experian or Equifax.
The following databases will give you your specialty credit report with a request to the listed telephone numbers. Learn to use your specialty reports to your advantage.
To recieve a residential or tenant report call: Experian RentBureau, 877-704-4519; Tenant Data, 800-228-1837; or CoreLogic Safe Rent, 877-815-8664.
For insurance claim reports call: Verisk Insurance Services, 800-627-3487; or LexisNexis CLUE, 866-312-8076.
Medical history reports can be obtained by calling: MIB Group Inc., 866-692-6901; MedPoint, 888-206-0335; or IntelliScript, 877-211-4816.
Check writing history reports: ChexSystems, 800-428-9623; TeleCheck, 800-835-3243; or Early Warning Services, 800-235-7775 For more information on specialty reporting agencies and obtaining reports, visit www.consumerfinance.gov and search for "Specialty Reporting Agency."
People may also call the Fort Sill Legal Assistance Office at 580-442-5058 for more information.
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