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More than the Big 3 are Reporting Information about You

On Behalf of | Jan 9, 2018 | Consumer Protection

Since the Equifax data breach, many consumers for the first time are pulling their credit reports and reviewing their information.  While a major credit reporting security breach should not be the impetus for a credit review, it certainly did help to serve as a reminder that consumers should and need to know what’s reporting about them.  Accessing your credit report to ensure its accuracy should go beyond the big three.  There are more credit reporting agencies in addition to Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union that store and report your confidential information.

Which Other Credit Report Agencies Are Reporting Your Information?

Beyond the three big credit reporting agencies, smaller reporting agencies, such as ChexSystems, Innovis, Clarity Services, and CoreLogic report your information and provide it to lenders upon request.  These “boutique” agencies store much of the same confidential information including your social security number (“SSN”), address, checking account and bank account numbers.  While these agencies are more specialized regarding the type of information they report, taking the time to review your credit reports with these companies may be worthwhile.

1) ChexSystems

One of the more well known of these boutique agencies is ChexSystems.  ChexSystems reports to banks when you are in the process of opening a new account.  This company stores your SSN, addresses, date of birth, and bank account information, including your cashed checks and ATM transactions.

2) Innovis

Another more well known boutique agency is Innovis.  Often referred to as the fourth credit reporting agency, Innovis primarily reports your information to credit card companies.  Innovis receives credit information from some lenders but not from all of the sources reporting to the big three.  Innovis primarily reports mortgage account information.  Much different from Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union, Innovis does not sell reports for the purpose of granting credit and does not provide a credit score.

3) Clarity Services

The third smaller and not as well known credit reporting agency is Clarity Services.  The main purpose of Clarity Services is to work with subprime lenders during the application process of consumers with poor credit.  However, just because you have good credit standing, does not mean Clarity Services does not have your information.

4) CoreLogic

The last boutique agency is CoreLogic.  CoreLogic is an industry leader in storing and providing information on your mortgage accounts.  CoreLogic also houses information related to your insurance accounts, automobile loans, and any credit unions you may bank with.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) you can request a copy of your credit report from each of these credit reporting agencies.  The FCRA puts a cap on the amount of money the bureaus can charge.  If you are in the process of applying for credit or have rarely reviewed your report, try requesting a copy of your information from one of these four agencies.  If you believe your rights may have been violated and you would like the advice or assistance of counsel, contact SmithMarco P.C. for a completely free case review.

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