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Who Has a Permissible Purpose to Legally Access Your Consumer Report 

Have you ever looked at your credit report and wondered, “Why is this company checking my credit?”

 

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that protects your privacy and strictly limits who can access your credit report, when they can access it, and for what reason.  Your consumer report and other consumer data can only be shared for specific, legally defined purposes. known as a “permissible purposes.”​ This ensures that your sensitive financial details are not accessed casually or misused.

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If your credit report was pulled without a valid reason under the law, you may be the victim of an unauthorized credit inquiry — and you may have powerful rights under the FCRA to recover damages.

Who May Access Your Consumer Report Under the FCRA

Consumer reporting agencies may only release your information when there is a permissible purpose. This may include:

  • Employment screening – but only with your written authorization;

  • Applying for credit – loans, credit cards, mortgages, or other financing;

  • Insurance underwriting – to assess risk for auto, life, or other coverage;

  • Rental housing applications – when landlords evaluate tenants;

  • Court orders or subpoenas – when access is legally required;

  • Legitimate business needs – such as utility services you request;

  • Account review and collections – for creditors to manage or collect on an account;

  • Government licensing or benefits – when agencies must verify eligibility.​

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Accessing your credit report for personal curiosity, harassment, marketing purposes, or a reason not provided under the FCRA is not a permissible purpose. These unauthorized pulls are not only an invasion of your privacy — they are violations of the FCRA.

Protect Your Privacy & Your Rights

If your credit report was accessed without a legally permissible purpose, your privacy rights may have been violated, and you may have legal claims under the FCRA. Wells Law – Chicago represents consumers nationwide in cases of unauthorized access and credit reporting abuse. Request a Free Case Review today to find out how you can protect your privacy and hold violators accountable.

Be Informed. Be Empowered. Be Protected. Contact us today for a free case review.

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