You should know that Chexsystems is a consumer reporting agency, just like Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. Therefore, you are protected by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
They are concidered a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
(f) The term “consumer reporting agency” means any person which, for monetary fees, dues, or on a cooperative nonprofit basis, regularly engages in whole or in part in the practice of assembling or evaluating consumer credit information or other information on consumers for the purpose of furnishing consumer reports to third parties, and which uses any means or facility of interstate commerce for the purpose of preparing or furnishing consumer reports.
Yes it is possible for money owed to banks that report to chexsystems to also show up on other credit reports.
FREE Chexsystems Report
When you request a report from chexsystems, ews, or telecheck, avoid giving them any information that is not absolutely necessary.
For example: if they ask where you work and for the address, phone etc,. I would not give them the number. Tell them you are currently unemployed.
If they ask for current checking account information. Simply say you have none. Do not volunteer any information. They have no right to ask for this information or for a cancelled check.
It is your right to a FREE annual report by providing basic information:
name, address, social security number ..if the address has changed, they may need something to verify this. They have no right to know the name of your employer, phone numbers, or other account information or cancelled checks.
If they refuse to give you a copy of your report:
1. file a complaint with the FTC https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
-give the following answers on the complaint
Is your complaint or concern regarding identity theft?
NO
Is your complaint closely related to
CREDIT REPORTS
Is the company:
A CREDIT REPORTING AGENCY OR BUREAU
Did you experience any of the following? Please select all of these that apply:
The credit bureau will not allow me access to my credit report.
Did you experience any of the following? Please select all of these that apply:
I am unable to order a copy of my free annual credit report.
Did you experience any of the following? Please select all of these that apply:
Free annual credit report was not received or not sent within 15 days.
The rest is self explanatory
Then also send them a letter certified mail: tell them that they are in violation of the FCRA and you are well aware of your rights. Tell them that they have 15 days from the date of the letter to send you a copy of your report or else you will seek legal remedy. Let them know that you have already filed a complaint with the FTC.
major CRAs. Although credit reports are made available to users (credit granting companies) instantaneously, consumers will have to wait up to fifteen days to receive their copies. Within one year, the FTC must establish a centralized source where consumers can request these reports. "Nationwide specialty credit reporting agencies" -- insurance, landlord-tenant, employment agencies-- will also be required to provide one free annual credit report upon request.
A consumer reporting agency (CRA) is an entity that assembles and sells credit information and financial information about individuals.
There are three national CRAs in the United States: Experian (formerly TRW), Trans Union, and Equifax (formerly Retail Credit Co.). There are also many smaller credit reporting agencies that usually concentrate on reporting on individuals living in certain regions of the country.
Inspection bureaus, companies that sell information to insurance companies and assist in performing background checks, often are considered CRAs as well. Tenant screening and check approval companies are also considered CRAs.
Depending on the nature of the operation, other companies can be considered CRAs.
Most people do not have problems getting a copy of their chexsystems report like they do with EWS and Telecheck
Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 that amended the FCRA, consumers may now request a free annual credit report from each of the three
Early Warning Services(EWS) also signed a multi-year contract with eFunds corporation(chexsystems) April 2007. If you have been reported to chexsystems, there is a good chance that you are also reported to EWS. Many banks and credit unions now use EWS.
