According to the Federal Trade Commission they are considered a consumer reporting agency, as specified in the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
They collect, store and report consumer information relating to check transactions and bank accounts.
Also, Telecheck activities are governed by two federal laws because they collect and sell consumer information, and also collect debts.
To get a FREE copy of your telecheck 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.
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 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.
TeleCheck, a FirstData company, operates check verification and risk analytics services for retail stores, utilities and other organizations. For most people, their first awareness of TeleCheck might come if a cashier reports that a check transaction has been declined. The cashier will then give the customer a "courtesy card" with a contact number for TeleCheck, a seven-digit record number for the transaction, and a code to help TeleCheck determine the reason for the decline.
Telecheck unlike chexsystems will remove you once the vendor confirms that the debt has been paid. (Otherwise, records of unpaid check debt stay on your TeleCheck profile for seven years.)
1800-telecheck
Can you dispute with Telecheck?
Yes you absolutely can. Due to the huge demand of people that have asked me questions on disputing with Telecheck and EWS, I have now created a page of instructions to help those wishing to dispute and attempt removal. I have a specific outline and sample letters that you can follow on the following page
