Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA)
Any company that regularly assembles consumer information to furnish reports to third parties.
In more detail
The FCRA's definition is deliberately broad. It captures the three credit bureaus, but also employment screening firms like Checkr, Sterling, HireRight and First Advantage, and tenant screening companies. Being a CRA triggers accuracy duties and dispute obligations.
Why it matters to you
Whether a company is a CRA determines which rights you have. Against a CRA you have federal dispute rights with a 30-day deadline. Against a people-search site — which is generally not a CRA — you have only a removal request.
What to do
Work out which category you are dealing with before you write. The wrong instrument gets ignored.
- FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act)
The federal law governing companies that assemble consumer reports, including background checks.
- File disclosure
Your right under FCRA § 609 to a complete copy of what a consumer reporting agency holds on you.
- Data broker
A company that collects personal information about people it has no relationship with, and sells it.