It is your right to know what your rights are and what your consequences might be if your credit card information is accessed by someone other than you. A company or employer can sue you if they do an unauthorized credit inquiry on you. You also have the right to access your credit report. A copy of your credit file should be available to you.
You have the right not to be subject to unauthorized credit checks
You can use a security freeze to prevent credit checks being unauthorized. This prevents credit applications from becoming approved unless the freeze is granted. It can also delay the approval of new credit. A security freeze is good for protecting your identity. It can also be useful in preventing identity theft. But you need to use it responsibly. This won't stop all credit checks that are not authorized.
You have a right to sue a company or employer
In NYC, a human rights law prevents employers from checking your credit. While this law doesn't prevent employers from doing background checks or conducting other research, it does prohibit them from using credit information to make employment decisions. You can sue your employer if you believe your rights have been violated.
You have the right to view your credit report
If you have been declined credit, you have the legal right to obtain your credit reports free of charge. This right applies when an entity has taken adverse action against you based on your credit report, such as denying credit, terminating credit, or changing an insurance offer. The entity must give you the name of its credit reporting bureau as well as a number to which you can get your report. Free copies of your credit report are also available to those who are unemployed or on government assistance, because inaccurate information can lead to unfair or discriminatory treatment.
If an employer used your credit report without your permission to make hiring decisions, the law gives you the right to file a lawsuit for damages. You can also seek punitive damages and attorney's fees if the information is inaccurate or misleading. But, if you want to file a lawsuit, then you will need to prove that you were affected by the unauthorized access.
You have the right request a copy to your credit report
No matter if you have bad or excellent credit, you can request a copy your credit history from any one the three major credit agencies. When you request a copy, the credit bureaus must provide you with all of the information in their files at the time of your request. You also have the right of knowing the identity of anyone who received your report within the last year or so. If you are denied a loan, or credit application, the company must provide the name of any credit bureau that denied you.
Your credit score can impact your purchasing power and chances of getting a job. The information is sold by credit bureaus to businesses for loan and insurance decision making. This information is used by employers for hiring decisions. Although you can request a copy, it is best to wait until you have a valid purpose. Obtaining a copy of your credit report under false pretenses can result in civil and criminal penalties.