The law was significantly amended by the1996 Congress. The new changes took effect on 30 September, 1997. You may not know that check verification companies and tenant screening firms, as well as the Medical Information Bureau, are all credit bureaus. Consumers must be told if information in your file has been used against you.
Consumers can find out what is in their own credit files.
At your request, a CRA must give you the information in your file, and a list of everyone who has requested it recently. There is no charge for the report if a person has taken action against you because of information supplied by the CRA, if you request the report within 60 days of receiving notice of the action. Otherwise, a CRA may charge you up to eight dollars, unless you live in a free or low cost report state. Of course, if denied credit, you can request additional free reports under federal law in these states. The CRA must give you a written report of the investigation, and a copy of your report if the investigation results in any change.