Credit bureaus have the most current name and address file available because consumers update their addresses with their credit card companies and other lenders when they move. That information is provided to credit bureaus on a regular basis. Law enforcement agencies use it to locate suspects, witnesses, and dead beat parents. The IRS uses it for returned mail, or to verify social security numbers. Mutual Funds use it to locate lost shareholders.
Banks use it to verify addresses when opening checking accounts.
The internet economy will thrive if new companies can locate customers through direct mail and invite them to visit their web site. Start up electronic commerce companies cannot afford mass marketing, they cannot afford commercials on the Super Bowl, so they will need direct marketing to locate customers and be able to compete. Digital certificates used to assure security on the web will require means to verify addresses. Colleges can use it to locate alumni. Prior to the use of header data from consumer reporting agencies, the best available source of names and addresses was the telephone directory.