Obtaining a credit report under false pretenses, or improper use of a credit report is a violation of federal law. When privacy violations occur, the credit reporting repository notifies the appropriate law enforcement agencies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act provides statutes of limitations on items in a credit file. Tax liens-seven years from the date of entry or tax liens that are unpaid have no limitation. Collections, charge offs, and other adverse information will stay on a credit file seven years from last activity.
Mixed credit does exist with the three major credit bureaus.
A parent and a child who share the same or similar names most often develop mixed credit. This is compounded by sharing same address or by having shared a past address. Credit reports do not contain any information about a person's character, lifestyle, religion, national origin, political affiliation, or sexual preferences. Also credit bureaus do not collect or transmit data on an individuals medical history. Credit companies may shorten, lengthen or scramble account numbers when reporting to credit repositories.