Credit reporting agencies are not allowed to give out an individual’s information to just anyone who wants it, regardless of the reason. The Consumer Protection Act states that a credit report can only be given where there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person receiving the report intends to use the information in the report: in connection with the extension of credit to the individual to whom the report pertains, with the individual’s express consent; in connection with the collection of a debt from the individual to whom the report pertains; in connection with the entering into or the renewal of a tenancy agreement by the individual to whom the report pertains with the individual’s express consent; for employment purposes, with the express consent of the individual to whom the report pertains; in connection with the underwriting of insurance involving the individual to whom the report pertains, with the individual’s express consent; or to determine the eligibility of an individual to whom the report pertains under a law, if the information is relevant to the eligibility requirement; there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person has a direct business requirement for information in the report as a result of a business transaction respecting the individual to whom the report pertains with the individual’s express consent; the report is furnished to the Director of Consumer Protection or an inspector named under the Act, the government of Canada or of a province or territory, a municipality in Canada or any of their agencies; the person is the individual to whom the report pertains or if the person has the express consent of the individual to obtain the report; in response to the order of a court; and in circumstances specified in the regulations.  Last reviewed: October 2014