Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a consumer reporting agency, on request by and proper identification of the consumer, must clearly and accurately disclose to the consumer:
the nature and substance of certain information in its files on the consumer;
the sources of most of that information;
the recipients of any consumer report on the consumer furnished for employment purposes within the two-year period preceding the request, and for any other purpose within the one-year period preceding the request;
the dates, original payees, and amounts of any checks on which is based any adverse characterization of the consumer, included in the file at the time of the disclosure; and
a record of all inquiries received by the agency during the one-year period preceding the request that identified the consumer in connection with a credit or insurance transaction that was not initiated by the consumer.
Washington Request for Disclosure Regarding Nature and Substance of Files of Consumer Reporting Agency is a legal document used in the state of Washington to obtain information about an individual's credit history and background from a consumer reporting agency (CRA). It is designed to ensure that individuals have access to their personal information and can make informed decisions about their financial and personal affairs. The request is made under the Washington Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and can be filed by individuals who wish to obtain a copy of their consumer reports or learn more about the nature and substance of the information contained in the files maintained by a CRA. The Washington Request for Disclosure Regarding Nature and Substance of Files of Consumer Reporting Agency typically includes the following information: 1. Personal Information: The request should include the individual's full legal name, current address, previous addresses, social security number, and date of birth. This information helps the CRA accurately identify the individual and locate their files. 2. Requested Information: The document should clearly state the specific information the individual is seeking from the CRA. This can include credit reports, employment history, tenant history, criminal records, and other relevant information maintained by the agency. 3. Purpose of Request: The individual must state the reason for their request, such as reviewing their creditworthiness, disputing inaccurate information, or assessing potential risks associated with their personal information. 4. Identification Documents: To ensure the protection of personal information, the individual might be required to provide copies of identification documents, such as a valid driver's license, passport, or utility bill. These documents help establish the individual's identity and prevent unauthorized access to their records. 5. Signature: The request must be signed by the individual making the request, affirming the accuracy of the information provided and their consent to disclose the requested information. It is important to note that there might be variations of the Washington Request for Disclosure Regarding Nature and Substance of Files of Consumer Reporting Agency based on the purpose of the request or the specific type of information the individual is seeking. For example, individuals may request disclosure of their credit scores, investigative consumer reports, or employment background checks, each requiring specific forms tailored to the requested information. To ensure a successful request process, individuals are encouraged to consult relevant resources, such as the Washington State Office of the Attorney General's website, which provides information, forms, and guidance related to consumer rights and fair credit reporting.
