It is your right to know what your rights are and what your consequences might be if your credit card information is accessed by someone other than you. An employer or company that does an unapproved credit check can be sued. You have the right to view your credit report. Know how to obtain a credit report.
You have the right to be protected against unauthorized credit checks
You can use a security freeze to prevent credit checks being unauthorized. This freeze prevents new credit applications from being approved unless you first grant it. This can also delay approval of new credit. A security freeze is good for protecting your identity. It can also be useful in preventing identity theft. However, you should use it wisely. However, this process won't stop you from doing unauthorized credit checks.
You have a right to sue a company or employer
In NYC, a human rights law prevents employers from checking your credit. While the law does not bar employers from doing background checks or doing other research, it does ban them from using your credit information for employment decisions. If you feel your employer has violated your rights, you can file a lawsuit.
You have the right of seeing your credit reports
Under the law, you have the right to see your credit report for free if you have been refused credit. This right applies when an entity has taken adverse action against you based on your credit report, such as denying credit, terminating credit, or changing an insurance offer. The entity must provide you with the name of the credit reporting bureau and a phone number where you can obtain your report. Because inaccurate information could result in unfair or discriminatory treatment, those on government assistance and unemployed are eligible for free credit reports.
Employers can sue you for damages if they used your credit reports without your permission in order to hire employees. If you believe the information was false or misleading, you may be able to seek punitive and attorney's costs. But, if you want to file a lawsuit, then you will need to prove that you were affected by the unauthorized access.
You have the right of requesting a copy credit reports
No matter if you have bad or excellent credit, you can request a copy your credit history from any one the three major credit agencies. When you request a copy, the credit bureaus must provide you with all of the information in their files at the time of your request. You have the right to see the names of all people who have received your credit report in the last year or two. Additionally, if you are denied for a loan or credit, the company must tell you the name the credit bureau denied you.
The information in your credit report can affect your buying power and your chance of getting a job. This information is sold to credit bureaus by businesses to help them make loan and insurance decisions. It is also used by some employers to help them make hiring decisions. Although you can request a copy, it is best to wait until you have a valid purpose. False pretenses may result in you being charged with criminal and civil damages.