Levine v. World Financial-FCRA Class Action Defense Cases: Facially Valid Request for Consumer Credit Report Does Not Relieve Consumer Reporting Agency Of Duty To Evaluate Permissible Purpose Of Request Pursuant To Federal FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act

Federal District Court Order Granting Defense Motion to Dismiss FCRA Action Against Consumer Reporting Agency Reversed

A consumer (Stephen Levine) opened a store credit card account with a clothing retailer (Structure) through its financial affiliate (World Financial National Network Bank) that the consumer closed in 1998. Credit reports at a consumer reporting agency (Experian Information Solutions) showed that the account had been paid in full and closed. Nonetheless, in 2002 Structure requested credit reports on Levine from Experian, stating that it needed them for purposes of “account review.” Structure had not reported Experian with any new information on Levine’s account during the preceding four years, and Levine had not made any inquiries to Experian or Structure concerning his closed account. Experian provided copies of Levine’s credit report to Structure in May 2002 and in August 2002. Levine sued Experian and Structure for violating the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). 15 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq. Experian’s defense attorneys moved to dismiss the complaint. The district court granted the motion on two grounds: (1) “FCRA does not suggest that a credit report may only be permissibly obtained for account review during particular points in the parties’ relationship” and “Experian had not duty to investigate a facially valid request for a consumer report,” and (2) Levine failed to adequately allege damage. Levine v. World Financial Network Nat’l Bank, 437 F.3d 1118, 1119-20 (11th Cir. 2006). The Eleventh Circuit reversed.

Class Action Court Decisions FCRA Class Actions Uncategorized

FCRA Class Action Defense Issues-American Bankers v. Gould: Federal FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) Preempts Portions of California’s Financial Information Privacy Act (SB1) Ninth Circuit Holds

Ninth Circuit Remands Case to Federal District Court to Determine Whether Any Portion of the Affiliate-Sharing Provisions of California’s Financial Privacy Act Survive Preemption Under FCRA Separate articles concerning class action defense cases and issues discuss the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq., which establishes procedures for reporting and challenging information contained in consumer credit reports, Federal courts have described FCRA’s statutory scheme as “comprehensive” and “complex.

Class Action Court Decisions FCRA Class Actions Uncategorized

15 U.S.C. § 1681c-1 – Identity Theft Prevention; Fraud Alerts And Active Duty Alerts: Statutory Language of the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) for the Class Action Defense Lawyer

As a resource for defense lawyer defending against class actions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., we provide on this site the text of the FCRA. The next section we include discusses identity theft, fraud alerts and active duty alerts, which is governed by the following statute:

§ 1681c-1. Identity theft prevention; fraud alerts and active duty alerts

(a) One-call Fraud Alerts

(1) Initial alerts.

Upon the direct request of a consumer, or an individual acting on behalf of or as a personal representative of a consumer, who asserts in good faith a suspicion that the consumer has been or is about to become a victim of fraud or related crime, including identity theft, a consumer reporting agency described in section 1681a(p) of this title that maintains a file on the consumer and has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester shall–

(A) include a fraud alert in the file of that consumer, and also provide that alert along with any credit score generated in using that file, for a period of not less than 90 days, beginning on the date of such request, unless the consumer or such representative requests that such fraud alert be removed before the end of such period, and the agency has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester for such purpose; and

(B) refer the information regarding the fraud alert under this paragraph to each of the other consumer reporting agencies described in section 1681a(p) of this title, in accordance with procedures developed under section 1681s(f) of this title.

(2) Access to free reports.

In any case in which a consumer reporting agency includes a fraud alert in the file of a consumer pursuant to this subsection, the consumer reporting agency shall–

(A) disclose to the consumer that the consumer may request a free copy of the file of the consumer pursuant to section 1681j(d); and

(B) provide to the consumer all disclosures required to be made under section 1681g of this title, without charge to the consumer, not later than 3 business days after any request described in subparagraph (A).

FCRA Class Actions Statutes & Rules Uncategorized

15 U.S.C. § 1681c – Requirements Relating to Information Contained in Consumer Reports: Statutory Language for the Defense Lawyer of Class Action Lawsuits Under the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act)

As a resource for defense lawyer defending against class actions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., we provide on this site the text of the FCRA. Attorneys in FCRA class action cases often focus on the contents of consumer reports, which is governed by the following statute:

§ 1681c. Requirements relating to information contained in consumer reports

(a) Information excluded from consumer reports.

Except as authorized under subsection (b) of this section, no consumer reporting agency may make any consumer report containing any of the following items of information:

(1) Cases under Title 11 or under the Bankruptcy Act that, from the date of entry of the order for relief or the date of adjudication, as the case may be, antedate the report by more than 10 years.

(2) Civil suits, civil judgments, and records of arrest that from date of entry, antedate the report by more than seven years or until the governing statute of limitations has expired, whichever is the longer period.

(3) Paid tax liens which, from date of payment, antedate the report by more than seven years.

(4) Accounts placed for collection or charged to profit and loss which antedate the report by more than seven years.

(5) Any other adverse item of information, other than records of convictions of crimes which antedates the report by more than seven years.

(6) The name, address, and telephone number of any medical information furnisher that has notified the agency of its status, unless–

(A) such name, address, and telephone number are restricted or reported using codes that do not identify, or provide information sufficient to infer, the specific provider or the nature of such services, products, or devices to a person other than the consumer; or

(B) the report is being provided to an insurance company for a purpose relating to engaging in the business of insurance other than property and casualty insurance.

(b) Exempted cases.

The provisions of paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (a) of this section are not applicable in the case of any consumer credit report to be used in connection with

(1) a credit transaction involving, or which may reasonably be expected to involve, a principal amount of $150,000 or more;

(2) the underwriting of life insurance involving, or which may reasonably be expected to involve, a face amount of $150,000 or more; or

(3) the employment of any individual at an annual salary which equals, or which may reasonably be expected to equal $75,000, or more.

FCRA Class Actions Statutes & Rules Uncategorized

Putkowski v. Irwin Home Equity-FCRA Class Action Defense Cases: Mailer Offering Pre-Approved Equity Line From $15,000-$300,000 At Interest From 5.65%-16.9% Is “Firm Offer Of Credit” Under Federal FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) California Court Holds

California Court Dismisses Class Action Agreeing With Defense Attorneys that Federal Fair Credit Report Act (FCRA) Does Not Require Terms of Equity Line Offer in Mailer to be a Specific Dollar Figure or Interest Rate, and that No Private Right of Action Exists for Alleged Violations of § 1681m’s Disclosure Requirements

A putative class action was filed against a lender for allegedly violating the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq., by sending out unsolicited mailers offering equity lines of credit in broad amounts (in plaintiff’s case, $15,000 – $300,000) at a range of interest rates (in plaintiff’s case, 5.65% – 16.9%), and by failing to include the disclosures required by § 1681m(d). Putkowski v. Irwin Home Equity Corp., 423 F.Supp.2d 1053, 1055-56 (N.D. Cal. 2006). Defense attorneys moved to dismiss the class action; plaintiff’s lawyer argued that the mailer was nothing more than a “sales pitch” and that it did not constitute a “firm offer” under the FCRA because it “failed to state the rate of interest to be charged or the amount of credit to be extended.” Id., at 1057. The class action defense team also argued that no private right of action exists for alleged violations of § 1681m. The district court agreed with the defense.

Defense attorneys argued that “firm offers of credit” under the FCRA may be “conditional” – that it need not specify the amount of the loan offered or the interest rate, and that “the offeror may later withdraw the offer if the consumer does not meet the creditworthiness criteria.” Putkowski, at 1058. The district court distinguished Cole v. U.S. Capital, Inc., 389 F.3d 719 (7th Cir. 2004) [holding mailer failed to comply with FCRA], and found that the terms of the “offer” set forth in the mailer sent to plaintiff were sufficient “firm” to satisfy FCRA. Id., at 1059-60.

Class Action Court Decisions FCRA Class Actions Uncategorized

Reynolds v. Hartford-Class Action Defense Cases: “Adverse Action” Under Federal FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) Applies To Initial Premium Set By Insurer Ninth Circuit Holds In Case Of First Impression

Federal Court Also Holds that Liability for Violations of Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and that “Willful” Noncompliance Under FCRA’s Punitive Damage Provision Includes Reckless Disregard

In two class action lawsuits filed against insurance companies for alleged violations of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act separate statement motion to compel responses, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq., (1) class action defense attorneys representing Hartford moved for summary judgment on the grounds that the initial rate set for a new policy holder cannot constitute an “adverse action” because there is no “increase” in the rate charged; and (2) class action defense attorneys representing GEICO sought summary judgment claiming the class representative lacked standing, that it did not contract to issue the plaintiff a policy, and that the premium charged would have been the same even if it had not considered plaintiff’s credit history. In each case, the district court granted summary judgment in favor of the insurers; the Ninth Circuit consolidated the cases for purposes of its opinion.

In a case of first impression, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that if the rate initially set by an insurance company would have been lower but for its reliance on a consumer’s credit report, then a notice of adverse action must be provided under the FCRA. Reynolds v. Hartford Fin. Serv. Group, Inc., 435 F.3d 1081 (9th Cir. 2006). Congress enacted the FCRA to ensure fair and accurate reporting of credit information affecting consumers. The statutory scheme has been characterized by courts as both comprehensive and complex. One aspect of the FCRA requires that consumers be informed of “adverse actions” taken in reliance on credit reports so that they can dispute or explain any negative information contained in such reports. “Adverse action notices advise consumers that an adverse action has been taken against them, and the nature of that action, and alerts them that they may view a copy of the consumer report that triggered the adverse action free of charge and correct any errors affecting their economic well-being.” Id., at 1085.

Class Action Court Decisions FCRA Class Actions Uncategorized

McSherry v. Capital One-Class Action Defense Issues: No Right Of Indemnity Under FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) Or TILA (Truth In Lending Act) Federal Court Holds

Federal District Court Grants Motion to Strike Third-Party Complaint for Indemnity/Contribution Against Parent

Plaintiffs Kristen and William McSherry Jr. (“William Jr.”) filed suit against Capital One FSB and others alleging violations of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and Truth in Lending Act (TILA), together with Washington state law claims for defamation and invasion of privacy. McSherry v. Capital One FSB, ___ F.R.D. ___, 2006 WL 1420839 (W.D. Wash. 2006). Capital One filed a third-party complaint against plaintiff’s father, William McSherry Sr., (“William Sr.”) for indemnity and contribution because “[a]ccording to several documents in the record, including Plaintiffs’ complaint, it appears that the debt allegedly incurred by [William Jr.], may have been incurred by [William Sr.].” Slip Opn., at 2. The district court granted plaintiffs’ motion to strike, finding that “[w]hile it does appear that Capital One’s allegedly tortuous actions or omissions would not have occurred but for [William Sr.’s] alleged actions, this is not enough.” _Id_., at 1 and 12.

The federal court began with a summary of federal law on impleader actions, noting that it must be based on “an assertion of the third-party defendant’s derivative liability to the third-party plaintiff” and that it “cannot be used to assert any . . . rights to recovery arising from the same transaction or occurrence as the underlying action.” Slip Opn., at 3-4 (citation omitted). Here, the plaintiffs’ complaint was carefully drafted to seek damages solely based on Capital One’s acts or omissions in response to communications from plaintiffs concerning the debt:

Class Action Court Decisions FCRA Class Actions RESPA/TILA Class Actions Uncategorized

15 U.S.C. § 1681b – Permissible purposes of consumer reports: Statutory Language for the Defense Lawyer of Class Action Lawsuits Under the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act)

As a resource for the class action defense lawyer defending against class actions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., we provide the text of the FCRA on this site for attorneys.

§ 1681b. Permissible purposes of consumer reports

(a) In general.

Subject to subsection (c), any consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report under the following circumstances and no other:

(1) In response to the order of a court having jurisdiction to issue such an order, or a subpoena issued in connection with proceedings before a Federal grand jury.

(2) In accordance with the written instructions of the consumer to whom it relates.

(3) To a person which it has reason to believe

(A) intends to use the information in connection with a credit transaction involving the consumer on whom the information is to be furnished and involving the extension of credit to, or review or collection of an account of, the consumer; or

(B) intends to use the information for employment purposes; or

(C) intends to use the information in connection with the underwriting of insurance involving the consumer; or

(D) intends to use the information in connection with a determination of the consumer’s eligibility for a license or other benefit granted by a governmental instrumentality required by law to consider an applicant’ s financial responsibility or status; or

(E) intends to use the information, as a potential investor or servicer, or current insurer, in connection with a valuation of, or an assessment of the credit or prepayment risks associated with, an existing credit obligation; or

(F) otherwise has a legitimate business need for the information

(i) in connection with a business transaction that is initiated by the consumer; or

(ii) to review an account to determine whether the consumer continues to meet the terms of the account.

(4) In response to a request by the head of a State or local child support enforcement agency (or a State or local government official authorized by the head of such an agency), if the person making the request certifies to the consumer reporting agency that

(A) the consumer report is needed for the purpose of establishing an individual’s capacity to make child support payments or determining the appropriate level of such payments;

(B) the paternity of the consumer for the child to which the obligation relates has been established or acknowledged by the consumer in accordance with State laws under which the obligation arises (if required by those laws);

(C) the person has provided at least 10 days’ prior notice to the consumer whose report is requested, by certified or registered mail to the last known address of the consumer, that the report will be requested; and

(D) the consumer report will be kept confidential, will be used solely for a purpose described in subparagraph (A), and will not be used in connection with any other civil, administrative, or criminal proceeding, or for any other purpose.

(5) To an agency administering a State plan under Section 454 of Title 42 for use to set an initial or modified child support award.

FCRA Class Actions Statutes & Rules Uncategorized

Class Action Defense Issues–Federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA)

Class Action Defense Attorneys Urged to Advise Clients about FACTA Requirements Congress has amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act to include the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act. That statute requires that credit card receipts provided to customers be modified so that the credit card number shown on the receipt is truncated and so that the expiration date is omitted. Defense attorneys are encouraged to be proactive in warning their clients about the statute, which takes effect in December 2006.

Class Actions In The News FCRA Class Actions Uncategorized

15 U.S.C. § 1681a – Definitions; rules of construction: Statutory Language of the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) for the Class Action Defense Lawyer

As a resource for the defense lawyer defending against class actions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., we provide the text of the FCRA on this site for attorneys.

§ 1681a. Definitions; rules of construction

(a) Definitions and rules of construction set forth in this section are applicable for the purposes of this title.

(b) The term “person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, trust, estate, cooperative, association, government or governmental subdivision or agency, or other entity.

(c) The term “consumer” means an individual.

(d) Consumer Report

(1) In general.

The term “consumer report” means any written, oral, or other communication of any information by a consumer reporting agency bearing on a consumer’s credit worthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living which is used or expected to e used or collected in whole or in part for the purpose of serving as a factor in establishing the consumer’ s eligibility for

(A) credit or insurance to be used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes;

(B) employment purposes; or

(C) any other purpose authorized under section 1681b of this title.

(2) Exclusions.

Except as provided in paragraph (3), the term “consumer report” does not include

(A) subject to section 1681s-3 of this title, any

(i) report containing information solely as to transactions or experiences between the consumer and the person making the report;

(ii) communication of that information among persons related by common ownership or affiliated by corporate control; or

(iii) communication of other information among persons related by common ownership or affiliated by corporate control, if it is clearly and conspicuously disclosed to the consumer that the information may be communicated among such persons and the consumer is given the opportunity, before the time that the information is initially communicated, to direct that such information not be communicated among such persons;

(B) any authorization or approval of a specific extension of credit directly or indirectly by the issuer of a credit card or similar device;

(C) any report in which a person who has been requested by a third party to make a specific extension of credit directly or indirectly to a consumer conveys his or her decision with respect to such request, if the third party advises the consumer of the name and address of the person to whom the request was made, and such person makes the disclosures to the consumer required under section § 1681m of this title; or

(D) a communication described in subsection (o) or (x).

(3) Restriction on sharing of medical information.

Except for information or any communication of information disclosed as provided in section 1681b(g)(3), the exclusions in paragraph (2) shall not apply with respect to information disclosed to any person related by common ownership or affiliated by corporate control, if the information is–

(A) medical information;

(B) an individualized list or description based on the payment transactions of the consumer for medical products or services; or

(C) an aggregate list of identified consumers based on payment transactions for medical products or services.

FCRA Class Actions Statutes & Rules Uncategorized