Consumer Reporting and Privacy: The Need for Better Consumer Protection

Author

Angie Barrados

Organization

Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)

Published

2000

Summary

This report explores the consumer reporting system - namely credit reporting agencies - and describes what they do, what information is contained in bureau reports, outlines the consumer protection provided by current legislation, and discusses the problems of the consumer reporting system from the consumer's perspective. The research material was drawn from primary sources such as company Web sites and literature, government documents, newspaper articles, and interview with company representatives, government officials, credit counsellors and consumer advocates. The report suggests several consumer protection measures to regulate this sector, including: 1) improving openness, transparency and public accountability, requiring consumer consent to collect personal information and to use and disclose CRA reports, and 3) strengthening information security procedures.

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English only

OCA Funded Research
This research received funding support through the Office of Consumer Affairs' Contributions Program.

Contact information

Source: Consumer Policy Research Database