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Credit Reporting Agencies

GLOSSARY TERMS

Identity
Your name, social security number, and other unique financial information that proves who you are.

Identity confirmation
Verifying a person's identity before approving a transaction such as releasing personal information or extending credit.

Identity Theft
When someone uses another person's identity information (credit card number, social security number, etc.) for their benefit.

Inquiry
When a consumer's credit file is accessed by a creditor. Inquiries stay on credit reports for up to two years.

Installment loan

A loan paid over a period of time with fixed payments. Common installment loans are for expensive items such as mortgages and vehicles, but can include other things like jewelry and furniture.

Installment loan account number
The account number assigned by the creditor for a specific installment loan account.

Interest

The cost of borrowing money; a percentage of the money loaned.

Interest rate
A fee paid on borrowed capital expressed as a percentage.

Investigation
A way of verifying the accuracy of information on a consumer's credit report. If a consumer disputes information on their credit report, a credit reporting agency performs an investigation.

Involuntary bankruptcy

When a creditor files for bankruptcy against a consumer.