The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) stipulates strict guidelines for who can access your credit report and under what conditions, safeguarding consumer privacy. Only entities with a "permissible purpose" can perform a credit check without your permission, which typically includes soft inquiries by potential landlords, employers, or lenders for preapproval offers. Hard inquiries, usually for loans or credit applications, require your consent, except in specific situations such as debt collection or court orders. The FCRA also allows consumers to take legal action against unauthorized access to their credit reports. Regularly checking your credit report can help you keep track of who has made inquiries and ensure your privacy is protected.
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