Consumer Resources
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To help you navigate all the ins and outs, we’ve compiled a collection of resources that address the questions we hear most often. We hope you find the information helpful!
Check out additional information:
- Find out why there is an inquiry from Birchwood Credit Services on your credit report.
- Learn why and how to request a credit freeze.
- Get step-by-step instructions for filing a dispute if information on your credit report is inaccurate or incomplete.
- Understand how to protect your privacy during the loan application process.
Is there a Birchwood inquiry on your credit report?
Birchwood is a credit reporting agency providing credit reporting products and services to mortgage brokers and lenders who use them to process mortgage loan applications. If you see a Birchwood inquiry on your credit report, it is most likely related to a recent transaction you’ve had with a mortgage broker or lender. In that case, the inquiry indicates that a broker or lender made a legitimate request to access your credit via Birchwood.
Credit Report Access
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) obligates the three primary credit bureaus to provide you with one free copy of your credit report each year. To obtain this copy visit www.annualcreditreport.com.
Credit Bureaus
The three major credit bureaus provide a wealth of consumer-specific information on credit management as well as consumer credit services such as credit reports, credit report disputes, and security freezes. You can visit each of their sites for additional information and resources:
Your FICO Score
You can learn more about your FICO Score (the number that summarizes your credit risk) at www.myfico.com.
Reporting Fraud or Identity Theft
If you believe that you have been the victim of identity theft or other credit-related fraud, you can report the crime to any one of the three major credit bureaus via a toll-free number. (The bureau you contact will notify the other two credit bureaus.)
- Equifax: 888-766-0008
- Experian: 888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 800-680-7289
Consumer Rights
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guarantees you certain credit-related rights including access to your credit file, accuracy of the information in your credit file, and the privacy of your personal credit information. Please visit our FCRA Rights overview page for more information. You can also visit the official Credit and Loans page of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).