Protecting Yourself from Unscrupulous & Intrusive Sales Tactics

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12.11.2023 Written by Fox Communities Credit Union

Did you know when you apply for a mortgage, your credit is pulled by three major credit bureaus?

As part of the application process for a home loan, your credit report is pulled by the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. Your credit scores are then provided back to the lender with which you applied and authorized to inquire about your credit history.

What happens after that is out of your lenders hands... The credit bureaus often sell your name and information to other mortgage lenders as a trigger lead. These other lenders now know you're in the market for a new home loan and they try to reach out to you to work with them instead. The tactics they use are often intrusive and unethical, such as repeated phone calls, misrepresentation of their fees, rates, or loan terms often falsely presenting themselves and purposefully confusing the consumer.

How to protect yourself from these trigger leads:

  1. Register with the national do not call registry
  2. Register to reduce mailings from lenders (and other junk mail) by visiting DMAchoice.org. This site from data & marketing association lets you choose what types of mailings you will and will not receive.
  3. Opt-out of future credit offers by signing up at optoutprescreen.com. Because of the fair credit and reporting act (FCRA) opting out here means that credit bureaus will no longer be able to sell your information to other companies for the purpose of offering you credit or insurance products.

Please know: Fox Communities Credit Union does not participate in trigger leads to try and get loans from other financials.

Not only do you have to deal with the inconvenience of receiving junk mail from various lenders, but the fact that you own a home is also a matter of public record. Expect to receive numerous mailings from "companies" pushing you to swiftly engage in activities such as obtaining insurance and warranties. It's important to recognize that these communications are not originating from Fox Communities Credit Union. We strongly advise you to discard these materials securely. Contact us if you have any questions about any mailing, phone call or text allegedly from us we will be able to confirm its accuracy and help keep you safe!