Why You May Receive Solicitation Calls After a Credit Check
Why Am I Receiving Calls After a Credit Inquiry?
When you apply for credit, whether it’s a home loan, auto financing, or business lending, we request your credit report from at least one of the three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax, or Experian. This helps us make informed, responsible lending decisions based on your credit history and score.
What many borrowers don’t realize is that these credit bureaus may then share your information, including your name, contact details, and application date, with other financial institutions. These businesses use that data to reach out to you with unsolicited loan offers, a practice known as trigger marketing.
While perfectly legal under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), we understand that these calls can feel intrusive.
How Can I Reduce or Prevent These Calls?
At Baker Boyer, your privacy matters to us. While we are not able to stop this practice directly, we can help you take proactive steps to reduce unwanted solicitations:
1. Opt Out of Prescreened Offers
You can limit access to your credit data by visiting www.optoutprescreen.com or calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688).
- Choose to opt out for five years or permanently.
- You’ll be asked for personal information such as your name, Social Security number, and date of birth. This is used strictly to process your request and is kept confidential.
Important Note: If you share a credit account with a partner or spouse, both individuals must opt out to fully stop these solicitations.
2. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
Go to www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222. This registry, operated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), reduces telemarketing calls. While it doesn’t stop trigger leads directly, it helps reduce other forms of marketing outreach.
3. Make Your Voice Heard
If you feel strongly about the privacy concerns surrounding trigger marketing, consider reaching out to your congressional representatives. Changes to these practices would require legislative action, and your voice can contribute to future policy.
At Baker Boyer, we believe that transparency, respect, and personalized service are the foundation of financial wellness. If you have any questions about your credit or how to navigate the lending process with confidence, we’re always here to help.
