When does a furnisher violate the FCRA?

A furnisher violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when it knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the information it is providing is inaccurate. The FCRA imposes certain responsibilities on furnishers, such as ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the information they provide to consumer reporting agencies. If a furnisher either has knowledge that the information is incorrect or has a reasonable basis to suspect its inaccuracy, failing to correct or withhold that information from being reported can lead to a violation of the FCRA. This is critical for protecting consumers' rights and ensuring that their credit reports reflect truthful and accurate information.

Providing accurate information does not constitute a violation, nor does it inherently violate the FCRA to provide information without consent under certain circumstances outlined in the Act. Additionally, the FCRA’s stipulations regarding disputes are more about the consumer's right to challenge inaccurate information rather than the only condition under which a violation occurs, as violations can also occur prior to any dispute being raised.