Which scenario would require a consumer to use the "60-day rule"?

The scenario that specifically relates to the "60-day rule" involves the situation where a consumer receives a hard inquiry after submitting a credit application. The 60-day rule refers to the period within which a consumer must dispute any inaccuracies or issues related to their credit report, particularly regarding hard inquiries. If a consumer believes that a hard inquiry was made in error or without their consent, they have 60 days to report this to the credit reporting agency to ensure their credit report is accurate.

This rule is important in protecting consumers from unauthorized inquiries that could affect their credit score. Understanding the implications of such inquiries can help consumers manage their credit health effectively, especially when applying for loans or other credit products.

In contrast, the other scenarios listed do not involve issues warranting the application of the 60-day rule. Applying for a new utility service, buying a car with cash, and checking credit reports annually do not inherently involve the need for disputing inquiries within a specific timeframe. Therefore, the context of the 60-day rule is most applicable to the situation involving the hard inquiry after a credit application.