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     | Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 12:17 pm  This was interesting. After about 20 minutes on hold I spoke to rep who tried to transfer me to a supervisor, but couldn't get it working. She took down my number, and I actually got a call back a few minutes later. 1) The FTC very much encourages consumer complaints. They look at all complaints, but they cannot act on the behalf of an individual. How many complaints does it take for the FTC to actually investigate? They look for a pattern. However, ONE complaint COULD result in an investigation. 2) How many complaints have been filed against Inovision? The answer is CONFIDENTIAL. Can I request this info through the Freedom of Information Act? NO. Can I have this info subpoenaed? NO. 3) Equifax is correct by referring all complaints to the FTC. I can't think of ANY industry enjoying that kind of government protection. Apparently they are NOT facing ANY kind of liability for knowingly selling reports to companies who routinely violate the FCRA. So, you can file your complaint with the FTC, subject to 1). 4) The right to representation Nowhere does it state that the consumer has no right to representation. The FCRA states that CRAs may require additional ID info from the consumer. It's my opinion that consumers have the right to give Power of Attorney to anyone to handle their credit disputes. That could be a spouse, a friend, someone like me, or an attorney. Just like you can give Power of Attorney to ANYONE to buy and sell real estate or handle ANY other matter on your behalf. Your representative in COURT has to be a licensed attorney. That's the only exception I know of. Summary: Back in the 80s the FTC investigated each one of my complaints and they were resolved to my satisfaction. The lady I spoke with today has only been with the FTC for a couple of years, so she didn't know WHEN this policy changed. It's obvious that the finance industry and CRAs loaded congressional pockets with cash to prompt some changes. Does anyone know WHY the number of complaints against a corporation would be "classified" information? Are we threatening national security by releasing the number of complaints against Inovision or Equifax? Who tells the FTC what to do? I hear about this congressional mandate, but have no idea what that means. Are there bills that are voted on about what the FTC is to do? Does anyone have a legislative representative who would be willing to look into this and get us some answers? Is there ONE legislator who hasn't been bought by corporate and is willing to sponsor new credit reporting legislation in favor of consumers?
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| | Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 05:10 pm Christine, I think that you were being misled somewhat regarding the confidentiality of complaints filed with the FTC. You may end up with copies of records with specific information "blacked out" but unless the information falls into very specific categories I believe you can obtain it. I would certainly try. The link below is to the ACLU's information on the FOIA and how to request info. http://www.aclu.org/library/foia.html#basics
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| | Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 05:12 pm Additionally, The fact that the supervisor informed you the information cannot be subpoenaed seems like a big leap in his/her qualifications. Almost as if the law were being cited. That decision, most certainly, would be up to a judge, not a civil service supervisor
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| | Wednesday, March 28, 2001 - 06:35 pm Hal, you're right, but that's what they say. Don't know if you've looked at their new Consumer Sentinel Network. All the information is readily available on the net, to everybody EXCEPT consumers. I find it totally hideous that they refuse to disclose the number of complaints against CRAs. I'll try the FOIA, as soon as I got a few hours ....
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