FCRA Focus

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In this episode of FCRA Focus, host Dave Gettings is joined by Troutman colleagues Cindy Hanson and Noah DiPasquale for a deep dive into reseller litigation under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The trio breaks down what a “reseller” is under 15 U.S.C. 1681a(u), how resellers function as intermediaries between originating consumer reporting agencies and end users, and why that limited role matters when evaluating claims under 1681e(b) and 1681i. They discuss recent case law on reasonable procedures, the impact of 1681i(f)’s limited dispute obligations, and practical litigation strategies, including leveraging industry standards, expert testimony, and arguments against double recovery under the one-satisfaction rule and setoff.

On this episode of FCRA Focus, Kim Phan is joined by Rachel Kelley and Alisha Sears from the Mortgage Bankers Association to discuss the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, which amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to address residential mortgage trigger leads with the goal of curbing abusive calls while preserving meaningful competition. This law now requires both a firm offer of credit and documented consumer authorization, with limited exceptions for current originators, servicers, and depository institutions/credit unions holding an account. They discuss how the law places the primary obligations on consumer reporting agencies, what lenders should expect around consent certifications, the Government Accountability Office study on trigger-leads, and the upcoming effective date.

In this episode of FCRA Focus, co-hosts Dave Gettings and Kim Phan are joined by partner Stefanie Jackman to unpack the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) evolving interpretation of Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) preemption. They trace the timeline from the CFPB’s July 2022 interpretive rule, through its withdrawal in May 2025, to the October 2025 confirmation and new guidance embracing a broader view of preemption under 15 U.S.C. § 1681t(b)(1). The team discusses how the CFPB’s latest stance could impact state laws regulating consumer reports beyond “credit” — including medical debt, rental information, and criminal background checks — and why interpretive rules, despite being helpful and persuasive, are not binding on courts. They also explore practical implications for litigation and compliance, the current judicial environment for agency deference, and the ongoing tension between the need for nationwide uniformity and the growing patchwork of state-by-state mini-FCRA laws.

In this episode of FCRA Focus, host Dave Gettings is joined by Brooke Conkle and Mandi Blackmon to explore the intricacies of a furnisher’s reasonable investigation under Section 1681s-2(b) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The discussion centers around the Second Circuit’s recent decision in the Suluki case, which addresses the standards for conducting a reasonable investigation in the context of identity theft allegations. The hosts delve into the background of the case, the arguments presented by both parties, and the court’s rationale in affirming summary judgment for the defendant. They also examine how this decision aligns with prior Second Circuit precedent and its implications for compliance and litigation strategies. Tune in for a detailed analysis of how the Suluki decision reinforces the principle that investigations must be reasonable, not perfect, and what this means for furnishers navigating similar claims.

In this special crossover episode between FCRA Focus and The Consumer Finance Podcast, Kim Phan, Dave Gettings, Chris Willis, and Cindy Hanson explore the recent withdrawal of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) guidance affecting the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of how these changes impact key areas such as preemption, background screening, permissible purpose, artificial intelligence, and state attorneys general enforcement actions. The discussion highlights the implications for consumer reporting agencies, furnishers, end-users, and the broader regulatory landscape, offering valuable insights for professionals navigating these evolving challenges. Tune in to understand the potential shifts in compliance and enforcement.

In this episode of FCRA Focus, hosts Kim Phan and Dave Gettings bring you the latest updates from the regulatory and litigation sides of the house. Dave shares his insights on the challenges and litigation surrounding identity theft investigations, offering practical tips for furnishers to navigate these complex issues. Kim provides an overview of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s renewed supervision efforts and what it means for Fair Credit Reporting Act compliance. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with valuable information and practical advice.

In this episode of FCRA Focus, host Dave Gettings is joined by Cindy Hanson, Scott Kelly, and Tim St. George, partners in Troutman Pepper Locke’s Consumer Financial Services Practice Group, to discuss the most impactful regulatory issues in credit reporting from 2024 and their potential impact in 2025. The discussion covers developments in background screening, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s advisory opinions on reasonable procedures, and proposed rulemaking related to medical debt. The group also explores emerging litigation trends and the impact of recent regulatory activities on industry standards.

Join host Kim Phan and special guests David Anthony, Stefanie Jackman, and Mark Furletti as they delve into the significant Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) developments of 2024 and provide insights on what to expect in 2025. This episode covers a range of topics, including the impact of the outgoing Biden Administration and the incoming Trump Administration on FCRA regulations, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s recent rulemaking activities, and the ongoing legal challenges. Tune in to understand the evolving landscape of consumer reporting laws and regulation and how it may affect your business. Don’t miss this comprehensive review and analysis from Troutman Pepper Locke’s seasoned legal professionals.

Join host Dave Gettings and guest Elizabeth Holt Andrews in this episode of FCRA Focus as they delve into the complexities of arbitration in California, a frequent battleground for FCRA cases. Elizabeth, an appellate attorney from Troutman Pepper Locke’s San Francisco office, shares updates on a major arbitration case pending in the California Supreme Court, Hohenshelt v. Superior Court. They explore the implications of recently enacted California statutes governing arbitration, the potential national impact, and the challenges businesses face under these new rules. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the evolving arbitration landscape and what it means for consumer financial services companies. Don’t miss this engaging episode filled with in-depth analysis and practical insights.

In this episode of FCRA Focus, host Dave Gettings is joined by fellow partner Tim St. George to delve into the intersection of the Fair Housing Act (FHA), consumer reporting agencies, and The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). They explore the nuances of FHA claims, including disparate treatment and disparate impact, and discuss the implications for tenant screening and mortgage consumer reporting agencies. Tim shares insights from his extensive experience in federal trials and appeals involving FHA claims, offering valuable perspectives on compliance strategies and the evolving legal landscape. Tune in to understand how the FHA could affect your business practices and what steps you can take to mitigate potential liabilities.