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Consumer Protection –
Consumer Protection Office |
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A bank loan that you applied for was turned down. The bank claimed that your personal credit record showed that you were a bad risk.
The first time you apply for credit or a loan a general credit record is started. This record consists of your home address and basic information on your job, salary and your paying habits.
Banks, credit unions, stores and potential employers sometimes hire credit reporting agencies to compile personal information on certain individuals’ financial and social activities. The information compiled assists these organizations in deciding whether to give a person credit, tenancy, insurance or employment. Precautions are taken to ensure personal file information is correct and it is the right of all Manitobans to know what information is in their personal file.
A company, store, credit union, bank or personal reporting agency may have a personal file on you. You may supply facts about yourself. You have the right to examine all information in your file once every six months or if you have been denied a benefit covered by The Personal Investigations Act.
The following steps should be followed when looking into your file at a personal reporting agency:
The action taken must be reported to you and to anyone who has been given the report within the previous 60 days.
Be aware of your responsibilities in credit or personal loan agreements, as a default in payment can have a detrimental effect on your personal credit file.
In Manitoba you have certain rights regarding your personal file. These rights include:
In most cases, when you apply for credit, tenancy, insurance or employment, your consent must be obtained in advance for a personal investigation to be done.
If you would like to know more about The Personal Investigations Act, contact:
Consumer Protection Office
302-258 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0B6
