The response to the column the FTC HAS SPOKEN has been overwhelming and it is obvious from your e mails that many of you feel that the new FCRA does not apply in your case. Unfortunately, the Federal Trade Commission has a different opinion and unless there is a ruling by a court of law their opinion is the one that counts.

Collection agencies, background investigators, employment agencies, employment verification firms, firms with government contracts (local, state AND federal), insurance companies, not for profit organizations, and yes, even some public agencies are NOT EXEMPT from the new FCRA when it comes to the consumer and their credit report.

It is obvious from the letters that the FTC has received since 1998 that there existed many "loopholes" whereby creditors, employers, businesses and their agents felt that they had a right to access a consumers credit file. The new FCRA has closed these "loopholes" in the eyes of the FTC who is charged with enforcement of the new law.

If you have questions concerning your situation I suggest you visit the FTC's website at FTC.GOV and review the opinions concerning the Fair Credit Reporting Act and consumer credit reports and accessing them. They have also redefined who is considered a credit reporting agency and many firms are discovering that in light of the revised law the FTC now looks upon them as credit reporting agencies.

It is evident that the consumer (debtor) is being granted more protection by the government as we enter into the new millennium.