Trigger Leads and Opting Out

What You Need to Know about Trigger Leads

Whether purchasing a new home or refinancing an existing home, the loan application process includes granting United Bank of Union permission to complete a credit check.  This action is a "trigger" and alerts the national Credit Reporting Agencies (Experian, Trans Union, Equifax) that you are in the market for a mortgage.  The credit bureaus then take your information and turn it into trigger leads.

Trigger leads are a marketing tool that mortgage lenders, insurance companies, and credit card providers use to identify potential customers.  Once the trigger lead is shared by the credit bureaus, consumers often start receiving direct solicitations such as phone calls, letters, and emails from third parties.   This information is sold to third parties by the credit bureaus and not by United Bank of Union.  We prioritize the protection of your information and never sell your information to third parties.

While trigger leads may seem unethical, they are legal under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and can provide a benefit to customers who wish to compare prices on services.  However, there is potential for untrustworthy companies to misrepresent themselves in these phone calls and mislead borrowers.  It is important for consumers to carefully research the companies that are reaching out.  With so many unsolicited offers, it is possible that trigger leads could expose borrowers to potential identity theft.

You can stop this from happening - consumers have the power to opt out.  Opting out should stop trigger leads and pre-screened offers.  Please note that this process can take time (usually up to two weeks) so if you already had a hard inquiry on your credit, these actions may not block those immediate offers but should take effect after 31 days.  

Opt Out of Pre-Screened Offers Online or by Phone

• Online:  www.optoutprescreen.com Opt-Out Pre-Screen is a joint venture among the national credit bureaus to allow consumers to control pre-screened offers.
• Phone:  1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688)   

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