There is a misconception that credit scores are controlled by the government and a meme portraying Spiderman that reads: “The people who are $30 trillion in debt are giving you a credit score” is making its rounds on the internet.

Credit scores come from the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Consumers have a belief that they are somehow owned, managed and controlled by the federal government but they are not, in fact.

At a fundamental level, the credit bureaus all operate as private, for-profit companies. They are highly regulated by the government by the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  But in reality, none of the businesses are mandated by the government.

Credit bureaus work to collect consumer credit information and they sell that information to businesses such as banks and credit card companies. These companies want to know the financial risk of their consumers and are willing to pay for screenings. This determines the likelihood that the consumer will successfully manage a large expense and pay back a loan.

Credit bureaus also work directly with consumers. They are tasked with responding directly to consumer disputes due to mistakes and missing information on credit reports and allow consumers access to their credit scores. If there is fraudulent activity, they allow the consumer to freeze their account or place fraud alerts.

Each company works independently from each other. That is why each report may slightly differ. You may also find that you can access different reports from different places.

Even though the credit bureaus are not apart of the government they are still subjected to laws and regulation. The FCRA has been in existence since the 1970’s. It has been implemented to protect consumer rights when it comes to accuracy, fairness, and privacy of credit information. According to the FCRA you have the right to:

• Be told if information in your credit report has been used against you

• Know what’s in your credit report

• Access your credit score

• Dispute incorrect or incomplete information

• Have incorrect or incomplete information resolved by the credit bureaus

• Have outdated, negative information withheld from your report

• Limit who can access your file

• Give consent to your report being given to employers

• Limit pre-screened credit and insurance offers sent to you

• Seek damages from violators

• Be given additional protections if you’re the victim of identity theft or are on active military duty.