According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, when is a consumer entitled to a free copy of his credit score assuming there has been no fraud?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumers are entitled to receive free copies of their credit reports, but not their credit scores. The distinction is important: while individuals can obtain a free credit report annually from each of the major credit reporting agencies, the FCRA does not mandate that consumers receive free access to their credit scores.

A credit score represents a numerical summary of a consumer's creditworthiness, which is derived from the data contained in their credit report. However, the FCRA specifically states that free credit reports are available under certain circumstances, such as when a consumer has been denied credit based on their report, but it does not extend the same right to a free credit score. Therefore, the statement that a consumer has no right to a free copy of their credit score accurately reflects the provisions of the FCRA. This knowledge is crucial for anyone involved in real estate and mortgage services, as understanding consumer rights can significantly impact their practices and client interactions.