FTC Staff To Hold Public Forum on Credit Scoring

The Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection will hold a public forum titled, "The Consumer and Credit Scoring" on Thursday, July 22, 1999. The forum will provide an opportunity for industry, government, and consumer and community groups to discuss the use of credit scoring in consumer credit transactions, particularly mortgage lending.

As the use of credit scoring has increased, its effect on consumers is more important than ever. The purpose of this public forum will be to shed light on how credit scoring is being used and what issues are being raised by consumers. In particular, the forum will address: What is credit scoring? How is credit scoring used in the mortgage industry? Is credit scoring fair? What information should consumers receive about credit scoring? Who should provide consumers with that information?

Guided by a series of overview and panel presentations, speakers and attendees will be afforded an opportunity to raise and address issues pertaining to the use of credit scoring that are important to consumers, and to take part in dialogue and debate concerning those issues.

Anyone with an interest in credit scoring as it relates to the consumer is encouraged to attend and participate in what should prove to be lively and engaging discussions. For more information about this public forum, contact Kellie Cosgrove, 202-326-3224, e-mail: kcosgrove@ftc.gov.

Advance notice of your intent to attend the public forum is appreciated. Please contact Cynthia Lamb, 202-326-3224, e-mail: clamb@ftc.gov. The forum will convene at 9:00 a.m. on July 22 at the FTC, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580, in Room 432; overflow space will be available in Room 332.