CIS FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

What is credit rescoring?
Rescoring is a process by which the mortgage broker deals directly with the Credit Reporting Agency (CIS) to correct or update bad credit information that is holding down a credit score. However, it's important to remember, a rescore does not guarantee the score will go up. Click here to download Rescore order form.

What do I need to order a rescore?
To change information with the bureaus on a trade line you need a letter from the creditor. To change public records you need a court document.

Can I pull my own credit report through CIS?
You are not permitted to pull your own credit report. The only exception is if you are applying for a mortgage or rental of an apartment at the time of the pull.

When can I talk to a customer service representative?
Customer Service hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30a-5:30p Eastern and Friday 8:30a - 5:00p Eastern. West coast hours are 7:00a - 8:00p PT.

Can I pull a mortgage only credit report?
Yes, go to the main screen of the file you want the mortgage only report on, click on "other", arrow to mortgage only, press enter, then view and print.

Can I order a supplement online?
Yes. Click here for step by step instructions.

What does login failed mean?
This means that the login name or password that you are using is not correct for your account. If you have your password saved or automatically populated try simply typing it again. Or you can reset your password.

How do I reset my password?
Click here to reset your password. If you are not able to reset your password on the website, then you can contact your system administrator in your office.

When submitting to an automated underwriter I am getting "credit agency error 1 Your account number and /or password is invalid."
Please make sure you are selecting CIS Info Services #22 as your credit agency. In the account number field type in your CIS website login name and type in your website password on the password field.

When submitting to an automated underwriter I am getting "Credit Agency Error 41 or 42"
This means that the borrower information on your application is not matching exactly with the original credit report. Your automated submission must match letter for letter with the original report.

When I try to order a report in Calyx Point I am getting an error stating E999 Login Failed?
This means the login name or password you have saved in Calyx is not correct. Try typing your information into point again. If you are still having a problem then you may want to reset your password.

When I try to order a report in Calyx Point I am getting an error stating E056 D: Declined?
This means the credit card you have saved in your account has been declined. You can change the card you have saved by logging into our website and clicking on the link that says "My Account".

How do I reduce the risk of negligent hiring?
Request a county criminal record in most recent county of residence, DMV (driving record history where available), credit report, prior employment verification, and state criminal search (where available).

What is the turn around time for a criminal search?
Criminal searches can take 24-48 hours depending on options selected.

If I want all of the above searches will I receive a discount?
We can build custom screening packages at special discounted prices to fit your needs. We also offer volume discounts.

Where does the information for county, statewide, and federal criminal searches originate?
Instant statewide criminal searches are retrieved from State provided databases. The databases are usually updated monthly. Federal and county criminal searches are physical hand-searches conducted at either a US District Court (Federal) or County Courthouse (County). Not all states (about 60 % do) have instant statewide searches.

Do I need authorization to order a background search on a candidate?
You have to notify the individual in writing that a report may be used. You must get the person’s written authorization before you request a consumer report.

How important is fully completing the IRS Form 4506?
If you authorize the IRS to disclose your tax-return information, you should make certain Form 4506 is complete before you provide it to a third party. Line through any blank spaces on the form. If you sign a blank form, someone could complete the form without your knowledge or even list a designee that you do not want involved. Leaving any of the blocks blank on Line 11 for the tax periods that you authorize to be released can leave open the possibility that information beyond the tax periods you intended may be released. Also, not including a date next to your signature could result in the release of your tax information for years beyond the 60 days authorized by the form when signed.

How does the IRS know the Form 4506 was signed by the consumer?
There is another value of TRV Processing participating in the Form 4506 process. TRV Processing requires certifications that end-users of your income information are aware of and agree with the duties associated with the use, and are informed of the penalties associated with the misuse, of your information. Additionally, reasonable precautions are taken to ensure the legitimacy of signed Form 4506. TRV Processing and the IRS recognize the obligation to you to preserve your privacy and the security and confidentiality of taxpayer information and the IRS conducts a national random validation process which may involve contacting you directly to confirm that you gave permission to have the IRS release the information as specified on IRS Form 4506.

To what other entities does CIS provide information?
Another benefit of having TRV Processing administer your Form 4506 is that TRV Processing maintains a record of the identity of any party that received your information through TRV Processing. Such parties may include those that may be unknown to you at the time you signed the Form 4506, but who are part of the same transaction and have a legitimate purpose to review your information. TRV Processing makes the identity of these parties available to you upon request. An example of such conditions is when you apply for a mortgage. You may apply to a mortgage broker, but the funds for the mortgage are actually made available by another financial institution such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Additionally, the mortgage may be insured by a mortgage insurance agency. Each of these entities have a permissible purpose to see your income information, just like they do to view your credit report or title report or other documentation involved in the mortgage transaction. That is because they are part of the transaction, or participate in the risk, that ultimately makes the funds available to you for your mortgage.

Why can’t I get the information from the IRS directly on my own?
You can. You may visit an IRS office to obtain a tax return transcript or you may use the IRS automated phone system from which you can request a transcript, a copy of your actual tax return or other tax return information. However, most Benefit Providers prefer to obtain information from the IRS directly or through a third party such as NCS as a means of validation from an impartial party.

Can your company offer the current interest rate and FICO scores for people with current mortgages?
FICO scores are available through CIS for those clients wishing to order a minimum of 10,000 names. Interest rates of current homeowners are not available through CIS.

How are our lists developed?
CIS marketing lists are created by searching various channels including but not limited to; public records, courthouse information, surveying, etc.

How many names must I order?
CIS requires a minimum purchase of 3,000 names per order.

How are the lists delivered?
CIS marketing lists can be delivered via e-mail (Excel format), manuscript, disk, CD, peel n` stick labels, or 3x5 index card format.

How long does it take to get the list?
If ordered by e-mail, the lists are usually delivered within 36 hours. Orders that require shipping could take up to 3 days.

I’m a mortgage broker looking for leads. What are some of the parameters you offer that can help me develop my list?
Parameters from the mortgage database include: mortgage amount, mortgage type, sale price, lender name, loan type, rate type, contact name, address, phone number, etc. Call CIS for additional details.

What geographic coverage does CIS have?
We can provide information on homeowners or potential homeowners in all 50 states. In addition, we can narrow the search by selecting those individuals who reside in specific counties and / or zip codes.

How often is your database updates?
Each databases is updated on a different schedule. For example, the mortgage database and new homeowner databases are updates weekly while other are updates bi-weekly.

How do I go about ordering a list from CIS?
Step 1. Decide which parameters you’ll use to develop your list. Step 2. Call CIS to speak with a representative to discuss the parameters and to submit a count. The count will give you an accurate number of leads that fit your description in a specific geographic region(s). Step 3. Decide how many names you’d like to order and the form of delivery and you’re on your way to marketing your products and services.

What are some other databases CIS can offer besides for the mortgage and new homeowner databases?
CIS offers information from our consumer, ethnic market, behavior, auto, new parent, new mover database, and much more. For details on our marketing lists, please call your CIS representative.

What is my account balance?
You can contact our accounting department at 800-275-7722 ext 3040 or 3007 and they will be glad to help you.

What can I do if I lost or never received my invoice?
To view your invoices you must be an administrator of your account. You will need to log into our website. Once there select find invoice, then select the month ending date you would like to view.

Why is my account on hold?
Because you are carrying a past due balance. CIS payment terms are 2% 10 days, Net 30, and at 45 days CIS reserves the right to put your account on credit hold until we resolve any payment issues.

How can I make a payment on my account?
CIS accepts many forms of payment, you can mail in a check or credit card number in our self-addressed envelope provided with your invoice. You can also call and make payment over the phone via American Express, Visa, MasterCard, or check by phone. For a no hassle approach CIS can set up your account to be billed to a designated credit card on the 15th of every month or so that you can enter a credit card number before each infile request. Sorry, but we do not accept electronically wired funds.

Joe Loan officer does not work for me any more but his name is on my most recent invoice do I have to pay for his use?
Yes. CIS is not responsible for charges incurred by terminated employees. It is your account administrator who is responsible to put each individual user on hold and subsequently notify CIS of the employee’s termination.

How do I dispute duplicate charges?
All disputes must be brought to our attention within 60 days of the date on the original invoice. CIS however does not give credit for duplicate charges incurred because of user error which includes but is not limited to: misspellings, different addresses, middle initials, individual versus joint infiles, or incorrect social security numbers.

I want to know if my prospective tenants are going to be a financial risk for me, what can I do?
You can order a consumer credit report to assess the timelessness in which they pay creditors. You may also determine whether they have any liens, collections or public records being reported. In addition, you can order an eviction trace to determine whether a previous landlord has filed any tenant performance reports on the prospective tenants; have they been evicted?

What type of search can I do to assure I have responsible prospective tenants?
You can order consumer credit to assess the timelessness with which they pay creditors. You may also determine whether they have any liens , collections or public records being reported. You can order an eviction trace to determine whether a previous landlord has any filings or tenant performance reports.

Is it only negative information being reported?
Not if the property managers share their information. Many report positive information also.

Do I have to have permission from prospective tenants to order credit?
Credit reports may only be ordered for those individuals who have given authorization to do so.

Is the information you acquire kept confidential?
This information is kept confidential and is shared with the persons in our organization and the clients who need to know.

How is the tenants information determined?
Property managers report this information to the courts and other databases .This information (good and bad) is gathered daily by a national network.

How do I dispute inaccuracies on my credit report?
Click HERE to download our dispute form. Fill it out, sign, date and fax the form to our office to start investigations. You can also contact each credit bureau and order a copy of your report. Each credit bureau will mail you a copy along with procedures on permanently correcting the inaccuracies.