For purposes of this part and appendix A of this part, the following definitions apply:

Accuracy means that information that a furnisher provides to a consumer reporting agency about an account or other relationship with the consumer correctly:

Reflects the terms of and liability for the account or other relationship;

Reflects the consumer's performance and other conduct with respect to the account or other relationship; and

Identifies the appropriate consumer.

Direct dispute means a dispute submitted directly to a furnisher (including a furnisher that is a debt collector) by a consumer concerning the accuracy of any information contained in a consumer report and pertaining to an account or other relationship that the furnisher has or had with the consumer.

Furnisher means an entity that furnishes information relating to consumers to one or more consumer reporting agencies for inclusion in a consumer report. An entity is not a furnisher when it:

Provides information to a consumer reporting agency solely to obtain a consumer report in accordance with sections 604(a) and (f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act;

Is acting as a “consumer reporting agency” as defined in section 603(f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act;

Is a consumer to whom the furnished information pertains; or

Is a neighbor, friend, or associate of the consumer, or another individual with whom the consumer is acquainted or who may have knowledge about the consumer, and who provides information about the consumer's character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living in response to a specific request from a consumer reporting agency.

Identity theft has the same meaning as in 16 CFR 603.2(a).

Integrity means that information that a furnisher provides to a consumer reporting agency about an account or other relationship with the consumer:

Is substantiated by the furnisher's records at the time it is furnished;

Is furnished in a form and manner that is designed to minimize the likelihood that the information may be incorrectly reflected in a consumer report; and

Includes the information in the furnisher's possession about the account or other relationship that the Commission has:

Determined that the absence of which would likely be materially misleading in evaluating a consumer's creditworthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living; and (ii) Listed in section I.(b)(2)(iii) of Appendix A of this part.