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Credit score consumer report, WTHR-TV, FCC ID 70162

Credit score, credit report television news report on the public airwaves in Indianapolis, Indiana, February, 2015 #1502I

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See the Federal Communications Commission WTHR, Channel 13, TV station profile. You can obtain a hard copy of The Public and Broadcasting from your local broadcast station. #publicairwaves

Regarding a credit score, a television news report emanating from a broadcast tower in Indianapolis states, "It can impact cell phone packages, and even, in some industries, whether or not you get the job."

Employers do not use credit scores. Consumer reporting agencies do not sell scores for employment purposes.

The action starts at 0:39 in this video:

13 WTHR Indianapolis




It is a typical scare tactic: A jaw-dropping, attention-getting build-up to keep you engaged, enthralled, outraged and—most importantly—watching. See a similar breathlessly-delivered (a long time ago) litany of reasons to worry about a credit score from another television station, in Washington, D.C. #hellowashingtondc

Back in the current decade, the Indianapolis FCC licensee's associated web page takes it even further with "Credit scores can also impact the price of cell phone packages and even, in some industries, whether or not you get a job," and adds "promotion or security clearance."

See "Washington AG: Credit scores and security clearances" and "Defense Security Service: Credit scores and security clearances."

The online story also states: "Also, experts recommend that you don't close credit cards you've paid off, even if you don't use them. That's considered 'good debt.'"

The writer bolsters the claim by quoting an interviewee: "'You want to keep those on your credit score because it shows that you've had a history.'"

However, according to Fair Isaac, a credit score company, "A closed account will still show up on your credit report, and its history will be considered by your FICO Score." #Myth8

Back behind the desk of teevee authority, the reporter says, "But if you have a good track record and you're late or miss one payment, you can actually call the credit card company and ask them not to report it to the credit bureaus."

Who is that lying lender? That credit card company was not named, and the anchors fail to question the assertion. #helloindiana

The big question is What happens now? #1502I