Human Trafficking Compliance
Instructions for requesting a block of adverse information resulting from human trafficking.
Federal law provides a process for victims of human trafficking to request that consumer reporting agencies block adverse information that resulted from trafficking from being included in consumer reports.
If you are submitting a request to POEknows, please follow the instructions below and provide the information and documentation necessary for us to process your request.
What You Need to Submit
Your submission should include proof of your identity, trafficking documentation, identification of the adverse information you are requesting to have blocked, and your preferred method of written communication.
Proof of Identity
Provide sufficient information to allow POEknows to confirm your identity and match you with the appropriate consumer file.
Trafficking Documentation
Provide documentation establishing a qualifying determination that you are a victim of trafficking.
Identify the Adverse Information
Clearly identify the adverse items of information that you believe resulted from trafficking and should be blocked.
1. Appropriate Proof of Identity
Please provide as much identifying information as possible so that POEknows can confirm your identity and locate the appropriate consumer file.
- First, middle and last name
- Any other or previously used names
- Current and/or recent full address
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
Additional proof of identity may be requested if needed.
This may include copies of government-issued identification documents, utility bills or other appropriate methods of confirming your identity.
Protect Your Information
Your request may contain sensitive personal information. Please make sure the information you provide is complete and accurate so that POEknows can properly identify your consumer file and process your request.
If you have questions about what identification information to provide, please contact POEknows before submitting your request.
Phone: (410) 719-0100
2. Trafficking Documentation
Your submission must include documentation of a determination that you are a victim of trafficking.
Qualifying documentation may include a determination made by:
- A Federal, State or Tribal governmental entity
- A court of competent jurisdiction
- An authorized non-governmental organization
- An authorized human trafficking task force or affiliated victim service provider
A signed self-attestation may also qualify when it is signed or certified by an appropriate representative of an authorized governmental entity, court, non-governmental organization or human trafficking task force.
What Is a Victim Determination?
A victim determination is documentation establishing that the consumer is a victim of a qualifying form of trafficking.
The documentation can come from certain governmental entities, courts and authorized organizations. Federal regulations also provide for certain properly signed or certified self-attestations.
3. Identify the Adverse Information
Please clearly identify each adverse item of information that you believe resulted from trafficking and that you are requesting POEknows to block from reporting.
Your documentation may include a statement prepared by you or an eligible designated representative identifying the specific information involved.
Examples of adverse information may include:
- Payment delinquencies or defaults
- Coerced debt
- Certain criminal record information
- Eviction records
- Non-payment of rent
- Other adverse information resulting from trafficking
4. Tell Us How to Contact You
Your submission must include your preferred method of written communication.
Please provide either:
- An email address where you can safely receive communications; or
- A physical mailing address where you can safely receive mail.
POEknows will use your preferred method of contact for communications regarding your human trafficking submission.
Where to Send Your Request
Mail your documentation and request to the following address:
Mail Your Request
POEknows
6630 Baltimore National Pike
Suite 208
Baltimore, Maryland 21228
Questions About Your Submission?
If you have questions regarding the documentation or information you should provide, please contact POEknows.
Phone:
(410) 719-0100
Our team can provide information about the submission process and the documentation needed to process your request.
Additional Information
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides additional information explaining the federal protections available to victims of trafficking and the process for requesting that trafficking-related adverse information be blocked.
