I never signed a credit application, can the dealer pull my credit?

The short answer - - Yes.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act regulates the use of credit reports and prevents a dealer from pulling your credit unless he has a permissible purpose, as defined under the Act.

In general, there are 3 permissible purposes that a dealer may have: (1) if the consumer gives permission in writing; (2) when the extension of credit is the result of an application for credit; and (3) when there is a legitimate business need in connection with a transaction initiated by the consumer.

Most dealers will have a consumer consent in writing to their credit being pulled; however, there is no requirement under the Fair Credit Reporting Act that the consent be in writing. This is not to say that a dealer has a legitimate purpose to pull your credit if you are simply asking about credit terms or prices. Instead, it is understood that a dealer must be selling a specific vehicle and pulling credit is necessary to attempt to provide financing.

Now a word to the wise ... the dealer cannot pull your credit without your Social Security Number and date of birth. Use this information as the keys to your credit; and if you want to keep it locked away - don't hand over the keys.

Have you ever had a dealer pull your credit without your consent? Are you more comfortable filling out an application in person or online? would you fax a credit application?

I would appreciate your comments.