Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 1 of 174

Table of Contents
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLES 1-1
Responsibilities 1-1
Roles - CDIA, Consumer Reporting Agencies, Metro 2 Format Task Force,
ACDV Task Force, Data Furnisher, Federal Trade Commission 1-2

AUTOMATED DATA REPORTING 2-1

Advantages of the Metro 2 Format 2-1
Industry Reporting Standards 2-2
Industry Standard for Reporting Account Delinquency 2-2
Maintaining Integrity and Consistency of Credit Information 2-3

METRO 2 FORMAT 3-1

Metro 2 Format Table of Contents 3-1
Business Requirements 3-9
Programming Standards 3-11
Production Tips 3-13
Record Layouts 3-14
Field Definitions 4-1
Exhibits 5-1
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers 6-1
Glossary of Terms 7-1
Implementation Checklist 8-1
Child Support Reporting 9-1
Third Party Collection Agency/Debt Purchaser/
Factoring Company Reporting 10-1
Student Loan Reporting 11-1
Utility Company Reporting 12-1

CORRECTION PROCESS 13-1

Automated File Maintenance 13-2
Automated Universal Data Process 13-2
Benefits of AUD over Manual Universal Data Forms 13-3

CONSUMER DISPUTE PROCESS 14-1

Automated Consumer Dispute Verification 14-2
ACDV Workflow 14-2
Benefits of ACDV over Manual Consumer Dispute Verification Forms 14-3
Consumer Dispute Verification Forms 14-3

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | i

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 2 of 174

Responsibilities
and Roles
RESPONSIBILITIES Credit reporting information is sensitive data. The issues of
accuracy and completeness of information and fairness to
consumers are not just a concern of the consumer reporting
agencies; credit grantor participation is also required. Federal
and state laws already regulate certain aspects of credit
reporting. In order to protect your ability to conduct business
without the further intervention of external forces, you must
participate in the accuracy process.

Both credit grantors and consumers depend on consumer

reporting agencies to acquire and maintain accurate credit
histories. This can only be accomplished if the provider of
consumer data understands the tools that are available and
adheres to the standards for credit reporting.

The purpose of this guide is to document this very important

process and includes:

• Industry Standards
• Metro 2 Format
• Metro 2 Implementation Checklist
• Automated Universal Data Process
• Automated Consumer Dispute Verification

The Metro 2 Format Task Force strongly encourages you to

make the fullest use of the tools and procedures outlined in
this guide, and to contact the consumer reporting agencies at
any time for whatever assistance you may need.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 1-1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 3 of 174

Responsibilities and Roles

ROLES Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA)

An international trade association representing the
consumer credit, mortgage reporting, employment and
tenant screening and collection service industries.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, CDIA provides
legislative assistance and a lobbying function to its
members, and works with the consumer reporting
agencies to establish standards for the consumer reporting
industry.

For more information about CDIA, visit their website at

www.cdiaonline.org.

Consumer Reporting Agencies

Individual companies that collect, store, maintain and
distribute information on consumer credit history.

For more information about the agencies, visit their

websites at:

www.equifax.com
www.experian.com
www.innovis-cbc.com
www.transunion.com

Metro 2 Format Task Force

Despite the competitive and organizational barriers within
the credit industry, the consumer reporting agencies
continue to work together to develop, maintain and
enhance an industry-standard reporting format. The task
force’s mission is to provide a standardized method for the
reporting of accurate, complete and timely data.

The Metro 2 Format Task Force is comprised of

representatives from Equifax, Experian, Innovis and
TransUnion and is supported by the CDIA.

For information specific to data reporting, click on the

Metro 2 option at www.cdiaonline.org.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 1-2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 4 of 174

Responsibilities and Roles

ACDV Task Force

This group maintains an industry-wide automated
consumer dispute resolution system, which is required by
the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) section 611 (a) (5)
(D). This task force also meets through the auspices of
CDIA and includes representatives from Equifax, Experian,
Innovis and TransUnion.

For information specific to consumer disputes, click on the

ACDV/AUD option at www.cdiaonline.org.

Data Furnisher
Company who provides consumer credit accounts
receivables to one or more consumer reporting agency.

Duties of furnishers are described in FCRA (section 623).

See http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fcra.pdf for additional
information.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Under the FCRA (section 621), the FTC is charged with
enforcing and interpreting the Fair Credit Reporting Act. As
such, they issue staff opinion letters, press releases and
consumer educational materials. More information can be
found on the Internet at
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fcrajump.htm.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 1-3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 5 of 174

Automated Data
Reporting
ADVANTAGES OF • Accepted by all consumer reporting agencies, the
Metro 2 Format enables the reporting of accurate,
THE METRO 2 complete and timely credit information.
FORMAT
• Meets all requirements of the Fair Credit Billing Act
(FCBA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and all applicable
state laws.

• When all data fields are used accurately and reported

each month, compliance with legislation is ensured.

• Allows credit information to be added and mapped to

the consumer’s file with greater consistency.

• Allows complete identification information to be

reported for each consumer (including co-debtor, co-
signer, etc.) each month which improves the ability of
the consumer reporting systems to match to the
correct consumer.

• Accommodates cycle reporting of data, which allows

more timely updating of the credit file.

• Accommodates additional information not provided in

other formats used for reporting credit information:

— Full four digit year

— New data elements
— Consumer-specific ties
— Expanded functionality

• The Payment History Profile (up to 24 months) makes

it possible for the credit grantor to supply automated
updates/corrections for the file rather than costly
manual updates/corrections, and reduces consumer
disputes.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 2-1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 6 of 174

Automated Data Reporting

• Flexibility of the format provides for future

enhancements.

Reporting in the Metro 2 Format greatly benefits the credit

grantor, the consumer reporting agencies and your
customer, the consumer.

INDUSTRY An industry standard for reporting consumer accounts will

ensure the integrity and consistency of the credit
REPORTING information being reported.
STANDARDS
• All accounts must be reported on a monthly basis.

• A final Account Status Code must be reported when

the accounts are ultimately paid or closed.

• If reporting by cycles, all accounts must be reported at

the close of each cycle.

• When reporting delinquent accounts, the “Industry

Standard for Reporting Account Delinquency” must be
followed.

INDUSTRY The “clock” for a 30-day delinquency starts 30 days after

the due date, as opposed to the billing date.
STANDARD FOR
REPORTING The following example tracks an account history for four
ACCOUNT months, specifying the Metro 2 Account Status Code that
should be reported.
DELINQUENCY

Billing Dates Jan. 1 Feb. 1 Mar. 1 Apr. 1

Bills Received 1 2 3 4
Payments Past Due 0 1 2 3
Age from Due Date 0 1 31 61
Age from Billing Date 0 30 60 90
Metro 2 Status Code 11 11 71 78

Definitions:
Metro 2 Status Code 11 0 – 29 days past due date
Metro 2 Status Code 71 30 – 59 days past due date
Metro 2 Status Code 78 60 – 89 days past due date

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 2-2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 7 of 174

Automated Data Reporting

MAINTAINING Once information is reported accurately, it is important

that data furnishers not ask for a subsequent change in
INTEGRITY AND the history payment record unless the payment history is
CONSISTENCY OF inaccurate.
CREDIT
• Consumer credit history information will be reported in
INFORMATION a factual, precise and objective manner.

• Only inaccurately reported accounts should be deleted.

Paid derogatory accounts, such as collections or charge
offs, should be reported as paid; they should not be
deleted.

• Requests by consumers for reverification of challenged

information must be processed promptly.

• Unless an error is discovered, the consumer will be

advised that the factual credit history will continue to
be reported.

Asking for exceptions to the standards jeopardizes

the integrity of the data.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 2-3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 8 of 174

Metro 2 Format
Table of Contents
BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS 3-9

PROGRAMMING STANDARDS 3-11

PRODUCTION TIPS 3-13

RECORD LAYOUTS 3-14

Header Record — Packed Format 3-14
Header Record — Character Format 3-15
366 Base Segment — Packed Format 3-16
426 Base Segment — Character Format 3-18
J1 Segment — Associated Consumer — Same Address 3-20
J2 Segment — Associated Consumer — Different Address 3-21
K1 Segment — Original Creditor Name 3-22
K2 Segment — Purchased Portfolio/Sold To 3-22
K3 Segment — Mortgage Information 3-23
K4 Segment — Specialized Payment Information 3-23
L1 Segment — Account Number/Identification Number Change 3-24
N1 Segment — Employment 3-24
Trailer Record — Packed Format 3-25
Trailer Record — Character Format 3-27

FIELD DEFINITIONS
HEADER RECORD 4-1
Block Descriptor Word (BDW) 4-1
Record Descriptor Word (RDW) 4-1
Record Identifier 4-1
Cycle Number 4-2
Innovis Program Identifier 4-2
Equifax Program Identifier 4-2
Experian Program Identifier 4-2
Trans Union Program Identifier 4-2

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 9 of 174

Metro 2 Format Table of

Contents
Activity Date 4-2
Date Created 4-2
Program Date 4-2
Program Revision Date 4-3
Reporter Name 4-3
Reporter Address 4-3
Reporter Telephone Number 4-3
Software Vendor Name 4-3
Software Version Number 4-3
Reserved 4-3

BASE SEGMENT 4-4

Block Descriptor Word (BDW) 4-4
Record Descriptor Word (RDW) 4-4
Processing Indicator 4-4
Time Stamp 4-5
Correction Indicator 4-6
Identification Number 4-7
Cycle Identifier 4-7
Consumer Account Number 4-7
Portfolio Type 4-7
Account Type 4-8
Date Opened 4-8
Credit Limit 4-8
Highest Credit or Original Loan Amount 4-9
Terms Duration 4-9
Terms Frequency 4-10
Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount 4-10
Actual Payment Amount 4-11
Account Status 4-11
Payment Rating 4-11
Payment History Profile 4-12
Special Comment 4-13
Compliance Condition Code 4-14
Current Balance 4-15
Amount Past Due 4-15
Original Charge-off Amount 4-15
Billing Date 4-16

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 10 of 174

Metro 2 Format Table of

Contents
FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency 4-17
Date Closed 4-18
Date of Last Payment 4-18
Reserved 4-18
Consumer Transaction Type 4-18
Surname 4-19
First Name 4-19
Middle Name 4-19
Generation Code 4-19
Social Security Number 4-20
Date of Birth 4-20
Telephone Number 4-20
ECOA Code 4-21
Consumer Information Indicator 4-22
Country Code 4-22
First Line of Address 4-23
Second Line of Address 4-23
City 4-23
State 4-23
Postal/Zip Code 4-24
Address Indicator 4-24
Residence Code 4-24

J1 SEGMENT
ASSOCIATED CONSUMER — SAME ADDRESS 4-25
Segment Identifier 4-25
Consumer Transaction Type 4-25
Surname 4-25
First Name 4-26
Middle Name 4-26
Generation Code 4-26
Social Security Number 4-26
Date of Birth 4-26
Telephone Number 4-27
ECOA Code 4-27
Consumer Information Indicator 4-28
Reserved 4-28

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 11 of 174

Metro 2 Format Table of

Contents
J2 SEGMENT
ASSOCIATED CONSUMER — DIFFERENT ADDRESS 4-29
Segment Identifier 4-29
Consumer Transaction Type 4-29
Surname 4-29
First Name 4-30
Middle Name 4-30
Generation Code 4-30
Social Security Number 4-30
Date of Birth 4-30
Telephone Number 4-31
ECOA Code 4-31
Consumer Information Indicator 4-32
Country Code 4-32
First Line of Address 4-32
Second Line of Address 4-33
City 4-33
State 4-33
Postal/Zip Code 4-33
Address Indicator 4-33
Residence Code 4-34
Reserved 4-34

K1 SEGMENT
ORIGINAL CREDITOR NAME 4-35
Segment Identifier 4-35
Original Creditor Name 4-35
Creditor Classification 4-36

K2 SEGMENT
PURCHASED PORTFOLIO/SOLD TO 4-37
Segment Identifier 4-37
Portfolio Indicator 4-37
Purchased Portfolio or Sold To Name 4-37
Reserved 4-37

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-4

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 12 of 174

Metro 2 Format Table of

Contents
K3 SEGMENT
MORTGAGE INFORMATION 4-38
Segment Identifier 4-38
Agency Identifier 4-38
Account Number 4-38
Mortgage Identification Number 4-38

K4 SEGMENT
SPECIALIZED PAYMENT INFORMATION 4-39
Segment Identifier 4-39
Specialized Payment Indicator 4-39
Deferred Payment Start Date 4-39
Payment Due Date 4-39
Payment Amount 4-39
Reserved 4-39

L1 SEGMENT
ACCOUNT NUMBER/IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 4-40
Segment Identifier 4-40
Change Indicator 4-40
New Consumer Account Number 4-40
New Identification Number 4-41
Reserved 4-41

N1 SEGMENT
EMPLOYMENT 4-42
Segment Identifier 4-42
Employer Name 4-42
First Line of Employer Address 4-42
Second Line of Employer Address 4-42
Employer City 4-42
Employer State 4-42
Employer Postal/Zip Code 4-42
Occupation 4-43
Reserved 4-43

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-5

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 13 of 174

Metro 2 Format Table of

Contents
TRAILER RECORD 4-44
Record Descriptor Word (RDW) 4-44
Record Identifier 4-44
Total Base Records 4-44
Reserved 4-44
Total Associated Consumer Segments (J1) 4-44
Total Associated Consumer Segments (J2) 4-44
Block Count 4-44
Total of Status Code DA 4-44
Total of Status Code 05 4-45
Total of Status Code 11 4-45
Total of Status Code 13 4-45
Total of Status Code 61 4-45
Total of Status Code 62 4-45
Total of Status Code 63 4-45
Total of Status Code 64 4-45
Total of Status Code 65 4-45
Total of Status Code 71 4-45
Total of Status Code 78 4-45
Total of Status Code 80 4-45
Total of Status Code 82 4-46
Total of Status Code 83 4-46
Total of Status Code 84 4-46
Total of Status Code 88 4-46
Total of Status Code 89 4-46
Total of Status Code 93 4-46
Total of Status Code 94 4-46
Total of Status Code 95 4-46
Total of Status Code 96 4-46
Total of Status Code 97 4-46
Total of ECOA Code Z (All Segments) 4-47
Total Employment Segments 4-47
Total Original Creditor Segments 4-47
Total Purchased Portfolio/Sold To Segments 4-47
Total Mortgage Information Segments 4-47
Total Specialized Payment Information Segments 4-47
Total Change Segments 4-47
Total Social Security Numbers (All Segments) 4-48

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-6

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 14 of 174

Metro 2 Format Table of

Contents
Total Social Security Numbers (Base Segments) 4-48
Total Social Security Numbers (J1 Segments) 4-48
Total Social Security Numbers (J2 Segments) 4-48
Total Dates of Birth (All Segments) 4-48
Total Dates of Birth (Base Segments) 4-48
Total Dates of Birth (J1 Segments) 4-49
Total Dates of Birth (J2 Segments) 4-49
Total Telephone Numbers (All Segments) 4-49
Reserved 4-49

EXHIBITS 5-1
Exhibit 1 — Account Type Codes by Industry 5-1
Exhibit 2 — Account Type Codes 5-6
Exhibit 3 — Terms/Payment Amount Conversion to Monthly 5-9
Exhibit 4 — Account Status Codes 5-10
Exhibit 5 — Examples of Reporting Payment History Profile 5-11
Exhibit 6 — Special Comment Codes —by Category within Portfolio 5-12
Exhibit 7 — Special Comment Codes 5-16
Exhibit 8 — Explanation and Examples of FCRA Compliance/
Date of First Delinquency 5-18
Exhibit 9 — Consumer Information Indicators 5-21
Exhibit 10 —Country Codes 5-22
Exhibit 11 —General Rules for Addresses 5-24
Exhibit 12 —State Codes 5-25
Exhibit 13 —Examples of Record Layouts — Hexadecimal
Representation 5-26

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 6-1

Segments and Appendages 6-1
BDW / RDW 6-3
Delinquency Reporting 6-3
Cycle Reporting 6-3
Account Status, Payment Rating, Special Comment 6-4
Reporting Scenarios 6-5
ECOA Requirements 6-9
FCRA Requirements 6-10
Deleting Accounts/Borrowers 6-11

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-7

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 15 of 174

Metro 2 Format Table of

Contents
Consumer Information 6-11
Duplicate Tradelines 6-12
Media 6-12
First Time Reporters 6-13

GLOSSARY OF TERMS 7-1

IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST 8-1

INDUSTRY REPORTING GUIDELINES 9-1

Child Support Reporting 9-1
Third Party Collection Agency/Debt Purchaser/Factoring
Company Reporting 10-1
Student Loan Reporting 11-1
Utility Company Reporting 12-1

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-8

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 16 of 174

Business Requirements
The Metro 2 Format was developed as a standard for
the credit reporting industry and accomplishes the
following:

• Provides one standard computer layout to be

used for reporting accurate, complete and timely
consumer credit information.

• Meets all requirements of the Fair Credit

Reporting Act (FCRA), the Fair Credit Billing Act
(FCBA) and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act
(ECOA).

• Allows for reporting information at both the

account and consumer levels.

• Allows for reporting the full four-digit year.

The Metro 2 Format was designed to allow reporting

of the most accurate and complete information on
consumers' credit history. It is imperative that all
accounts are reported on a monthly basis and that
they are reported with a final Account Status Code
when they are ultimately paid or closed.

For data furnishers or processors who report data by

cycles, all accounts should be reported at the close
of each cycle.

All fields should be reported in order to comply with

the FCRA, which specifies the reporting of complete
and accurate information.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-9

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 17 of 174

Business Requirements
The FCRA, which was amended in 1997, now places
significant responsibility on both the data furnishers
and Consumer Reporting Agencies. For more
details, refer to the FCRA (section 623), which can
be found at www.cdiaonline.org.

The FCRA specifically mandates certain information,

which is reported in the Compliance Condition Code,
Consumer Information Indicator and Date of First
Delinquency fields. The Compliance Condition Code
also helps to fulfill the requirements of the FCBA.
The J1 and J2 Segments and the ECOA Code enable
compliance with the ECOA. Work closely with your
compliance officers and programmers to ensure
these and all fields are reported accurately and are
logical in relationship to each other.

RETURN ON The proper use of the Metro 2 Format helps to

ensure:
INVESTMENT
• Better credit granting decisions
• Reduced manual corrections
• Compliance with legislative requirements
• Reduced need for new legislation
• Reduced legal expenses
• Reduced consumer inquiries
• Reduced consumer disputes

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-10

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 18 of 174

Programming Standards
PACKED VS. The Consumer Data Record consists of the Base
Segment and additional segments that may be
CHARACTER FORMAT appended, as appropriate. The Header Record, Base
Segment and Trailer Record are available in both
packed and unpacked formats. All appendages are
unpacked.

Each submission of data should contain only one

occurrence of each account number.

Packed 366 Format

Record Size 366 bytes, packed and unpacked
data
Format Variable blocked

Character Format
Record Size 426 alphanumeric characters (or
bytes)
Format Fixed or variable blocked

General
Block Size Maximum of 32,760 bytes
Internal Labels Standard (IBM) preferred
External Labels Identifying label supplied by each
consumer reporting agency
Record Layout 366 or 426 Base Segment
followed by Appendages in proper
sequence. For example: Base +
J1 + J2 + L1

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-11

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 19 of 174

Programming Standards
Reporting Standards
• Every alphanumeric field is left-justified and blank
filled.
• Every alpha field should be upper case letters.
• Every numeric field is right-justified and zero
filled.
• If a descriptive field is not available, it should be
blank filled.
• If a numeric field is not available, it should be zero
filled.
• If fixed-length records are being reported and a
record does not require the information for the
appendage segment, the Segment Identifier (e.g.,
J1) must be reported and the remainder of the
segment must be blank filled.

Any deviation from these standards

jeopardizes the integrity of the data.

Note: Contact each consumer reporting agency prior

to reporting for information on:

• acceptable media
• electronic transmission
• data encryption
• account number scrambling
• pre-production testing

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-12

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 20 of 174

Production Tips
The following tips will ensure accurate processing of your
data with the consumer reporting agencies' systems:

• Use the assigned Program Identifiers in the Header

Record to ensure your information is identified correctly
by the consumer reporting agencies.

• Always retain a back-up copy of the data you provide.

This copy could be used to replace media that was
damaged or unreadable.

• Use address/zip code/social security number editing logic

in your New Accounts and Customer Service systems to
detect keying errors. The accuracy of consumer
identification information is critical.

• Do not report derogatory accounts beyond the allowable

retention periods specified by federal and state laws.

• Report data at the close of the cycles if you bill by

cycles.

• Do not report business accounts.

Contact your consumer reporting agencies’ representatives

prior to:

• changing formats
• changing media
• implementing internal system changes that may affect
the reporting of the data
• reporting account or portfolio acquisitions
• reporting account number changes
• changing data processing centers

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-13

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 21 of 174

Record Layouts

Header Record — Packed Format

DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
Block Descriptor
0 Y 4 1-4 B 4-1
Word (BDW)
Record Descriptor
1 Y 4 1-4 B 4-1
Word (RDW)
2 Record Identifier Y 6 5-10 AN 4-1
3 Cycle Number A 2 11-12 AN 4-2
Innovis Program
4 A 10 13-22 AN 4-2
Identifier
Equifax Program
5 A 10 23-32 AN 4-2
Identifier
Experian Program
6 A 5 33-37 AN 4-2
Identifier
TransUnion Program
7 A 10 38-47 AN 4-2
Identifier
8 Activity Date Y 8 48-55 N 4-2
9 Date Created Y 8 56-63 N 4-2
10 Program Date 8 64-71 N 4-2
Program Revision
11 8 72-79 N 4-3
Date
12 Reporter Name Y 40 80-119 AN 4-3
13 Reporter Address Y 96 120-215 AN 4-3
Reporter Telephone
14 10 216-225 N 4-3
Number
Software Vendor
15 A 40 226-265 AN 4-3
Name
Software Version
16 A 5 266-270 AN 4-3
Number
17 Reserved 96 271-366 AN 4-3

Total
366

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the File Being
Reported
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; B = Binary; N = Numeric
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-14

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 22 of 174

Record Layouts

Header Record — Character Format

DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
Block Descriptor Word
0 A 4 1-4 N 4-1
(BDW)
Record Descriptor
1 Y 4 1-4 N 4-1
Word (RDW)
2 Record Identifier Y 6 5-10 AN 4-1
3 Cycle Number A 2 11-12 AN 4-2
Innovis Program
4 A 10 13-22 AN 4-2
Identifier
Equifax Program
5 A 10 23-32 AN 4-2
Identifier
Experian Program
6 A 5 33-37 AN 4-2
Identifier
TransUnion Program
7 A 10 38-47 AN 4-2
Identifier
8 Activity Date Y 8 48-55 N 4-2
9 Date Created Y 8 56-63 N 4-2
10 Program Date 8 64-71 N 4-2
11 Program Revision Date 8 72-79 N 4-3
12 Reporter Name Y 40 80-119 AN 4-3
13 Reporter Address Y 96 120-215 AN 4-3
Reporter Telephone
14 10 216-225 N 4-3
Number
15 Software Vendor Name A 40 226-265 AN 4-3
Software Version
16 A 5 266-270 AN 4-3
Number
17 Reserved 156 271-426 AN 4-3

Total 426

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the File Being
Reported
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; N = Numeric
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-15

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 23 of 174

Record Layouts

366 Base Segment — Packed Format

DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
Block Descriptor
0 Y 4 1-4 B 4-4
Word (BDW)
Record Descriptor
1 Y 4 1-4 B 4-4
Word (RDW)
2 Processing Indicator 1 5 N 4-4
3 Time Stamp 8 6-13 P 4-5
4 Correction Indicator 1 14 N 4-6
5 Identification Number Y 20 15-34 AN 4-7
6 Cycle Identifier A 2 35-36 AN 4-7
Consumer Account
7 Y 30 37-66 AN 4-7
Number
8 Portfolio Type Y 1 67 AN 4-7
9 Account Type Y 2 68-69 AN 4-8
10 Date Opened Y 5 70-74 P 4-8
11 Credit Limit A 5 75-79 P 4-8
Highest Credit or
12 Y 5 80-84 P 4-9
Original Loan Amount
13 Terms Duration Y 3 85-87 AN 4-9
14 Terms Frequency A 1 88 AN 4-10
Scheduled Monthly
15 A 5 89-93 P 4-10
Payment Amount
Actual Payment
16 5 94-98 P 4-11
Amount
17A Account Status Y 2 99-100 AN 4-11
17B Payment Rating A 1 101 AN 4-11
Payment History
18 Y 24 102-125 AN 4-12
Profile
19 Special Comment 2 126-127 AN 4-13
Compliance Condition
20 A 2 128-129 AN 4-14
Code
21 Current Balance Y 5 130-134 P 4-15
22 Amount Past Due A 5 135-139 P 4-15

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the Account Being
Reported
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; B = Binary; N = Numeric; P = Packed
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-16

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 24 of 174

Record Layouts

366 Base Segment — Packed Format

DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
Original Charge-off
23 A 5 140-144 P 4-15
Amount
24 Billing Date Y 5 145-149 P 4-16
FCRA
25 Compliance/Date of A 5 150-154 P 4-17
First Delinquency
26 Date Closed A 5 155-159 P 4-18
27 Date of Last Payment A 5 160-164 P 4-18
28 Reserved 17 165-181 AN 4-18
Consumer
29 1 182 AN 4-18
Transaction Type
30 Surname Y 25 183-207 AN 4-19
31 First Name Y 20 208-227 AN 4-19
32 Middle Name A 20 228-247 AN 4-19
33 Generation Code A 1 248 AN 4-19
Social Security
34 HR 5 249-253 P 4-20
Number
35 Date of Birth HR 5 254-258 P 4-20
36 Telephone Number 6 259-264 P 4-20
37 ECOA Code Y 1 265 AN 4-21
Consumer
38 A 2 266-267 AN 4-22
Information Indicator
39 Country Code 2 268-269 AN 4-22
40 First Line of Address Y 32 270-301 AN 4-23
Second Line of
41 A 32 302-333 AN 4-23
Address
42 City Y 20 334-353 AN 4-23
43 State Y 2 354-355 AN 4-23
44 Postal/Zip Code Y 9 356-364 AN 4-24
45 Address Indicator 1 365 AN 4-24
46 Residence Code 1 366 AN 4-24
Total
366

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the Account Being
Reported; HR = Highly Recommended as this Field Greatly Enhances Accuracy in Matching to the Correct
Consumer
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; P = Packed
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-17

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 25 of 174

Record Layouts

426 Base Segment — Character Format

DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
0 Block Descriptor Word A 4 1-4 N 4-4
Record Descriptor
1 Y 4 1-4 N 4-4
Word (RDW)
2 Processing Indicator 1 5 N 4-4
3 Time Stamp 14 6-19 N 4-5
4 Correction Indicator 1 20 N 4-6
5 Identification Number Y 20 21-40 AN 4-7
6 Cycle Identifier A 2 41-42 AN 4-7
Consumer Account
7 Y 30 43-72 AN 4-7
Number
8 Portfolio Type Y 1 73 AN 4-7
9 Account Type Y 2 74-75 AN 4-8
10 Date Opened Y 8 76-83 N 4-8
11 Credit Limit A 9 84-92 N 4-8
Highest Credit or
12 Y 9 93-101 N 4-9
Original Loan Amount
13 Terms Duration Y 3 102-104 AN 4-9
14 Terms Frequency A 1 105 AN 4-10
Scheduled Monthly
15 A 9 106-114 N 4-10
Payment Amount
Actual Payment
16 9 115-123 N 4-11
Amount
17A Account Status Y 2 124-125 AN 4-11
17B Payment Rating A 1 126 AN 4-11
Payment History
18 Y 24 127-150 AN 4-12
Profile
19 Special Comment 2 151-152 AN 4-13
Compliance Condition
20 A 2 153-154 AN 4-14
Code
21 Current Balance Y 9 155-163 N 4-15
22 Amount Past Due A 9 164-172 N 4-15
Original Charge-off
23 A 9 173-181 N 4-15
Amount
24 Billing Date Y 8 182-189 N 4-16

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the Account Being
Reported
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; N = Numeric
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.
CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-18
Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 26 of 174

Record Layouts

426 Base Segment — Character Format

DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
FCRA Compliance/Date
25 A 8 190-197 N 4-17
of First Delinquency
26 Date Closed A 8 198-205 N 4-18
27 Date of Last Payment A 8 206-213 N 4-18
28 Reserved 17 214-230 AN 4-18
Consumer Transaction
29 1 231 AN 4-18
Type
30 Surname Y 25 232-256 AN 4-19
31 First Name Y 20 257-276 AN 4-19
32 Middle Name A 20 277-296 AN 4-19
33 Generation Code A 1 297 AN 4-19
Social Security
34 HR 9 298-306 N 4-20
Number
35 Date of Birth HR 8 307-314 N 4-20
36 Telephone Number 10 315-324 N 4-20
37 ECOA Code Y 1 325 AN 4-21
Consumer Information
38 A 2 326-327 AN 4-22
Indicator
39 Country Code 2 328-329 AN 4-22
40 First Line of Address Y 32 330-361 AN 4-23
Second Line of
41 A 32 362-393 AN 4-23
Address
42 City Y 20 394-413 AN 4-23
43 State Y 2 414-415 AN 4-23
44 Postal/Zip Code Y 9 416-424 AN 4-24
45 Address Indicator 1 425 AN 4-24
46 Residence Code 1 426 AN 4-24

Total
426

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the Account Being
Reported; HR = Highly Recommended as this Field Greatly Enhances Accuracy in Matching to the Correct
Consumer
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; N = Numeric
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-19

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 27 of 174

Record Layouts

J1 Segment
Associated Consumer — Same Address

DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
1 Segment Identifier Y 2 1-2 AN 4-25
Consumer
2 1 3 AN 4-25
Transaction Type
3 Surname Y 25 4-28 AN 4-25
4 First Name Y 20 29-48 AN 4-26
5 Middle Name A 20 49-68 AN 4-26
6 Generation Code A 1 69 AN 4-26
Social Security
7 HR 9 70-78 N 4-26
Number
8 Date of Birth HR 8 79-86 N 4-26
9 Telephone Number 10 87-96 N 4-27
10 ECOA Code Y 1 97 AN 4-27
Consumer
11 Information A 2 98-99 AN 4-28
Indicator
12 Reserved 1 100 AN 4-28

Total
100

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the Account Being
Reported; HR = Highly Recommended as this Field Greatly Enhances Accuracy in Matching to the Correct
Consumer
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; N = Numeric
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-20

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 28 of 174

Record Layouts

J2 Segment
Associated Consumer — Different Address
DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
1 Segment Identifier Y 2 1-2 AN 4-29
Consumer Transaction
2 1 3 AN 4-29
Type
3 Surname Y 25 4-28 AN 4-29
4 First Name Y 20 29-48 AN 4-30
5 Middle Name A 20 49-68 AN 4-30
6 Generation Code A 1 69 AN 4-30
Social Security
7 HR 9 70-78 N 4-30
Number
8 Date of Birth HR 8 79-86 N 4-30
9 Telephone Number 10 87-96 N 4-31
10 ECOA Code Y 1 97 AN 4-31
Consumer Information
11 A 2 98-99 AN 4-32
Indicator
12 Country Code 2 100-101 AN 4-32
13 First Line of Address Y 32 102-133 AN 4-32
Second Line of
14 A 32 134-165 AN 4-33
Address
15 City Y 20 166-185 AN 4-33
16 State Y 2 186-187 AN 4-33
17 Postal/Zip Code Y 9 188-196 AN 4-33
18 Address Indicator 1 197 AN 4-33
19 Residence Code 1 198 AN 4-34
20 Reserved 2 199-200 AN 4-34

Total
200

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the Account Being
Reported; HR = Highly Recommended as this Field Greatly Enhances Accuracy in Matching to the Correct Consumer
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; N = Numeric
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-21

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 29 of 174

Record Layouts

K1 Segment
Original Creditor Name
DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
1 Segment Identifier Y 2 1-2 AN 4-35
2 Original Creditor Name Y 30 3-32 AN 4-35
3 Creditor Classification 2 33-34 N 4-36

Total 34

K2 Segment
Purchased Portfolio/Sold To
DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
1 Segment Identifier Y 2 1-2 AN 4-37
2 Portfolio Indicator Y 1 3 N 4-37
Purchased Portfolio or Y
3 30 4-33 AN 4-37
Sold To Name
4 Reserved 1 34 AN 4-37

Total 34

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the Account Being
Reported
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; N = Numeric
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-22

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 30 of 174

Record Layouts

K3 Segment
Mortgage Information

DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
1 Segment Identifier Y 2 1-2 AN 4-38
2 Agency Identifier A 2 3-4 N 4-38
3 Account Number A 18 5-22 AN 4-38
Mortgage Identification
4 18 23-40 AN 4-38
Number

Total 40

K4 Segment
Specialized Payment Information
DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
1 Segment Identifier Y 2 1-2 AN 4-39
Specialized Payment
2 Y 2 3-4 N 4-39
Indicator
Deferred Payment
3 A 8 5-12 N 4-39
Start Date
4 Payment Due Date A 8 13-20 N 4-39
5 Payment Amount A 9 21-29 N 4-39
6 Reserved 1 30 AN 4-39

Total 30

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the Account Being
Reported
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; N = Numeric
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-23

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 31 of 174

Record Layouts

L1 Segment
Account Number/Identification Number Change
DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
1 Segment Identifier Y 2 1-2 AN 4-40
2 Change Indicator Y 1 3 N 4-40
New Consumer Account A
3 30 4-33 AN 4-40
Number
New Identification A
4 20 34-53 AN 4-41
Number
5 Reserved 1 54 AN 4-41

Total 54

N1 Segment
Employment
DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
1 Segment Identifier Y 2 1-2 AN 4-42
2 Employer Name Y 30 3-32 AN 4-42
First Line of Employer
3 32 33-64 AN 4-42
Address
Second Line of
4 32 65-96 AN 4-42
Employer Address
5 Employer City 20 97-116 AN 4-42
6 Employer State 2 117-118 AN 4-42
Employer Postal/Zip
7 9 119-127 AN 4-42
Code
8 Occupation A 18 128-145 AN 4-43
9 Reserved 1 146 AN 4-43

Total
146

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the Account Being
Reported
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; N = Numeric
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-24

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 32 of 174

Record Layouts

Trailer Record — Packed Format

DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
Record Descriptor Word
1 Y 4 1-4 B 4-44
(RDW)
2 Record Identifier Y 7 5-11 AN 4-44
3 Total Base Records Y 5 12-16 P 4-44
4 Reserved 5 17-21 AN 4-44
5 Reserved 5 22-26 AN 4-44
Total Associated
6 A 5 27-31 P 4-44
Consumer Segments (J1)
Total Associated
7 A 5 32-36 P 4-44
Consumer Segments (J2)
8 Block Count Y 5 37-41 P 4-44
9 Total of Status Code DA 5 42-46 P 4-44
10 Total of Status Code 05 5 47-51 P 4-45
11 Total of Status Code 11 5 52-56 P 4-45
12 Total of Status Code 13 5 57-61 P 4-45
13 Total of Status Code 61 5 62-66 P 4-45
14 Total of Status Code 62 5 67-71 P 4-45
15 Total of Status Code 63 5 72-76 P 4-45
16 Total of Status Code 64 5 77-81 P 4-45
17 Total of Status Code 65 5 82-86 P 4-45
18 Total of Status Code 71 5 87-91 P 4-45
19 Total of Status Code 78 5 92-96 P 4-45
20 Total of Status Code 80 5 97-101 P 4-45
21 Total of Status Code 82 5 102-106 P 4-46
22 Total of Status Code 83 5 107-111 P 4-46
23 Total of Status Code 84 5 112-116 P 4-46
24 Total of Status Code 88 5 117-121 P 4-46
25 Total of Status Code 89 5 122-126 P 4-46
26 Total of Status Code 93 5 127-131 P 4-46
27 Total of Status Code 94 5 132-136 P 4-46

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the File Being Reported
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; B = Binary; P = Packed
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-25

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 33 of 174

Record Layouts

Trailer Record — Packed Format

DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
28 Total of Status Code 95 5 137-141 P 4-46
29 Total of Status Code 96 5 142-146 P 4-46
30 Total of Status Code 97 5 147-151 P 4-46
Total of ECOA Code Z
31 5 152-156 P 4-47
(All Segments)
Total Employment Segments
32 5 157-161 P 4-47
Total Original Creditor
33 5 162-166 P 4-47
Segments
Total Purchased
34 5 167-171 P 4-47
Portfolio/Sold To Segments
Total Mortgage Information
35 5 172-176 P 4-47
Segments
Total Specialized Payment
36 5 177-181 P 4-47
Information Segments
37 Total Change Segments 5 182-186 P 4-47
Total Social Security
38 5 187-191 P 4-48
Numbers (All Segments)
Total Social Security
39 5 192-196 P 4-48
Numbers (Base Segments)
Total Social Security
40 5 197-201 P 4-48
Numbers (J1 Segments)
Total Social Security
41 5 202-206 P 4-48
Numbers (J2 Segments)
Total Dates of Birth
42 5 207-211 P 4-48
(All Segments)
Total Dates of Birth
43 5 212-216 P 4-48
(Base Segments)
Total Dates of Birth
44 5 217-221 P 4-49
(J1 Segments)
Total Dates of Birth
45 5 222-226 P 4-49
(J2 Segments)
Total Telephone Numbers
46 5 227-231 P 4-49
(All Segments)
47 Reserved 135 232-366 AN 4-49
Total
366

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the File Being Reported
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; P = Packed
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-26

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 34 of 174

Record Layouts

Trailer Record — Character Format

DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
Record Descriptor Word
1 Y 4 1-4 N 4-44
(RDW)
2 Record Identifier Y 7 5-11 AN 4-44
3 Total Base Records Y 9 12-20 N 4-44
4 Reserved 9 21-29 AN 4-44
5 Reserved 9 30-38 AN 4-44
Total Associated Consumer
6 A 9 39-47 N 4-44
Segments (J1)
Total Associated Consumer
7 A 9 48-56 N 4-44
Segments (J2)
8 Block Count Y 9 57-65 N 4-44
9 Total of Status Code DA 9 66-74 N 4-44
10 Total of Status Code 05 9 75-83 N 4-45
11 Total of Status Code 11 9 84-92 N 4-45
12 Total of Status Code 13 9 93-101 N 4-45
13 Total of Status Code 61 9 102-110 N 4-45
14 Total of Status Code 62 9 111-119 N 4-45
15 Total of Status Code 63 9 120-128 N 4-45
16 Total of Status Code 64 9 129-137 N 4-45
17 Total of Status Code 65 9 138-146 N 4-45
18 Total of Status Code 71 9 147-155 N 4-45
19 Total of Status Code 78 9 156-164 N 4-45
20 Total of Status Code 80 9 165-173 N 4-45
21 Total of Status Code 82 9 174-182 N 4-46
22 Total of Status Code 83 9 183-191 N 4-46
23 Total of Status Code 84 9 192-200 N 4-46
24 Total of Status Code 88 9 201-209 N 4-46
25 Total of Status Code 89 9 210-218 N 4-46
26 Total of Status Code 93 9 219-227 N 4-46
27 Total of Status Code 94 9 228-236 N 4-46
28 Total of Status Code 95 9 237-245 N 4-46

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the File Being
Reported
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; N = Numeric
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-27

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 35 of 174

Record Layouts

Trailer Record — Character Format

DESCRIPTION
RECORDING PAGE
FIELD FIELD NAME REQUIRED* LENGTH POSITION TECHNIQUE** NUMBER***
29 Total of Status Code 96 9 246-254 N 4-46
30 Total of Status Code 97 9 255-263 N 4-46
Total of ECOA Code Z
31 9 264-272 N 4-47
(All Segments)
Total Employment Segments
32 9 273-281 N 4-47
Total Original Creditor
33 9 282-290 N 4-47
Segments
Total Purchased
34 9 291-299 N 4-47
Portfolio/Sold To Segments
Total Mortgage Information
35 9 300-308 N 4-47
Segments
Total Specialized Payment
36 9 309-317 N 4-47
Information Segments
37 Total Change Segments 9 318-326 N 4-47
Total Social Security
38 9 327-335 N 4-48
Numbers (All Segments)
Total Social Security
39 9 336-344 N 4-48
Numbers (Base Segments)
Total Social Security
40 9 345-353 N 4-48
Numbers (J1 Segments)
Total Social Security
41 9 354-362 N 4-48
Numbers (J2 Segments)
Total Dates of Birth
42 9 363-371 N 4-48
(All Segments)
Total Dates of Birth
43 9 372-380 N 4-48
(Base Segments)
Total Dates of Birth
44 9 381-389 N 4-49
(J1 Segments)
Total Dates of Birth
45 9 390-398 N 4-49
(J2 Segments)
Total Telephone Numbers
46 9 399-407 N 4-49
(All Segments)
47 Reserved 19 408-426 AN 4-49

Total
426

*Required Fields: Y = Yes, Field is Always Required; A = Field is Required when Applicable to the File Being
Reported
**Recording Technique: AN = Alphanumeric; N = Numeric
***Refer to definitions for field descriptions.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 3-28

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 36 of 174

Field Definitions

Header Record

The Header Record must be the first record provided and includes information
necessary to identify the reporter.

366 BASE 426 BASE

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION (Packed Format) (Character Format)
Recording Recording
Length Position Length Position
Technique Technique

0 Block Descriptor Word (BDW) 4 1-4 of B 4 1-4 of N

each each
Contains a value equal to the length of the block of block of
block of data and must be reported when data data*
using the packed format or when reporting
variable length records. This value includes
the four bytes reserved for this field. Report
the standard IBM variable record length
conventions.
*This field is not required when reporting
fixed length, fixed block records.
1 Record Descriptor Word (RDW) 4 1-4 of B 4 1-4 of N
each each
Contains a value equal to the length of the physical physical
physical record. This value includes the four record record
bytes reserved for this field.
The recording technique is Binary for the 366
format and Numeric for the 426 format.
Binary: The hexadecimal value should be in
the first two bytes of the field and the last
two bytes should contain binary zeros.
Example: 016E0000.
Numeric: The entire four bytes are used.
Example: F0F4F2F6.
If fixed-length records are being reported, the
Header Record should be the same length as
all the data records. The Header Record
should be padded with blanks to fill the
needed number of positions.
2 Record Identifier 6 5-10 AN 6 5-10 AN

Contains a constant of HEADER, which is

used to identify this record.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 37 of 174

Field Definitions

Header Record

366 BASE 426 BASE

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION (Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique

3 Cycle Number 2 11-12 AN 2 11-12 AN

Contains the cycle number for the information
being reported, if reporting by cycles. If data
contains more than one cycle, report the first
cycle number found on the data.
4 Innovis Program Identifier 10 13-22 AN 10 13-22 AN
Contains a unique identification number
assigned by this consumer reporting agency.
5 Equifax Program Identifier 10 23-32 AN 10 23-32 AN
Contains a unique identification number
assigned by this consumer reporting agency.
6 Experian Program Identifier 5 33-37 AN 5 33-37 AN
Contains a unique identification number
assigned by this consumer reporting agency.
7 TransUnion Program Identifier 10 38-47 AN 10 38-47 AN

Contains a unique identification number

assigned by this consumer reporting agency.
8 Activity Date 8 48-55 N 8 48-55 N
Signifies date of most recent update to
balances on accounts. If accounts are
updated on different dates, use most recent.
Format is MMDDYYYY.
9 Date Created 8 56-63 N 8 56-63 N
Contains the date the media was generated.
Format is MMDDYYYY.
10 Program Date 8 64-71 N 8 64-71 N
Contains the date your reporting format was
developed. Format is MMDDYYYY. If the day
is not available, use 01.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 38 of 174

Field Definitions

Header Record

366 BASE 426 BASE

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION (Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique

11 Program Revision Date 8 72-79 N 8 72-79 N

Contains the last date your reporting format
was revised. Format is MMDDYYYY. If the day
is not available, use 01.
12 Reporter Name 40 80-119 AN 40 80-119 AN

Contains the name of the processing company

sending the data; i.e., data furnisher or
processor.

If multiple Header Records are provided, the

Reporter Name on the second and subsequent
Headers may be repeated or blank filled.
13 Reporter Address 96 120-215 AN 96 120-215 AN
Contains the complete mailing address of the
processing company; i.e., street address,
city, state and zip code.
14 Reporter Telephone Number 10 216-225 N 10 216-225 N

Contains the telephone number (Area Code +

number) of the company sending the data;
i.e., data furnisher or processor.
15 Software Vendor Name 40 226-265 AN 40 226-265 AN

Contains the name of the software vendor

that provided the Metro 2 Format software.
16 Software Version Number 5 266-270 AN 5 266-270 AN
Contains the version number of the Metro 2
Format software.
17 Reserved 96 271-366 AN 156 271-426 AN

Blank fill.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 39 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

Two Base Segment formats are available: the variable length (packed) format and the
fixed length (character) format. The only differences between these two formats are some
of the field positions, caused by differences in recording techniques.

This section describes each data element in the Base Segment, which is used to report the
primary consumer’s identification information and the account transactional information.

366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION Technique Technique
0 Block Descriptor Word (BDW) 4 1-4 of B 4 1-4 of N
each each
Contains a value equal to the length of block of block of
the block of data and must be reported data data*

when using the packed format or when

reporting variable length records. This
value includes the four bytes reserved for
this field. Report the standard IBM
variable record length conventions.

*This field is not required when reporting

fixed length, fixed block records.
1 Record Descriptor Word (RDW) 4 1-4 of B 4 1-4 of N
each each
Contains a value equal to the length of
physical physical
the physical record. This value includes record record
the four bytes reserved for this field. The
length of each segment should be
included in the RDW.
For example:
Base Segment= 426
J2 Segment = 200
K1 Segment = 34
RDW = 0660
For fixed block, the RDW will remain the
same for each record.
For variable block, the RDW will change
depending on the size of each record.
2 Processing Indicator 1 5 N 1 5 N
Report a constant of 1.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-4

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 40 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
3 Time Stamp 8 6-13 P 14 6-19 N
Contains date and time of actual account
information update.

Format for packed date is

0MMDDYYYYHHMMSSs — where s is the
sign. Format is MMDDYYYYHHMMSS for
character date.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-5

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 41 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
4 Correction Indicator 1 14 N 1 20 N
Used to replace the most recently reported
update for the same reporting time period.
Values available:

0 = Not a replacement update (normal

update)
1 = Replacement update (correction)

• Only the records to be corrected should

be reported on the media with this
indicator set to 1.
• Do not mix normal updates (value 0)
with replacement updates (value 1) on
the same media.
• Must receive corrected media prior to
the next reporting period.
• The Billing Date must be equal to the
previously-reported Billing Date for
matching purposes.
• If being reported for the first time,
contact the Consumer Reporting
Agencies.
Example:
If data is generated on 09/01/1999 for
Billing Date 08/30/1999, and a record is
later found to contain incorrect Special
Comments, a correction update can be
included the next time data is reported. If
the data is then generated on 09/10/1999,
the corrected record must be reported
using the original Billing Date of
08/30/1999 and the corrected Special
Comment. The Correction Indicator would
be set to 1.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-6

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 42 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
5 Identification Number 20 15-34 AN 20 21-40 AN
Used to uniquely identify a data furnisher.
Report your internal code to identify each
branch, office, and/or credit central where
information is verified. This number must be
unique and at least 5 digits long. Entire field
should never be zero, blank or 9 filled.

This field must be consistent on a month-

to-month basis to avoid duplication of
information. Notify consumer reporting
agencies before adding, deleting, or
changing the identifiers in this field.
6 Cycle Identifier 2 35-36 AN 2 41-42 AN
Report the internal cycle code for this account.
Field is required if reporting by cycles;
otherwise blank fill.
7 Consumer Account Number 30 37-66 AN 30 43-72 AN
Report the individual's complete and unique
account number as extracted from your file.
Do not include embedded blanks or
special characters.

Account number scrambling and encryption

methods for security purposes are permitted.
Contact your local consumer reporting agency
for information regarding the Metro 2
scrambling techniques.
8 Portfolio Type 1 67 AN 1 73 AN
Contains the one-character abbreviation for
type of portfolio. Values available:

C = Line of credit
I = Installment
M = Mortgage
O = Open account
R = Revolving

Refer to the Glossary of Terms for definitions of

each Portfolio Type.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-7

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 43 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
9 Account Type 2 68-69 AN 2 74-75 AN
Contains the account type code that
identifies the account classification.

Exhibit 1 provides a listing of type codes

that specify industry usage, and Exhibit 2
provides a description of the type codes in
numeric sequence.
10 Date Opened 5 70-74 P 8 76-83 N
Report the date the account was originally
opened. Retain the original Date Opened
regardless of future activity, such as
transfer, refinance, lost or stolen card,
etc.

For companies who report returned

checks, such as collection agencies, report
the date of the check.
Format for packed date is 0MMDDYYYYs —
where s is the sign. Format is MMDDYYYY
for character date. If the day is not
available, use 01.
11 Credit Limit 5 75-79 P 9 84-92 N
Report the following values:

Line of Credit = assigned credit limit

Installment = zero fill
Mortgage = zero fill
Open = zero fill
Revolving = assigned credit limit

Report whole dollars only.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-8

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 44 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
12 Highest Credit or Original Loan 5 80-84 P 9 93-101 N
Amount
Report the following values in whole
dollars only:

Line of Credit = highest balance ever

attained
Installment = original amount of the
loan excluding interest
payments
Mortgage = original amount of the
loan excluding interest
payments
Open = highest balance ever
attained
Revolving = highest balance ever
attained
For companies who report returned
checks, such as collection agencies, report
the original amount of the check,
excluding fees and interest.
13 Terms Duration 3 85-87 AN 3 102-104 AN
Contains the duration of credit extended.

Line of Credit = Constant of LOC

Installment = Number of months
Mortgage = Number of years
Open = Constant of 001
(One payment as
scheduled)
Revolving = Constant of REV
Exhibit 3 provides the calculations
necessary to convert Terms Duration to
monthly.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-9

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 45 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
14 Terms Frequency 1 88 AN 1 105 AN
Report the frequency for payments due.
Values available:

D = Deferred (Refer to Note)

P = Single Payment Loan
W = Weekly
B = Biweekly
E = Semimonthly
M = Monthly
L = Bimonthly
Q = Quarterly
T = Triannually
S = Semiannually
Y = Annually
Exhibit 3 provides definitions of the Terms
Frequency Codes.
Note: When reporting Deferred loans,
report the Deferred Payment Start
Date in the K4 Segment.
15 Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount 5 89-93 P 9 106-114 N
Report the dollar amount of the scheduled
monthly payment in whole dollars only.

Line of Credit = minimum amount due based

on balance, not including any
amounts past due
Installment = regular monthly payment
Mortgage = regular monthly payment,
including the principal, interest,
and escrow
Open = zero fill
Revolving = minimum amount due based
on balance, not including any
amounts past due
Exhibit 3 provides the calculations necessary to
convert payment amounts to monthly.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-10

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 46 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
16 Actual Payment Amount 5 94-98 P 9 115-123 N
Report the dollar amount of the monthly payment
actually received for this reporting period in whole
dollars only.
If multiple payments are made during the
reporting period, the total amount should be
reported.
17A Account Status 2 99-100 AN 2 124-125 AN
Contains the status code that properly identifies
the current condition of the account as of the
Billing Date (Field 24).

Exhibit 4 provides a description of these codes.

The Payment Rating (Field 17B) must also be

reported when the Account Status Code is 05, 13,
65, 88, 89, 94, or 95.

Special Comments (Field 19) may be used in

conjunction with the Account Status to further
define the account.
17B Payment Rating 1 101 AN 1 126 AN
When the Account Status (Field 17A) contains 05,
13, 65, 88, 89, 94 or 95, this field must also be
reported.
The Payment Rating contains a code that properly
identifies whether the account is current, past
due, in collections or charged off within the
activity period being reported. Values
available:

0 = Current account
1 = 30 - 59 days past due date
2 = 60 - 89 days past due date
3 = 90 - 119 days past due date
4 = 120 - 149 days past due date
5 = 150 - 179 days past due date
6 = 180 or more days past due date
G = Collection
L = Charge-off
For example, if the account was paid in July 2003,
but the consumer was 30 days past the due date
in July prior to paying the account, report Account
Status Code = 13 and Payment Rating = 1.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-11

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 47 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
18 Payment History Profile 24 102- AN 24 127- AN
Contains up to 24 months of consecutive payment 125 150
activity for the previous 24 calendar months prior to
the activity date being reported. Report one month’s
payment record in each byte from the left to right in
most recent to least recent order. The first byte
should represent the previous month’s status.
Values available:

0 = 0 payments past due (current account)

1 = 30 - 59 days past due date
2 = 60 - 89 days past due date
3 = 90 - 119 days past due date
4 = 120 - 149 days past due date
5 = 150 - 179 days past due date
6 = 180 or more days past due date
B = No payment history available prior to this
time. A “B” may not be embedded within
other values.
D = No payment history available this month. A
“D” may be embedded in the payment
pattern.
E = Zero balance and current account
G = Collection
H = Foreclosure
J = Voluntary Surrender
K = Repossession
L = Charge-off
No other values are acceptable in this field.
If a full 24 months of history are not available for
reporting, the ending positions of this field should be
filled with Bs.
The Payment History Profile is intended to be used to
report monthly history, regardless of the Terms
Frequency.
Reporting of the Payment History Profile provides a
method for automated correction of erroneously
reported history.
Exhibit 5 provides examples of reporting payment
history.
For important information:
• Paid accounts - refer to Frequently Asked
Question #21.
• First-time reporters - refer to Frequently
Asked Question #39.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-12

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 48 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
19 Special Comment 2 126-127 AN 2 151-152 AN
Used in conjunction with Account Status
(Field 17A) and Payment Rating (Field
17B) to further define the account (e.g.,
closed accounts or adjustments pending).
The Special Comment Code must be
reported as long as the condition applies.
Exhibit 6 provides a list of available
comments by category within portfolio
type, and Exhibit 7 provides a description
of the comments available.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-13

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 49 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
20 Compliance Condition Code 2 128-129 AN 2 153-154 AN
Allows the reporting of a condition that is
required for legal compliance; e.g., according
to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) or Fair
Credit Billing Act (FCBA). Values available:

XA = Account closed at consumer’s request.

XB = Account information disputed by
consumer. (Meets requirements of the
Fair Credit Reporting Act)
XC = Completed investigation of FCRA dispute
— consumer disagrees.
XD= Account closed at consumer’s request
and in dispute under FCRA.
XE = Account closed at consumer’s request
and dispute investigation completed,
consumer disagrees. (To be used for
FCRA or FCBA disputes.)
XF = Account in dispute under Fair Credit
Billing Act.
XG = FCBA Dispute resolved — consumer
disagrees.
XH = Account previously in dispute — now
resolved, reported by data furnisher.
XJ = Account closed at consumer’s request
and in dispute under FCBA
XR = Removes the most recently reported
Compliance Condition Code.
Note: Do not use XR as a default
value.
The code should be reported one time and will
be deleted only when another code or the XR
(Remove value) is reported.
For example, if an account is reported with
Compliance Condition Code XB in July 1998,
and is then reported with Compliance Condition
Code XC in November 1998, the XB is replaced
with the XC. If the account is then reported in
January 1999 with code XR, the XC value is
removed.
Note: Compliance Condition Codes XA,
XD, XE and XJ, which refer to
accounts closed at consumer’s
request, apply to Portfolio Types
C (Line of Credit), O (Open) and
R (Revolving).

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-14

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 50 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
21 Current Balance 5 130-134 P 9 155-163 N
Report the total current balance of the
account in whole dollars only. Report
credit balances (negative balances) as
zero.

For mortgage portfolio types, report the

principal balance plus the interest due this
month. Do not include future interest,
escrow, fees or insurance payments.
22 Amount Past Due 5 135-139 P 9 164-172 N
Report the amount past due in whole
dollars only. This field can include late
charges and fees. Do not include
current amount due in this field.

Note: If the Account Status is current

(Status Code 11), this field
should be zero.
23 Original Charge-off Amount 5 140-144 P 9 173-181 N
For Status Codes 64 and 97 (all portfolio
types), report the original amount charged
to loss, regardless of the declining
balance. Report whole dollars only.

If payments are received from the

consumer, report the outstanding balance
in the Current Balance and Amount Past
Due fields.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-15

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 51 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
24 Billing Date 5 145-149 P 8 182-189 N
Cycle Reporters: For all status codes,
report the current month’s billing date
(i.e., statement date) for the cycle being
reported.
Non-cycle Reporters: For all status
codes, report the current month’s billing
date (i.e., statement date) for the
account.

For accounts where the Billing Date is not

available, such as Coupon Booklets or
Payroll Deduction, report the master file
activity date in this field.

If paid accounts are re-reported, freeze

the Billing Date as of the month the
account was paid. For more information,
refer to Frequently Asked Question #21.

Format for packed date is 0MMDDYYYYs —

where s is the sign. Format is MMDDYYYY
for character date.

Note: This date must represent the

current month’s reporting
period. The date should not
reflect a prior month’s date or
a date greater than the
Activity Date (Field 8, Header
Record).

Example: If the Activity Date

is 01/31/2003, the Billing
Date should be between
01/01/2003 and 01/31/2003.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-16

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 52 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
25 FCRA Compliance/Date of First 5 150-154 P 8 190-197 N
Delinquency
For Account Status Codes 61-65, 71, 78, 80,
82-84, 88-89 and 93-97, report the date of the
first delinquency that led to the status being
reported. If a delinquent account becomes
current, the Date of First Delinquency should
be zero filled. Then if the account goes
delinquent again, the Date of First Delinquency
starts over with the new first delinquency date.

For Account Status Codes 05, 13, 65, 88, 89,

94 or 95, if the Payment Rating is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, G or L, report the date of the first
delinquency that led to the Payment Rating
being reported.

For Consumer Information Indicators E-H

(Discharged Bankruptcies), 1A (Personal
Receivership) and V-Y (Reaffirmation of Debt
Rescinded with Bankruptcy Chapters), if the
account is current (Status Code 11), report the
date of the bankruptcy/personal receivership
notification.

Format for packed date is 0MMDDYYYYs —

where s is the sign. Format is MMDDYYYY for
character date.

This date is used to ensure compliance with the

Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Refer to Exhibit 8 for detailed reporting

instructions, examples and an excerpt
from the law (FCRA).
First-time reporters should refer to
Frequently Asked Question #39 for
important information.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-17

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 53 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
26 Date Closed 5 155-159 P 8 198-205 N
For all portfolio types, contains the date the
account was closed or paid. For Line of Credit,
Open or Revolving accounts, there may be a
balance due.

Format for packed date is 0MMDDYYYYs —

where s is the sign. Format is MMDDYYYY for
character date. If not applicable, zero fill.
27 Date of Last Payment 5 160-164 P 8 206-213 N
Report the date of the most recent consumer
payment, whether full or partial payment is
made.

Format for packed date is 0MMDDYYYYs —

where s is the sign. Format is MMDDYYYY for
character date. If the day is not available, use
01.
28 Reserved 17 165-181 AN 17 214-230 AN
Blank fill.
29 Consumer Transaction Type 1 182 AN 1 231 AN
Used to indicate a new record, a new borrower
or a change in consumer identification. Values
available:

1 = Newly opened account, or new borrower

associated with existing account
2 = Name change
3 = Address change
5 = Social Security Number change
6 = Name & Address change
8 = Name & Social Security Number change
9 = Address & Social Security Number change
A = Name, Address and/or Social Security
Number change
If account or borrower is not new, or if no
change in consumer information, blank fill.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-18

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 54 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
30 Surname 25 183-207 AN 25 232-256 AN
Report the last name of the primary
consumer. Titles and prefixes should not
be reported.

If reporting multiple last names,

hyphenate the two surnames.

If reporting Hispanic names, use the

following format:
Paternal Name, Dash, Maternal Name.

The Generation Code should be reported

in Field 33.
31 First Name 20 208-227 AN 20 257-276 AN
Report the first name of the primary
consumer.
If reporting multiple first names,
hyphenate the two first names.
32 Middle Name 20 228-247 AN 20 277-296 AN
Report the middle name or middle initial
of the primary consumer, if available.

If reporting multiple middle names,

hyphenate the two middle names.
33 Generation Code 1 248 AN 1 297 AN
Used to distinguish Junior, Senior, II, III,
IV, etc. If not applicable, blank fill.
Values available:

J = Junior 5 =V
S = Senior 6 = VI
2 = II 7 = VII
3 = III 8 = VIII
4 = IV 9 = IX

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-19

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 55 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
34 Social Security Number 5 249-253 P 9 298-306 N
Report the Social Security Number of the
primary consumer. Report only valid
SSNs. If not available, zero- or 9-fill all
positions.

Note: Do not report Tax Identification

Numbers in this field.
35 Date of Birth 5 254-258 P 8 307-314 N
Contains the date of birth of the primary
consumer. Reporting of this information is
highly recommended as the date of birth
greatly enhances accuracy in matching to
the correct consumer. If not available,
zero fill the entire field.

Format for packed date is 0MMDDYYYYs —

where s is the sign. Format is MMDDYYYY
for character date.

If the month and day are not available,

use 0101. The four-digit year is required.

Note: Do not report accounts of

consumers who are too young
to enter into a binding contract.
36 Telephone Number 6 259-264 P 10 315-324 N
Contains the telephone number of the
primary consumer (Area Code + 7 digits).

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-20

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 56 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
37 ECOA Code 1 265 AN 1 325 AN
Defines the relationship of the primary
consumer to the account and designates
the account as joint, individual, etc., in
compliance with the Equal Credit
Opportunity Act. Values available:

1 = Individual
(This individual has contractual
responsibility for this account and is
primarily responsible for its
payment.)
2 = Joint Contractual Liability
(Joint account for which this borrower
has contractual responsibility.)
7 = Maker
(Account for which subject is liable
but a co-maker is liable if maker
defaults.)
T = Association with account terminated
W = Business/Commercial
(Used to identify that the company
reported in the name fields is
contractually liable for the account.)
X = Consumer Deceased
Z = Delete Borrower
Note: Only inaccurately reported
consumers should be deleted.

Note: Codes 0 (Undesignated),

4 (Joint) and 6 (On-Behalf-Of)
are obsolete as of September
2003 and may no longer be
reported.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-21

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 57 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
38 Consumer Information Indicator 2 266-267 AN 2 326-327 AN
Contains a value that indicates a special
condition of the account that applies to
the primary consumer.

This special condition may be that a

bankruptcy was filed, discharged,
dismissed or withdrawn; a debt was
reaffirmed; or the consumer cannot be
located or is now located.

The indicator should be reported one time

and will be deleted only when the
appropriate removal code (Q, S, U) is
reported.

Exhibit 9 provides a list of Consumer

Information Indicators.
39 Country Code 2 268-269 AN 2 328-329 AN
Contains the standard two-character
country abbreviation.

Exhibit 10 provides a list of the Country

Codes.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-22

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 58 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
40 First Line of Address 32 270-301 AN 32 330-361 AN
Contains mailing address for the primary
consumer and usually includes street
number, direction, street name, and type
of thoroughfare.

If the mailing address is a PO Box or

Rural Route, include Box or Route
followed by the number (e.g., PO Box
100). Do not report both a street address
and a PO Box.
Eliminate internal messages such as: “Do
not mail,” “Attorney,” “Charge-off,”
“Chapter 13,” “Fraud,” etc.
Exhibit 11 provides general rules for
address reporting. Do not enter data
furnisher's address in this field.
41 Second Line of Address 32 302-333 AN 32 362-393 AN
Contains second line of address, if
needed, such as apartment or unit
number.

Eliminate internal messages such as: “Do

not mail,” “Attorney,” “Charge-off,”
“Chapter 13,” “Fraud,” etc.
42 City 20 334-353 AN 20 394-413 AN
Contains city name for address of primary
consumer. Truncate rightmost positions if
city name is greater than 20 characters or
use standard 13-character U.S. Postal
Service city abbreviations.
43 State 2 354-355 AN 2 414-415 AN
Contains the standard U.S. Postal Service
state abbreviation for the address of the
primary consumer.

Exhibit 12 provides a list of State Codes.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-23

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 59 of 174

Field Definitions

Base Segment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 BASE 426 BASE

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique
44 Postal/Zip Code 9 356-364 AN 9 416-424 AN
Report the Zip Code of the primary
consumer’s address. Use entire field if
reporting 9-digit zip codes. Otherwise,
left-justify and blank fill.
45 Address Indicator 1 365 AN 1 425 AN
Contains one of the following values for
the address reported in fields 40-44:

Y = Known to be address of primary

consumer
N = Not confirmed address
B = Business address — not consumer's
residence
U = Non-deliverable address/Returned
mail
D = Data reporter’s default address
M = Military address
S = Secondary Address
P = Bill Payer Service — not consumer’s
residence

If indicator not available or unknown,

blank fill.
46 Residence Code 1 366 AN 1 426 AN
Contains the one-character residence
code of the address reported in fields 40-
44. Values available:

O = Owns
R = Rents

If not available or unknown, blank fill.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-24

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 60 of 174

Field Definitions

J1 Segment
Associated Consumer—Same Address

The J1 Segment is designed to accommodate the requirements of ECOA and applies

when the associated consumer resides at the same address as the individual reported in
the Base Segment. This segment must be present each time the account is reported.

Multiple occurrences of the J1 Segment can be appended to the Base Segment.

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMATS

Length Position Recording
Technique

1 Segment Identifier 2 1-2 AN

Contains a constant of J1.

2 Consumer Transaction Type 1 3 AN

Used to indicate a new record, a new borrower or a
change in consumer identification. Values available:

1 = Newly opened account, or new borrower

associated with existing account
2 = Name change
3 = Address change
5 = Social Security Number change
6 = Name & Address change
8 = Name & Social Security Number change
9 = Address & Social Security Number change
A = Name, Address and/or Social Security
Number change

If account or borrower is not new, or if no change in

consumer information, blank fill.

3 Surname 25 4-28 AN
Report the last name of the associated consumer.
Titles and prefixes should not be reported.

If reporting multiple last names, hyphenate the two

surnames.
If reporting Hispanic names, use the following format:
Paternal Name, Dash, Maternal Name.

The Generation Code should be reported in Field 6.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-25

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 61 of 174

Field Definitions

J1 Segment
Associated Consumer—Same Address

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMATS

Length Position Recording
Technique

4 First Name 20 29-48 AN

Report the first name of the associated consumer.

If reporting multiple first names, hyphenate the two first

names.

5 Middle Name 20 49-68 AN

Report the middle name or middle initial of the associated
consumer, if available.

If reporting multiple middle names, hyphenate the two middle

names.

6 Generation Code 1 69 AN
Used to distinguish Junior, Senior, II, III, IV, etc. If not
applicable, blank fill. Values available:

J = Junior 3 = III 6 = VI 9 = IX
S = Senior 4 = IV 7 = VII
2 = II 5=V 8 = VIII
7 Social Security Number 9 70-78 N
Report the Social Security Number of the associated
consumer. Report only valid SSNs. If not available, zero- or
9-fill all positions.

Note: Do not report Tax Identification Numbers in this

field.

8 Date of Birth 8 79-86 N

Contains the date of birth of the associated consumer.
Reporting of this information is highly recommended as the
date of birth greatly enhances accuracy in matching to the
correct consumer. If not available, zero fill the entire field.

Format is MMDDYYYY.

If the month and day are not available, use 0101. The four-
digit year is required.

Note: Do not report accounts of consumers who are too

young to enter into a binding contract.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-26

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 62 of 174

Field Definitions

J1 Segment
Associated Consumer—Same Address

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMATS

Length Position Recording
Technique

9 Telephone Number 10 87-96 N

Contains the telephone number of the associated
consumer (Area Code + 7 digits).

10 ECOA Code 1 97 AN
Defines the relationship of the associated consumer to the
account and designates the account as joint, individual,
etc., in compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
Values available:

2 = Joint Contractual Liability

(Joint account for which this borrower has
contractual responsibility.)
3 = Authorized User
(This individual is an authorized user of this
account; another individual has contractual
responsibility.)
5 = Co-Maker
(Account for which the subject is the co-maker and
becomes liable if the maker defaults; no spousal
relationship.)
T = Association with account terminated
W = Business/Commercial
(Used to identify that the company reported in the
name field is contractually liable for the account.)
X = Consumer Deceased
Z = Delete Borrower
Note: Only inaccurately reported
consumers should be deleted.

Note: Codes 0 (Undesignated), 4 (Joint) and

6 (On-Behalf-Of) are obsolete as of
September 2003 and may no longer be
reported.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-27

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 63 of 174

Field Definitions

J1 Segment
Associated Consumer—Same Address

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMATS

Length Position Recording
Technique

11 Consumer Information Indicator 2 98-99 AN

Contains a value that indicates a special condition of the
account that applies to the associated consumer.

This special condition may be that a bankruptcy was

filed, discharged, dismissed or withdrawn; a debt was
reaffirmed; or the consumer cannot be located or is
now located.

The indicator should be reported one time and will be

deleted only when the appropriate removal code (Q, S,
U) is reported.

Exhibit 9 provides a list of Consumer Information

Indicators.

12 Reserved 1 100 AN
Blank fill.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-28

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 64 of 174

Field Definitions

J2 Segment
Associated Consumer—Different Address

The J2 Segment is designed to accommodate the requirements of ECOA and applies

when the associated consumer resides at a different address than the individual
reported in the Base Segment. This segment must be present each time the account is
reported.

Multiple occurrences of the J2 Segment can be appended to the Base Segment.

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMAT

Length Position Recording
Technique

1 Segment Identifier 2 1-2 AN

Contains a constant of J2.

2 Consumer Transaction Type 1 3 AN

Used to indicate a new record, a new borrower or a
change in consumer identification. Values available:

1 = Newly opened account, or a new borrower

associated with existing account
2 = Name change
3 = Address change
5 = Social Security Number change
6 = Name & Address change
8 = Name & Social Security Number change
9 = Address & Social Security Number change
A = Name, Address and/or Social Security Number
change

If account or borrower is not new, or if no change in

consumer information, blank fill.

3 Surname 25 4-28 AN
Report the last name of the associated consumer.
Titles and prefixes should not be reported.

If reporting multiple last names, hyphenate the two

surnames.
If reporting Hispanic names, use the following format:
Paternal Name, Dash, Maternal Name.

The Generation Code should be reported in Field 6.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-29

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 65 of 174

Field Definitions

J2 Segment
Associated Consumer—Different Address

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMAT

Length Position Recording
Technique

4 First Name 20 29-48 AN

Report the first name of the associated consumer.
If reporting multiple first names, hyphenate the two first
names.

5 Middle Name 20 49-68 AN

Report the middle name or middle initial of the associated
consumer, if available.

If reporting multiple middle names, hyphenate the two middle

names.

6 Generation Code 1 69 AN
Used to distinguish Junior, Senior, II, III, IV, etc. If not
applicable, blank fill. Values available:

J = Junior 3 = III 6 = VI 9 = IX
S = Senior 4 = IV 7 = VII
2 = II 5=V 8 = VIII

7 Social Security Number 9 70-78 N

Report the Social Security Number of the associated
consumer. Report only valid SSNs. If not available, zero- or
9-fill all positions.

Note: Do not report Tax Identification Numbers in this

field.

8 Date of Birth 8 79-86 N

Contains the date of birth of the associated consumer.
Reporting of this information is highly recommended as the
date of birth greatly enhances accuracy in matching to the
correct consumer. If not available, zero fill the entire field.

Format is MMDDYYYY.

If the month and day are not available, use 0101. The four-
digit year is required.

Note: Do not report accounts of consumers who are too

young to enter into a binding contract.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-30

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 66 of 174

Field Definitions

J2 Segment
Associated Consumer—Different Address

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMAT

Length Position Recording
Technique

9 Telephone Number 10 87-96 N

Contains the telephone number of the associated consumer
(Area Code + 7 digits).

10 ECOA Code 1 97 AN
Defines the relationship of the associated consumer to the
account and designates the account as joint, individual,
etc., in compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
Values available:

2 = Joint Contractual Liability

(Joint account for which this borrower has
contractual responsibility.)
3 = Authorized User
(This individual is an authorized user of this account;
another individual has contractual responsibility.)
5 = Co-Maker
(Account for which the subject is the co-maker and
becomes liable if the maker defaults; no spousal
relationship.)
T = Association with account terminated
W = Business/Commercial
(Used to identify that the company reported in the
name field is contractually liable for the account.)
X = Consumer Deceased
Z = Delete Borrower
Note: Only inaccurately reported consumers
should be deleted.

Note: Codes 0 (Undesignated), 4 (Joint) and

6 (On-Behalf-Of) are obsolete as of
September 2003 and may no longer be
reported.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-31

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 67 of 174

Field Definitions

J2 Segment
Associated Consumer—Different Address

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMAT

Length Position Recording
Technique

11 Consumer Information Indicator 2 98-99 AN

Contains a value that indicates a special condition of the
account that applies to the associated consumer.

This special condition may be that a bankruptcy was filed,

discharged, dismissed or withdrawn; a debt was
reaffirmed; or the consumer cannot be located or is now
located.

The indicator should be reported one time and will be

deleted only when the appropriate removal code (Q, S, U)
is reported.

Exhibit 9 provides a list of Consumer Information

Indicators.

12 Country Code 2 100- AN

Contains the standard two-character country abbreviation. 101

Exhibit 10 provides a list of the Country Codes.

13 First Line of Address 32 102- AN

Contains mailing address for associated consumer and 133
usually includes street number, direction, street name, and
type of thoroughfare.

If the mailing address is a PO Box or Rural Route, include

Box or Route followed by the number (e.g., PO Box 100).
Do not report both a street address and a PO Box.

Eliminate internal messages such as: “Do not mail,”

“Attorney,” “Charge-off,” “Chapter 13,” “Fraud,” etc.

Exhibit 11 provides general rules for address reporting.

Do not enter data furnisher's address in this field.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-32

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 68 of 174

Field Definitions

J2 Segment
Associated Consumer—Different Address

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMAT

Length Position Recording
Technique

14 Second Line of Address 32 134- AN

Contains second line of address, if needed, such as 165
apartment or unit number.

Eliminate internal messages such as: “Do not mail,”

“Attorney,” “Charge-off,” “Chapter 13,” “Fraud,” etc.

15 City 20 166- AN
Contains city name for address of associated consumer. 185
Truncate rightmost positions if city name is greater than
20 characters or use standard 13-character U.S. Postal
Service city abbreviations.

16 State 2 186- AN
Contains the standard U.S. Postal Service state 187
abbreviation for the address of the associated consumer.

Exhibit 12 provides a list of State Codes.

17 Postal/Zip Code 9 188- AN

Report the Zip Code of the associated consumer’s address. 196
Use entire field if reporting 9-digit zip codes. Otherwise,
left-justify and blank fill.

18 Address Indicator 1 197 AN

Contains one of the following values for the address
reported in fields 13-17:

Y = Known to be address of associated consumer

N = Not confirmed address
B = Business address — not consumer's residence
U = Non-deliverable address/Returned mail
D = Data reporter’s default address
M = Military address
S = Secondary address
P = Bill Payer Service — not consumer’s residence

If indicator not available or unknown, blank fill.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-33

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 69 of 174

Field Definitions

J2 Segment
Associated Consumer—Different Address

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMAT

Length Position Recording
Technique

19 Residence Code 1 198 AN

Contains the one-character residence code of the
address reported in fields 13-17. Values available:

O = Owns
R = Rents

If not available or unknown, blank fill.

20 Reserved 2 199- AN
200
Blank fill.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-34

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 70 of 174

Field Definitions

K1 Segment
Original Creditor Name

The K1 Segment must be present each time the account is reported by collection agencies, debt
collectors, factoring companies, student loan guaranty agencies, and the U.S. Department of
Education. The purpose of reporting the original creditor name is to help consumers identify the
source of accounts when they appear on credit reports. Without the original creditor names,
consumers may not know what the accounts represent.

Some state laws and CDIA policy stipulate that the original client/creditor must be identified. Federal
law stipulates that the name of the payee must be identified when reporting returned checks.

Only one occurrence of the K1 Segment can be appended to the Base Segment. If not applicable, do
not report the K1 Segment.

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMATS

Length Position Recording
Technique

1 Segment Identifier 2 1-2 AN

Contains a constant of K1.

2 Original Creditor Name 30 3-32 AN

The original creditor name is the name of the company or agent
who originally opened the account for the consumer.

This free-form description of the original creditor name is used by

collection agencies, debt collectors, factoring companies, student
loan guaranty agencies, and the U.S. Department of Education.

For companies who report returned checks, such as collection

agencies, report the name of the payee.

One of the following three options should be used when reporting

a creditor’s name that would reveal sensitive information about
the consumer.

1. Report the name of the institution, but do not include

reference to the type of service. For example, use the
hospital name without identifying that it was the psychiatric
unit that provided care. If a hospital’s name reveals sensitive
information, abbreviate the name.

2. Use the corporate name if it is different from the commercial

name of a mental institution or drug rehabilitation center.

3. Do not report the account if either of the above two options

would not sufficiently protect the consumer’s privacy.

Note: Encoded information is not acceptable in this field.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-35

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 71 of 174

Field Definitions

K1 Segment
Original Creditor Name

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMATS

Length Position Recording
Technique

3 Creditor Classification 2 33-34 N

Contains a code indicating a general type of business
for the Original Creditor Name. Values available:

01 Retail
02 Medical/Health Care
03 Oil Company
04 Government
05 Personal Services
06 Insurance
07 Educational
08 Banking
09 Rental/Leasing
10 Utilities
11 Cable/Cellular
12 Financial
13 Credit Union
14 Automotive
15 Check Guarantee

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-36

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 72 of 174

Field Definitions

K2 Segment
Purchased Portfolio/Sold To

The K2 Segment may be used to report the name of the company from which the
portfolio or partial portfolio was purchased or the name of the company to which the
portfolio or partial portfolio was sold. The K2 Segment should be reported only one
time per record to affect the change.

Only one occurrence of the K2 Segment can be appended to the Base Segment. If not
applicable, do not report the K2 Segment.

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMATS

Length Position Recording
Technique

1 Segment Identifier 2 1-2 AN

Contains a constant of K2.

2 Portfolio Indicator 1 3 N
Contains a code representing the type of information
being reported. Values available:

1 = Portfolio Purchased From Name

2 = Sold To Name
9 = Remove Previously Reported K2 Segment
Information

3 Purchased Portfolio or Sold To Name 30 4-33 AN

Contains a free-form description of the name of the
company from which the portfolio or partial portfolio was
purchased or to which the account was sold.

If field 2 = 9, this field should be blank filled.

4 Reserved 1 34 AN
Blank fill.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-37

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 73 of 174

Field Definitions

K3 Segment
Mortgage Information

The K3 Segment is used for two purposes:

1. To indicate a secondary marketing agency’s interest in a loan by providing the applicable

account number as assigned by the secondary marketing agency.

2. To report the Mortgage Identification Number (MIN), when available.

This segment must be present each time the account is reported. Only one occurrence of
the K3 Segment can be appended to the Base Segment. If not applicable, do not report the
K3 Segment.

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMATS

Length Position Recording
Technique

1 Segment Identifier 2 1-2 AN

Contains a constant of K3.

2 Agency Identifier 2 3-4 N

Contains a code indicating which secondary marketing agency
has interest in this loan. Values available:

00 = Agency Identifier not applicable

(Used when reporting MIN only)
01 = Fannie Mae
02 = Freddie Mac

3 Account Number 18 5-22 AN

Contains the account number as assigned by the secondary
marketing agency. Do not include embedded blanks or
special characters.

If field 2 = 00, this field should be blank filled.

4 Mortgage Identification Number (MIN) 18 23-40 AN

Contains the Mortgage Identification Number assigned to a
mortgage loan. Do not include embedded blanks or
special characters.

The MIN indicates that the loan is registered with the Mortgage
Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (MERS), the electronic
registry for tracking the ownership of mortgage rights. For
more information, see http://www.mersinc.org.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-38

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 74 of 174

Field Definitions

K4 Segment
Specialized Payment Information

The K4 Segment can be used to report information on specialized payment schedules

for either deferred payments or balloon payments. This segment must be present each
time the account is reported if a deferred or balloon payment applies to the account.

Only one occurrence of the K4 Segment can be appended to the Base Segment. If not
applicable, do not report the K4 Segment.

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMATS

Length Position Recording
Technique

1 Segment Identifier 2 1-2 AN

Contains a constant of K4.

2 Specialized Payment Indicator 2 3-4 N

Contains a code describing the specialized payment
arrangements. Values available:

01 = Balloon Payment
02 = Deferred Payment

3 Deferred Payment Start Date 8 5-12 N

Report the date the first payment is due for deferred
loans. Format is MMDDYYYY. If the day is not available,
use 01.

This date should be reported when the Terms Frequency

(Base Segment, Field 14) indicates Deferred.

4 Payment Due Date 8 13-20 N

Report the date the balloon payment is due, if
applicable. Format is MMDDYYYY. If the day is not
available, use 01.

5 Payment Amount 9 21-29 N

Report the amount of the balloon payment in whole
dollars only.

6 Reserved 1 30 AN
Blank fill.

Note: All other account information should be reported in the Base Segment.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-39

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 75 of 174

Field Definitions

L1 Segment
Account Number/Identification Number Change

The L1 Segment provides an automated method for changing the Consumer Account
Number and/or Identification Number and should be reported only one time per record
to affect the change.

The L1 Segment contains the new Consumer Account Number and/or the new
Identification Number and the Base Segment contains the old Consumer Account
Number (Field 7) and/or old Identification Number (field 5) exactly as reported
previously. In any subsequent reporting period, the Base Segment should contain the
new Consumer Account Number and/or new Identification Number, and the L1 Segment
should not be reported.

If the L1 Segment is being reported for the first time, or if L1 Segments are to be used
for portfolio acquisition or a mass Consumer Account Number and/or Identification
Number change, contact your consumer reporting agencies.

Only one occurrence of the L1 Segment can be appended to the Base Segment.

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMATS

Length Position Recording
Technique

1 Segment Identifier 2 1-2 AN

Contains a constant of L1.

2 Change Indicator 1 3 N
Contains a code representing the change being
reported. Values available:

1 = Consumer Account Number Change ONLY

2 = Identification Number Change ONLY
3 = Consumer Account Number AND Identification
Number Change

3 New Consumer Account Number 30 4-33 AN

Contains the new Account Number assigned to this
account. Do not include embedded blanks or
special characters.

If field 2 = 2, this field should be blank filled.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-40

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 76 of 174

Field Definitions

L1 Segment
Account Number/Identification Number Change

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMATS

Length Position Recording
Technique

New Identification Number 20 34-53 AN

4
Contains the new Identification Number assigned to this
account.

If field 2 = 1, this field should be blank filled.

5 Reserved 1 54 AN
Blank fill.

Note: If fixed-length records are being reported and a record does not require a
Consumer Account Number or Identification Number change, the Segment
Identifier of L1 must be reported and the remainder of the segment must be

blank filled.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-41

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 77 of 174

Field Definitions

N1 Segment
Employment

The N1 Segment may be used to report employment information for the consumer
reported in the Base Segment.

Only one occurrence of the N1 Segment can be appended to the Base Segment. If
employment is not available, do not report the N1 Segment.

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMATS

Length Position Recording
Technique

1 Segment Identifier 2 1-2 AN

Contains a constant of N1.

2 Employer Name 30 3-32 AN

Report the name of the employer for the consumer
reported in the Base Segment.

3 First Line of Employer Address 32 33-64 AN

Contains the mailing address for the employer in Field 2
and usually includes street number, direction, street
name and type of thoroughfare.

4 Second Line of Employer Address 32 65-96 AN

Contains second line of employer’s address, if needed.

5 Employer City 20 97- AN

116
Contains city name for employer’s address. Truncate
rightmost positions if city name is greater than 20
characters or use standard 13-character U.S. Postal
Service city abbreviations.

6 Employer State 2 117- AN

118
Contains the standard U.S. Postal Service state
abbreviation for the address of the employer.

Exhibit 12 provides a list of State Codes.

7 Employer Postal/Zip Code 9 119- AN

127
Report the zip code of the employer’s address. Use
entire field if reporting 9-digit zip codes. Otherwise,
left-justify and blank fill.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-42

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 78 of 174

Field Definitions

N1 Segment
Employment

FIELD FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 and 426 FORMATS

Length Position Recording
Technique

8 Occupation 18 128- AN
145
Report title or position for consumer reported in the
Base Segment (the employee).

9 Reserved 1 146 AN
Blank fill.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-43

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 79 of 174

Field Definitions

Trailer Record

The Trailer Record must be the last record provided on the file. It includes cumulative
totals that are used to verify that all records received have been processed.

Field FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 Base 426 Base

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique

1 Record Descriptor Word (RDW) 4 1-4 B 4 1-4 N

Contains a value equal to the length of
the physical record. This value includes
the four bytes reserved for this field.
If fixed-length records are being
reported, the Trailer Record should be
the same length as all the data records.
The Trailer Record should be padded
with blanks to fill the needed number of
positions.

2 Record Identifier 7 5-11 AN 7 5-11 AN

Contains a constant of TRAILER which
is used to identify this record.

3 Total Base Records 5 12-16 P 9 12-20 N

Contains the total number of Base
Segments being reported.

4&5 Reserved 10 17-26 AN 18 21-38 AN

Blank fill.

6 Total Associated Consumer 5 27-31 P 9 39-47 N

Segments (J1)
Contains the total number of J1
Segments being reported. Do not count
blank- or 9-filled segments.

7 Total Associated Consumer 5 32-36 P 9 48-56 N

Segments (J2)
Contains the total number of J2
Segments being reported. Do not count
blank- or 9-filled segments.

8 Block Count 5 37-41 P 9 57-65 N

Contains the number of blocks on the
file, if applicable.

9 Total of Status Code DA 5 42-46 P 9 66-74 N

Contains the total number of Base
Segments with Status Code DA in Field
17A.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-44

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 80 of 174

Field Definitions

Trailer Record

Field FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 Base 426 Base

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique

10 Total of Status Code 05 5 47-51 P 9 75-83 N

Contains the total number of Base Segments
with Status Code 05 in Field 17A.

11 Total of Status Code 11 5 52-56 P 9 84-92 N

Contains the total number of Base Segments
with Status Code 11 in Field 17A.

12 Total of Status Code 13 5 57-61 P 9 93- N

Contains the total number of Base Segments 101
with Status Code 13 in Field 17A.

13 Total of Status Code 61 5 62-66 P 9 102- N

Contains the total number of Base Segments 110
with Status Code 61 in Field 17A.

14 Total of Status Code 62 5 67-71 P 9 111- N

Contains the total number of Base Segments 119
with Status Code 62 in Field 17A.

15 Total of Status Code 63 5 72-76 P 9 120- N

Contains the total number of Base Segments 128
with Status Code 63 in Field 17A.

16 Total of Status Code 64 5 77-81 P 9 129- N

Contains the total number of Base Segments 137
with Status Code 64 in Field 17A.

17 Total of Status Code 65 5 82-86 P 9 138- N

Contains the total number of Base Segments 146
with Status Code 65 in Field 17A.

18 Total of Status Code 71 5 87-91 P 9 147- N

Contains the total number of Base Segments 155
with Status Code 71 in Field 17A.

19 Total of Status Code 78 5 92-96 P 9 156- N

Contains the total number of Base Segments 164
with Status Code 78 in Field 17A.

20 Total of Status Code 80 5 97- P 9 165- N

Contains the total number of Base Segments 101 173
with Status Code 80 in Field 17A.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-45

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 81 of 174

Field Definitions

Trailer Record

Field FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 Base 426 Base

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique

21 Total of Status Code 82 5 102- P 9 174- N

Contains the total number of Base 106 182
Segments with Status Code 82 in Field 17A.

22 Total of Status Code 83 5 107- P 9 183- N

Contains the total number of Base 111 191
Segments with Status Code 83 in Field 17A.

23 Total of Status Code 84 5 112- P 9 192- N

Contains the total number of Base 116 200
Segments with Status Code 84 in Field 17A.

24 Total of Status Code 88 5 117- P 9 201- N

Contains the total number of Base 121 209
Segments with Status Code 88 in Field 17A.

25 Total of Status Code 89 5 122- P 9 210- N

Contains the total number of Base 126 218
Segments with Status Code 89 in Field 17A.

26 Total of Status Code 93 5 127- P 9 219- N

Contains the total number of Base 131 227
Segments with Status Code 93 in Field 17A.

27 Total of Status Code 94 5 132- P 9 228- N

Contains the total number of Base 136 236
Segments with Status Code 94 in Field 17A.

28 Total of Status Code 95 5 137- P 9 237- N

Contains the total number of Base 141 245
Segments with Status Code 95 in Field 17A.

29 Total of Status Code 96 5 142- P 9 246- N

Contains the total number of Base 146 254
Segments with Status Code 96 in Field 17A.

30 Total of Status Code 97 5 147- P 9 255- N

Contains the total number of Base 151 263
Segments with Status Code 97 in Field 17A.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-46

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 82 of 174

Field Definitions

Trailer Record

Field FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 Base 426 Base

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique

31 Total of ECOA Code Z (All Segments) 5 152- P 9 264- N

Contains the total number of records with 156 272
ECOA Code Z being reported in the Base
Segment (Field 37), in the J1 Segment
(Field 10) and in the J2 Segment (Field
10).

32 Total Employment Segments 5 157- P 9 273- N

Contains the total number of records with 161 281
employment being reported in the N1
Segment.

33 Total Original Creditor Segments 5 162- P 9 282- N

Contains the total number of records with 166 290
Original Creditors being reported in the
K1 Segment.

34 Total Purchased Portfolio/Sold To 5 167- P 9 291- N

Segments 171 299
Contains the total number of records with
Purchased Portfolio/Sold To being
reported in the K2 Segment.

35 Total Mortgage Information 5 172- P 9 300- N

Segments 176 308
Contains the total number of records with
Mortgage Information being reported in
the K3 Segment.

36 Total Specialized Payment 5 177- P 9 309- N

Information Segments 181 317
Contains the total number of records with
Specialized Payment Information being
reported in the K4 Segment.

37 Total Change Segments 5 182- P 9 318- N

Contains the total number of Consumer 186 326
Account Number and/or Identification
Number changes being reported in the L1
Segment.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-47

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 83 of 174

Field Definitions

Trailer Record

Field FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 Base 426 Base

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique

38 Total Social Security Numbers 5 187- P 9 327- N

(All Segments) 191 335
Contains the total number of valid Social
Security Numbers reported in the Base
Segment (Field 34), in the J1 Segment
(Field 7) and in the J2 Segment (Field
7). Do not count zero- or 9-filled SSNs.

39 Total Social Security Numbers 5 192- P 9 336- N

(Base Segments) 196 344
Contains the total number of valid Social
Security Numbers reported in the Base
Segment (Field 34). Do not count zero-
or 9-filled SSNs.

40 Total Social Security Numbers 5 197- P 9 345- N

(J1 Segments) 201 353
Contains the total number of valid Social
Security Numbers reported in the J1
Segment (Field 7). Do not count zero-
or 9-filled SSNs.

41 Total Social Security Numbers 5 202- P 9 354- N

(J2 Segments) 206 362
Contains the total number of valid Social
Security Numbers reported in the J2
Segment (Field 7). Do not count zero-
or 9-filled SSNs.

42 Total Dates of Birth (All Segments) 5 207- P 9 363- N

Contains the total number of valid Dates 211 371
of Birth reported in the Base Segment
(Field 35), in the J1 Segment (Field 8)
and in the J2 Segment (Field 8). Do not
count zero-filled Dates of Birth.

43 Total Dates of Birth (Base 5 212- P 9 372- N

Segments) 216 380
Contains the total number of valid Dates
of Birth reported in the Base Segment
(Field 35). Do not count zero-filled
Dates of Birth.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-48

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 84 of 174

Field Definitions

Trailer Record

Field FIELD NAME & DESCRIPTION 366 Base 426 Base

(Packed Format) (Character Format)
Length Position Recording Length Position Recording
Technique Technique

44 Total Dates of Birth (J1 5 217- P 9 381- N

221 389
Segments)
Contains the total number of valid
Dates of Birth reported in the J1
Segment (Field 8). Do not count zero-
filled Dates of Birth.

45 Total Dates of Birth (J2 5 222- P 9 390- N

226 398
Segments)
Contains the total number of valid
Dates of Birth reported in the J2
Segment (Field 8). Do not count zero-
filled Dates of Birth.

46 Total Telephone Numbers 5 227- P 9 399- N

231 407
(All Segments)
Contains the total number of valid
Telephone Numbers reported in the
Base Segment (Field 36), in the J1
Segment (Field 9) and in the J2
Segment (Field 9). Do not count zero-
filled Telephone Numbers.

47 Reserved 135 232- AN 19 408- AN

Blank fill. 366 426

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 4-49

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 85 of 174

Exhibit 1

Account Type Codes by Industry

The following table describes the account type codes that are reported in Field 9.

Code Description Check Coll. Credit Credit Debt Educa- Family Govt. Instal Loan Mortg Retail Sales Svc.&
Credit Agcy. Card Union Counsel tional Sup. Agcy. Loan Fin. Loan Fin. Prof.

00 Auto X X X X

01 Unsecured X X X X X

02 Secured X X X X X

03 Partially Secured X X X X

04 Home Improvement X X X X

05 FHA Home Improvement X X

06 Installment Sales Contract X X

07 Charge Account X X

10 Business Loan X X X X

11 Recreational Merchandise X X X X

12 Education Loan X X X X X

13 Lease X X X X

15 Check Credit/Line of Credit X X

17 Manufactured Housing X X X X X

18 Credit Card X X

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 86 of 174

Exhibit 1

Account Type Codes by Industry

Code Description Check Coll. Credit Credit Debt Educa- Family Govt. Instal Loan Mortg Retail Sales Svc.&
Credit Agcy. Card Union Counsel tional Sup. Agcy. Loan Fin. Loan Fin. Prof.

19 FHA Real Estate Mortgage X X

(Terms Duration in years)

20 Note Loan X X X

22 Secured by Household Goods X X

23 Secured by Household Goods & X X

Other Collateral

25 VA Real Estate Mortgage X X

(Terms Duration in years)

26 Conventional Real Estate X X

Mortgage — including Purchase
Money First
(Terms Duration in years)

29 Rental Agreement X

34 Debt Counseling Service X

37 Combined Credit Plan X X X

43 Debit Card X X

47 Credit Line Secured X X

48 Collection Agency/Attorney X X

50 Family Support X

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 87 of 174

Exhibit 1

Account Type Codes by Industry

Code Description Check Coll. Credit Credit Debt Educa- Family Govt. Instal Loan Mortg Retail Sales Svc.&
Credit Agcy. Card Union Counsel tional Sup. Agcy. Loan Fin. Loan Fin. Prof.

65 Government Unsecured X
Guaranteed Loan

66 Government Secured X
Guaranteed Loan

67 Government Unsecured Direct X

Loan

68 Government Secured Direct X

Loan

69 Government Grant X

70 Government Overpayment X

71 Government Fine X

72 Government Fee for Services X

73 Government Employee Advance X

74 Government Misc. Debt X

75 Government Benefit X

77 Returned Check X X

89 Home Equity Line of Credit X X

90 Medical Debt X X X X

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 88 of 174

Exhibit 1

Account Type Codes by Industry

Code Description Check Coll. Credit Credit Debt Educa- Family Govt. Instal Loan Mortg Retail Sales Svc.&
Credit Agcy. Card Union Counsel tional Sup. Agcy. Loan Fin. Loan Fin. Prof.

91 Debt Consolidation X X X

92 Utility Company X

93 Child Support X

95 Attorney Fees X X

0A Time Share Loan X X X X

2A Secured Credit Card X X

3A Auto Lease X X X X

5A Real Estate — Junior Liens and X X

Non-Purchase Money First
(Terms Duration in years)

6A Commercial Installment Loan X X X

7A Commercial Line of Credit X X

8A Business Credit Card X

9A Secured Home Improvement X X X X

5B Second Mortgage X X
(Terms Duration in years)

6B Commercial Mortgage Loan X X

(Terms Duration in years)

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-4

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 89 of 174

Exhibit 1

Account Type Codes by Industry

Code Description Check Coll. Credit Credit Debt Educa- Family Govt. Instal Loan Mortg Retail Sales Svc.&
Credit Agcy. Card Union Counsel tional Sup. Agcy. Loan Fin. Loan Fin. Prof.

7B Agricultural X X X X X

8B Deposit Related X X

9B Business Line Personally X X

Guaranteed

0C Factoring Company Account X

1C Household Goods X X

2C Farmers Home Administration X X

(FmHA) Real Estate Mortgage
Loan
(Terms Duration in years)

4D Telecommunications/Cellular X

6D Home Equity X X X

0F Construction Loan X X X X

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-5

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 90 of 174

Exhibit 2

Account Type Codes

The following table contains an alphabetic listing of the account type codes, which are
reported in Field 9.
Code Description

7B Agricultural
95 Attorney Fees
00 Auto
3A Auto Lease
8A Business Credit Card
Individual has primary responsibility.
9B Business Line Personally Guaranteed
10 Business Loan
Individual is personally liable.
07 Charge Account
Used by the Retail Industry
93 Child Support
48 Collection Agency/Attorney
37 Combined Credit Plan
Represents two credit plans being reported as one account.
Example: Visa and Mastercard on one bill.
6A Commercial Installment Loan
Individual is personally liable; company is guarantor.
7A Commercial Line of Credit
Individual is personally liable; company is guarantor.
6B Commercial Mortgage Loan
Terms Duration in years. Individual is personally liable; company is
guarantor.
0F Construction Loan
26 Conventional Real Estate Mortgage - including Purchase Money First
Terms Duration in years. Purchase Money First means that the proceeds of
the loan are used to buy the property. This is a mortgage account type.
18 Credit Card
47 Credit Line Secured
43 Debit Card
To be used when debit card is backed by a line of credit or overdraft
protection
91 Debt Consolidation
Represents multiple loans which have been consolidated into one loan
34 Debt Counseling Service

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-6

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 91 of 174

Exhibit 2

Account Type Codes

Code Description

8B Deposit Related
Overdrawn account
12 Education Loan
0C Factoring Company Account (a/k/a Debt Purchaser)
50 Family Support
2C Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) Real Estate Mortgage Loan
Terms Duration in years
05 Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Home Improvement Loan
19 Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Real Estate Mortgage Loan
Terms Duration in years
75 Government Benefit
73 Government Employee Advance
72 Government Fee for Services
71 Government Fine
69 Government Grant
74 Government Miscellaneous Debt
70 Government Overpayment
68 Government Secured Direct Loan
66 Government Secured Guaranteed Loan
67 Government Unsecured Direct Loan
65 Government Unsecured Guaranteed Loan
6D Home Equity
89 Home Equity Line of Credit
04 Home Improvement
1C Household Goods
06 Installment Sales Contract
Used by the Retail Industry
13 Lease
Non-auto
15 Line of Credit
Includes Check Credit
17 Manufactured Housing
90 Medical Debt
20 Note Loan
03 Partially Secured

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-7

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 92 of 174

Exhibit 2

Account Type Codes

Code Description

5A Real Estate - Junior Liens and Non-Purchase Money First

Terms Duration in years. Junior Liens means that a person has a mortgage
on property already and needs more money without paying off existing loan;
a refinanced loan with a change in terms — second mortgage, third or more.
Non-Purchase Money First means that the proceeds of the loan are not used
directly for the property. This is a real estate account type.
11 Recreational Merchandise
29 Rental Agreement
77 Returned Check
Reported by Collection Agencies, Debt Purchasers and Check Guarantee
companies when a check was returned to the payee for non-payment usually
due to insufficient funds. Refer to Frequently Asked Question #29 for
reporting requirements.
5B Second Mortgage
Terms Duration in years
02 Secured
Used for Installment Contracts
22 Secured by Household Goods
23 Secured by Household Goods and Other Collateral
2A Secured Credit Card
Deposited funds are available in the event of default.
9A Secured Home Improvement
4D Telecommunications/Cellular
0A Time Share Loan
A purchased time share
01 Unsecured
92 Utility Company
25 Veteran’s Administration (VA) Real Estate Mortgage Loan
Terms Duration in years

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-8

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 93 of 174

Exhibit 3

Terms/Payment Amount Conversion to Monthly

The following table contains the calculations to be used to convert the Terms Duration
(number of payment intervals) and Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount to monthly
values.

Terms Frequency Terms Duration Scheduled Monthly

Field 14 Field 13 Payment Amount
Field 15

D = Deferred Blank fill Zero fill

P = Single Payment Loan Blank fill Zero fill

W = Weekly Divide by 4.33 Multiply by 4.33

(Due every week)

B = Biweekly Divide by 2.16 Multiply by 2.16

(Due every 2 weeks)

E = Semimonthly Divide by 2 Multiply by 2

(Due twice a month)

M = Monthly As given As given

(Due every month)

L = Bimonthly Multiply by 2 Divide by 2

(Due every 2 months)

Q = Quarterly Multiply by 3 Divide by 3

(Due every 3 months)

T = Triannually Multiply by 4 Divide by 4

(Due every 4 months)

S = Semiannually Multiply by 6 Divide by 6

(Due twice a year)

Y = Annually Multiply by 12 Divide by 12

(Due every year)

Note: Report whole dollars only in the Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount
field.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-9

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 94 of 174

Exhibit 4

Account Status Codes

Enter the Account Status Code (Field 17A) which best describes whether the account is current
or past due as of the Billing Date (Field 24). If you have a status that is not described here,
please contact your consumer reporting agencies.

Code Description

05* Account transferred to another office.

11 Current account.
For Installment and Mortgage loans, the account should be current and have a
non-zero Balance Amount. For Credit Line, Open, and Revolving portfolio types, the
account should be current and available for use. If the account is closed, but there is a
balance due, Special Comment Code M or Compliance Condition Code XA should also
be reported to indicate the account is no longer available for use.
13* Paid or closed account/zero balance.
For Installment and Mortgage loans, the account should be paid with a zero Balance
Amount. For Credit Line, Open, and Revolving portfolio types, the account should no
longer be available for use, and the Balance Amount should be zero. A Special
Comment Code M or Compliance Condition Code XA should also be reported to indicate
the account is closed.
61 Account paid in full, was a voluntary surrender.
62 Account paid in full, was a collection account.
63 Account paid in full, was a repossession.
64 Account paid in full, was a charge-off.
65* Account paid in full. A foreclosure was started.
71 Account 30 days past the due date.
78 Account 60 days past the due date.
80 Account 90 days past the due date.
82 Account 120 days past the due date.
83 Account 150 days past the due date.
84 Account 180 days or more past the due date.
88* Claim filed with government for insured portion of balance on a defaulted loan.
89* Deed received in lieu of foreclosure on a defaulted mortgage.
93 Account assigned to internal or external collections.
94* Foreclosure/credit grantor sold collateral to settle defaulted mortgage.
95* Voluntary surrender.
Note: Do not report Status Code 95 for early termination of leases. Refer to the
Leasing category within Exhibit 6 for applicable Special Comments.
96 Merchandise was repossessed by credit grantor; there may be a balance due.
97 Unpaid balance reported as a loss by credit grantor (charge-off).
DA Deletes entire account.
Note: In order to maintain the integrity of credit information, it is important that data
furnishers not ask for a subsequent deletion of account history unless an actual
error was reported. Paid derogatory accounts, such as collections, should be
reported as paid; they should not be deleted.

* Field 17B (Payment Rating) is also required when reporting these Account Status Codes.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-10

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 95 of 174

Exhibit 5

Examples of Reporting Payment History Profile

(Field 18)
The Account Status, which is reported in field 17A of the Base Segment, contains the status
of the account as of the current month being reported. Field 18 contains up to 24 months
of consecutive history prior to the current month.

Examples of Account Status and Payment History Profile:

A. Account Status Code = 11; Billing Date = 01/31/2003

Field 18 = 000011000000EEEE0000BBBB

In the above example, field 18 data represents, from left to right, 12/31/2002
through 01/31/2001. The E’s indicate that the account was current with a zero
balance in 12/2001, 11/2001, 10/2001 and 09/2001. The B’s indicate that no
payment history was available prior to 05/2001, which was most likely the date the
account was opened.

B. Account Status Code = 80; Billing Date = 01/31/2003; Date of First Delinquency =
08/31/2002
Field 18 = 2211100000DD000101000000

In the above example, field 18 data represents, from left to right, 12/31/2002
through 01/31/2001. The D’s indicate that no payment history was available for
02/2002 or 01/2002.

C. Account Status Code = 11; Billing Date = 01/31/2003

Field 18 = EEEEEEEEE000EEEE0000EE00

In the above example, field 18 data represents, from left to right, 12/31/2002
through 01/31/2001. The E’s indicate that the account was current with a zero
balance from 12/2002 through 04/2002, from 12/2001 through 09/2001, and from
04/2001 to 03/2001. The account was current (and active) during the other months.

D. Account Status Code = 97; Billing Date = 01/31/2003; Date of First Delinquency =
06/30/2001
Field 18 = LLGGGGGGGG66654332100010

In the above example, field 18 data represents, from left to right, 12/31/2002
through 01/31/2001. The L’s indicate that the account was a charge-off from
12/2002 through 11/2002, and the G’s indicate that the account was a collection
from 10/2002 through 03/2002.

Note: The Date of First Delinquency (06/30/2001) represents the date of

the 30-day delinquency that led to the status being reported.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-11

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 96 of 174

Exhibit 6

Special Comment Codes

By Category Within Portfolio

Category Description Credit Installment Mortgage Open Revolving

Line

Closed Election of Remedy - I - - I

(Permanently or
Temporarily) Account Closed at Credit Grantor’s Request M - - M M

Credit Line Suspended AP - - AP AP

Account Closed Due to Refinance AS AS AS - -

Account Closed Due to Transfer AT AT AT AT AT

Credit Card Lost or Stolen - - - BL BL

Leasing Full Termination/Status Pending - BB - - -

(Requires Account Type 3A or 13)

Full Termination/Obligation Satisfied - BC - - -

(Requires Account Type 3A or 13)

Full Termination/Balance Owing - BD - - -

(Requires Account Type 3A or 13)

Early Termination/Status Pending - BE - - -

(Requires Account Type 3A or 13)

Early Termination/Obligation Satisfied - BF - - -

(Requires Account Type 3A or 13)

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-12

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 97 of 174

Exhibit 6

Special Comment Codes

By Category Within Portfolio

Category Description Credit Installment Mortgage Open Revolving

Line

Leasing, Early Termination/Balance Owing - BG - - -

continued (Requires Account Type 3A or 13)

Early Termination/Insurance Loss - BH - - -

(Requires Account Type 3A or 13)

Involuntary Repossession - BI - - -
(Requires Account Type 3A or 13)

Involuntary Repossession/Obligation Satisfied - BJ - - -

(Requires Account Type 3A or 13)

Involuntary Repossession/Balance Owing - BK - - -

(Requires Account Type 3A or 13)

Prepaid Lease - BS - - -
(Requires Account Type 3A or 13)

Legal Action Account Payments Assured by Wage Garnishment AM AM AM AM AM

Other Special Handling - Contact Credit Grantor for Additional S S S S S

Information

Adjustment Pending V V V V V

First Payment Never Received AV AV AV AV AV

(May indicate fraudulent activity)

Affected by Natural or Declared Disaster AW AW AW AW AW

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-13

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 98 of 174

Exhibit 6

Special Comment Codes

By Category Within Portfolio

Category Description Credit Installment Mortgage Open Revolving

Line

Other, Redeemed Repossession - AZ - - AZ

continued
Foreclosure Proceedings Started - BO - -

Guaranteed/Insured CH CH CH CH CH

Used by Child Support Agencies only when reporting - - - CS -

delinquent or collection accounts (No actual comment
displays)

Refinanced Account Closed Due to Refinance AS AS AS - -

Removal of Removes Any Previously Reported Special Comment Code BLANK BLANK BLANK BLANK BLANK
Comment

Account Payments Managed by Financial Counseling B B B B B

Special Payment
Program
Arrangements
Paid by Co-Maker C C C C C

Debt Being Paid Through Insurance AB AB AB AB AB

Paying Under a Partial Payment Agreement AC AC AC AC AC

Simple Interest Loan - AG - - -

Recalled to Active Military Duty AI AI AI AI AI

Payroll Deduction AJ AJ AJ AJ AJ

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-14

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 99 of 174

Exhibit 6

Special Comment Codes

By Category Within Portfolio

Category Description Credit Installment Mortgage Open Revolving

Line
Special Payment
Voluntarily Surrendered, then Redeemed - AO - - AO
Arrangements,
continued
Account Paid in Full for Less than the Full Balance AU AU AU AU AU

Account Paid from Collateral AX AX - - AX

Paid by Company which Originally Sold the Merchandise - BN - - -

Paid through Insurance BP BP BP BP BP

(Requires Account Status Code 13 or 61-65 and Current
Balance = 0)

Principal Deferred/Interest Payment Only - BT - - -

Transferred Account Closed Due to Transfer AT AT AT AT AT

Loan Assumed by Another Party - H H - -

(Requires ECOA Code T — Terminated)

Account Transferred to Another Lender O O O O O

Purchased by Another Lender AH AH AH AH AH

Student Loan — Permanently Assigned to Government - AL - - -

Account Acquired by RTC/FDIC/NCUA AN AN AN AN AN

Transferred to Recovery BA BA BA BA BA
(Requires Account Status Code 71-97)

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-15

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 100 of 174

Exhibit 7

Special Comment Codes

The Special Comment Code (Field 19) should be reported as long as the condition
applies.

Code Description

Blank Removes any previously reported Special Comment Code.

B Account payments managed by financial counseling program.
C Paid by Co-maker.
H Loan assumed by another party.
Requires ECOA Code T (Terminated).
I Election of remedy.
Definition: A car or other item is repossessed, but the value is less than
the balance due. The credit grantor must consider the account paid and
cannot collect the difference in the amounts.
M Account closed at credit grantor's request.
O Account transferred to another lender.
S Special handling. Contact credit grantor for additional information.
V Adjustment pending.
Definition: Account adjustment, such as returned merchandise and refund
due.
AB Debt being paid through insurance.
AC Paying under a partial payment agreement.
AG Simple interest loan.
Definition: Any loan where interest is compounded daily.
AH Purchased by another lender.
Al Recalled to active military duty.
AJ Payroll deduction.
AL Student loan permanently assigned to government.
AM Account payments assured by wage garnishment.
AN Account acquired by RTC/FDIC/NCUA.
Definition: Resolution Trust Corp./Federal Deposit Insurance Corp./
National Credit Union Administration
AO Voluntarily surrendered - then redeemed.
AP Credit Line suspended.
Definition: The credit line is temporarily unavailable for use.
AS Account closed due to refinance.
AT Account closed due to transfer.
Note: Used for internal transfers.
AU Account paid in full for less than the full balance.
AV First payment never received.
Comment: May indicate fraudulent activity.
AW Affected by natural or declared disaster.
AX Account paid from collateral.
AZ Redeemed repossession.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-16

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 101 of 174

Exhibit 7

Special Comment Codes

Code Description

BA Transferred to Recovery.
Requires Account Status Code 71 - 97.
BB Full termination/status pending.
Requires Account Type 3A (Auto Lease) or 13 (Lease).
BC Full termination/obligation satisfied.
Requires Account Type 3A (Auto Lease) or 13 (Lease).
BD Full termination/balance owing.
Requires Account Type 3A (Auto Lease) or 13 (Lease).
BE Early termination/status pending.
Requires Account Type 3A (Auto Lease) or 13 (Lease).
BF Early termination/obligation satisfied.
Requires Account Type 3A (Auto Lease) or 13 (Lease).
BG Early termination/balance owing.
Requires Account Type 3A (Auto Lease) or 13 (Lease).
BH Early termination/insurance loss.
Requires Account Type 3A (Auto Lease) or 13 (Lease).
BI Involuntary repossession.
Requires Account Type 3A (Auto Lease) or 13 (Lease).
BJ Involuntary repossession/obligation satisfied.
Requires Account Type 3A (Auto Lease) or 13 (Lease).
BK Involuntary repossession/balance owing.
Requires Account Type 3A (Auto Lease) or 13 (Lease).
BL Credit card lost or stolen.
BN Paid by company which originally sold the merchandise.
BO Foreclosure proceedings started.
BP Paid through insurance.
Requires Account Status Code 13 or 61-65 and Current Balance = 0.
BS Prepaid lease.
Requires Account Type 3A (Auto Lease) or 13 (Lease).
Definition: Consumer paid lease in advance. No monthly payments are
due.
BT Principal deferred/Interest payment only.
CH Guaranteed/Insured
CS Used by Child Support Agencies only when reporting collection
accounts. (No actual comment displays.)

Note: For comments specific to disputes and accounts closed at

consumer’s request, refer to the Compliance Condition Code
(Field 20).

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-17

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 102 of 174

Exhibit 8

Explanation and Examples of FCRA Compliance/Date of First

Delinquency (Field 25)
PURPOSE: This date will be used by the consumer reporting agencies to determine when
delinquent data is to be deleted, pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

HOW TO REPORT: For Account Status Codes 61-65, 71, 78, 80, 82-84, 88-89 and 93-97,
report the date of the first delinquency that led to the status being reported. If a delinquent
account becomes current, the Date of First Delinquency should be zero filled. Then if the
account goes delinquent again, the Date of First Delinquency starts over with the new first
delinquency date.

For Account Status Codes 05, 13, 65, 88, 89, 94 or 95, if the Payment Rating is 1-6, G or L,
report the date of the first delinquency that led to the Payment Rating being reported.

For Consumer Information Indicators E-H (Discharged Bankruptcies), 1A (Personal Receivership)

and V-Y (Reaffirmation of Debt Rescinded with Bankruptcy Chapters), if the account is current
(Account Status Code 11), report the date of the bankruptcy/personal receivership notification.

The following are three step-by-step examples on how to report FCRA Compliance/Date of First
Delinquency.

Example 1: Displays an account that goes delinquent to current and then goes delinquent again.

Billing Date Account Status Definition Date of First

Delinquency

Month 1 01/30/2003 11 Current Zero fill

Month 2 02/28/2003 11 Current Zero fill

Month 3 03/30/2003 71 Delinq 30 03/30/2003

(First Delinquency)

Month 4 04/30/2003 78 Delinq 60 03/30/2003

Month 5 05/30/2003 11 Current Zero fill

Month 6 06/30/2003 71 Delinq 30 06/30/2003

(First Delinquency)

Month 7 07/30/2003 78 Delinq 60 06/30/2003

Month 8 08/30/2003 80 Delinq 90 06/30/2003

Month 9 09/30/2003 97 Charge-off 06/30/2003

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-18

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 103 of 174

Exhibit 8

Explanation and Examples of FCRA Compliance/Date of First

Delinquency (Field 25)
Example 2: Displays an account that goes delinquent and never returns to a current status.

Billing Account Status Definition Date of First

Date Delinquency

Month 1 01/30/2003 11 Current Zero fill

Month 2 02/28/2003 11 Current Zero fill

Month 3 03/30/2003 71 Delinq 30 03/30/2003

(First Delinquency)

Month 4 04/30/2003 71 Delinq 30 03/30/2003

Month 5 05/30/2003 71 Delinq 30 03/30/2003

Month 6 06/30/2003 78 Delinq 60 03/30/2003

Month 7 07/30/2003 80 Delinq 90 03/30/2003

Month 8 08/30/2003 97 Charge-off 03/30/2003

Month 9 09/30/2003 64 Paid Charge-off 03/30/2003

Example 3: Displays an account that has rolling delinquencies.

Billing Account Status Definition Date of First

Date Delinquency

Month 1 01/30/2003 11 Current Zero fill

Month 2 02/28/2003 71 Delinq 30 02/28/2003

(First Delinquency)

Month 3 03/30/2003 71 Delinq 30 02/28/2003

Month 4 04/30/2003 78 Delinq 60 02/28/2003

Month 5 05/30/2003 80 Delinq 90 02/28/2003

Month 6 06/30/2003 71 Delinq 30 02/28/2003

Month 7 07/30/2003 71 Delinq 30 02/28/2003

Month 8 08/30/2003 78 Delinq 60 02/28/2003

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-19

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 104 of 174

Exhibit 8

Explanation and Examples of FCRA Compliance/Date of First

Delinquency (Field 25)
Fair Credit Reporting Act Excerpts

Section 605(c) Running of Reporting Period:

(1) In general: The 7-year period referred to in paragraphs (4) and (6) of
subsection (a) shall begin, with respect to any delinquent account that is placed
for collection (internally or by referral to a third party, whichever is earlier),
charged to profit and loss, or subjected to any similar action, upon the expiration
of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the commencement of the
delinquency which immediately preceded the collection activity, charge to profit
and loss, or similar action.

Section 605(a) Information Excluded From Consumer Reports:

(4) Accounts placed for collection or charged to profit and loss which antedate
the report by more than seven years.

(6) Any other adverse item of information which antedates the report by more
than seven years.

Section 623 Responsibilities of Furnishers of Information to Consumer

Reporting Agencies:

(5) Duty to provide notice of delinquency of accounts: A person who furnishes

information to a consumer reporting agency regarding a delinquent account
being placed for collection, charged to profit or loss, or subjected to any similar
action, shall, not later than 90 days after furnishing the information, notify the
agency of the month and year of the commencement of the delinquency that
immediately preceded the action.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-20

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 105 of 174

Exhibit 9

Consumer Information Indicators

The Consumer Information Indicator, which is reported in Field 38 of the Base Segment, Field 11
of the J1 Segment, and Field 11 of the J2 Segment, contains a value that indicates a special
condition that applies to the specific consumer.

Report the following values:

Code Description

A Petition for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

B Petition for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
C Petition for Chapter 12 Bankruptcy
D Petition for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

E Discharged through Bankruptcy Chapter 7

F Discharged through Bankruptcy Chapter 11
G Discharged through Bankruptcy Chapter 12
H Completed through Bankruptcy Chapter 13

I Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Dismissed

J Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Dismissed
K Chapter 12 Bankruptcy Dismissed
L Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Dismissed

M Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Withdrawn

N Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Withdrawn
O Chapter 12 Bankruptcy Withdrawn
P Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Withdrawn
1A Personal Receivership
Z Bankruptcy – Undesignated Chapter

Q Removes previously reported Bankruptcy Indicator (A through P and Z) or Personal

Receivership Indicator (1A)
Note: Do not report Q as a default value.

R Reaffirmation of Debt
V Chapter 7 Reaffirmation of Debt Rescinded
W Chapter 11 Reaffirmation of Debt Rescinded
X Chapter 12 Reaffirmation of Debt Rescinded
Y Chapter 13 Reaffirmation of Debt Rescinded

S Removes previously reported Reaffirmation of Debt and Reaffirmation of Debt

Rescinded Indicators (R, V, W, X, Y)
Note: Do not report S as a default value.

T Credit Grantor Cannot Locate Consumer

U Consumer Now Located (Removes previously reported T Indicator)
Note: Do not report U as a default value.

Note: The indicator should be reported one time and will be deleted only when the
appropriate removal code (Q, S, U) is reported.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-21

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 106 of 174

Exhibit 10

Country Codes
COUNTRY CODE COUNTRY CODE COUNTRY CODE

Afghanistan AF Cayman Islands CI Granada GD

Albania AN Central African Greece GR
Algeria DZ Republic CF Greenland GE
Andorra AD Chad CD Guadeloupe GP
Angola AO Chile CL Guatemala GT
Anguilla Al China (Peking) CP Guinea GN
Antigua & Barbuda AG Colombia CB Guinea-Bissau GW
Argentina AT Comoros CJ Guyana GY
Armenia RM Congo CG Haiti HA
Aruba AW Corsica CC Honduras HN
Ascension AS Costa Rica CR Hungary HU
Australia AU Croatia HX Iceland IS
Austria DF Cuba HR India IB
Azerbaijan AJ Cyprus CY Indonesia IF
Azores AX Czech Republic CZ Iran IR
Bahamas BS Democratic Republic Iraq IQ
Bahrain BH of Congo ZR Ireland lE
Bangladesh BD Denmark DK Israel IG
Barbados BB Djibouti DJ Italy IT
Belarus BL Dominica DM Ivory Coast IC
Belgium BE Dominican Jamaica JM
Belize BZ Republic DO Japan JP
Benin BJ East Timor EM Jordan JO
Bermuda BU Ecuador EC Kazakhstan KZ
Bhutan BM Egypt EG Kenya KE
Bolivia BO El Salvador SV Kiribati KI
Bosnia & Equatorial Guinea GQ Korea (North) KX
Herzegovina BX Estonia SU Korea (South) KR
Botswana BW Ethiopia ET Kuwait KW
Brazil BR Falkland Islands FA Kyrgyzstan KG
British Virgin Faroe Islands FE Laos LO
Islands VG Fiji FJ Latvia LX
Brunei BN Finland Fl Lebanon LB
Bulgaria BG France FR Leeward Islands LE
Burkina Faso BF French Guiana GF Lesotho LS
Burundi BI French Polynesia FP Liberia LR
Cambodia KA Gabon GB Libya LV
Cameroon CM Gambia GM Liechtenstein CH
Canada CN Germany DW Lithuania LT
Cape Verde CV Ghana GH Luxembourg LU
Carriacou CU Gibraltar GI

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-22

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 107 of 174

Exhibit 10

Country Codes
COUNTRY CODE COUNTRY CODE COUNTRY CODE

Macao MJ Portugal PT Tanzania TZ

Macedonia MH Qatar QA Thailand TH
Madagascar MG Republic of Togo TG
Madeira MB Georgia GX Tonga TA
Malawi MW Reunion Island RE Trinidad & Tobago TT
Malaysia MY Romania RO Tristan da Cunha TD
Maldives MV Russia RU Tunisia TU
Mali ML Rwanda RW Turkey TR
Malta MF Saint Helena SH Turkmenistan TM
Martinique MQ Saint Kitts & Nevis KN Turks & Caicos
Mauritania MR Saint Lucia LC Islands TC
Mauritius MU Saint Pierre & Tuvalu TV
Mexico MX Miquelon SP Uganda UG
Moldova LD Saint Vincent & the Ukraine UA
Monaco AC Grenadines SF Union of Myanmar
Mongolia MC San Marino SM (Burma) BK
Montserrat MK Santa Cruz Islands ST United Arab
Morocco RC Sao Tome & Emirates UM
Mozambique MZ Principe MP United Kingdom UK
Namibia NB Saudi Arabia SA United States US
Nauru NA Senegal SN Uruguay UY
Nepal NP Serbia and SX Uzbekistan UZ
Netherlands Montenegro Vanuatu VU
Antilles NN Seychelles YC Vatican City State VC
Netherlands NL Sierra Leone SL Venezuela VE
New Caledonia NW Singapore SG Vietnam VN
New Zealand NZ Slovakia VK Wallis/Futuna
Nicaragua NI Slovenia XN Island WT
Niger NR Solomon Islands SI Western Samoa WS
Nigeria NG Somalia SO Yemen YE
Norway NO South Africa ZA Zambia ZM
Oman OM Spain ES Zimbabwe ZW
Pakistan PK Sri Lanka LK
Panama PM Sudan SB
Papua New Suriname SR
Guinea PG Swaziland SZ
Paraguay PY Sweden SE
Peru PU Switzerland SW
Philippines PH Syria SY
Pitcairn Islands PS Tadzhikistan TK
Poland PL Taiwan TW

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-23

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 108 of 174

Exhibit 11

General Rules for Addresses

Most addresses consist of a street address, containing a street number, street name, street
type, city name (spelled out), state code and postal/zip code. Include the complete address
on all records; the absence of an address may cause a record to be bypassed.

Do not report non-address information in the Address fields.

Examples: Do not report a spouse name in the Address field.

Do not report account description terminology, such as Fraud,
Bankrupt, Charge-off, etc. in the Address field.

For accurate reporting of addresses, refer to the U.S. Postal Service handbook, Postal
Addressing Standards.

Use the standard postal abbreviations for state names, such as MS for Mississippi. Refer to
Exhibit 12 for a complete list of State Codes.

Thoroughfare Type Codes

AL Alley HT Heights RD Road

AV Avenue HY Highway RN Run
BV Boulevard KN Knoll RO Row
CI Circle LN Lane RT Route
CN Center LP Loop SQ Square
CR Crescent MA Mall ST Street
CT Court OV Oval TE Terrace
DA Dale PA Path TP Turnpike
DR Drive PI Pike TR Trail
EX Expressway PK Park TY Thruway
FY Freeway PL Place VI Viaduct
GA Garden PT Point WK Walk
GR Grove PY Parkway WY Way
HL Hill PZ Plaza

Thoroughfare Direction Codes

N North/North -Military NS North-South/North-South-Military

S South/South-Military SE Southeast/Southeast-Military
E East/East-Military NW Northwest/Northwest-Military
EW East-West/East-West Military SW Southwest/Southwest-Military
W West/West-Military NM Nonmailable address
NE Northeast/Northeast-Military

Note: The Address Indicator (Field 45 in the Base Segment and Field 18 in the J2
Segment) should be used to designate what address is being reported.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-24

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 109 of 174

Exhibit 12

State Codes
STATE CODE STATE CODE

Alabama AL North Dakota ND

Alaska AK Northern Mariana Islands MP
American Samoa AM Ohio OH
Arizona AZ Oklahoma OK
Arkansas AR Oregon OR
California CA Palau PW
Colorado CO Pennsylvania PA
Connecticut CT Puerto Rico PR
Delaware DE Rhode Island RI
District of Columbia DC South Carolina SC
Federated States of South Dakota SD
Micronesia FM Tennessee TN
Florida FL Texas TX
Georgia GA Utah UT
Guam GU Vermont VT
Hawaii HI Virginia VA
Idaho ID Virgin Islands VI
Illinois IL Washington WA
Indiana IN West Virginia WV
Iowa IA Wisconsin WI
Kansas KS Wyoming WY
Kentucky KY
Louisiana LA Military in the
Maine ME Americas other
Marshall Islands MH than Canada AA
Maryland MD
Massachusetts MA Military in Europe,
Michigan Ml Middle East,
Minnesota MN Africa, Canada AE
Mississippi MS
Missouri MO Military in the
Montana MT Pacific Theater AP
Nebraska NE
Nevada NV
New Hampshire NH
New Jersey NJ
New Mexico NM
New York NY
North Carolina NC

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-25

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 110 of 174

Exhibit 13

Examples of Record Layouts —

Hexadecimal Representation
The following examples represent Hexadecimal output of the Metro 2 Format 366 and 426 records. They are included here to
illustrate how each field should be programmed according to the format specifications.

For each format, there is an example of the Header Record, the Data Record (Base Segment and J1 through N1 Segments) and the
Trailer Record. The 366 packed format is shown as variable-length. The 426 unpacked format is shown as fixed-length.

366 FORMAT - HEADER RECORD (VARIABLE BLOCKED)

Note: The Block Descriptor Word shifts
the first record of each block over 4
positions.

CHAR HEADER01IN HDR ID EQ HDR ID X HDRTU HDR ID MMDDYYYYMMDDYYYYMMDDYYYYMMDDYYYYREPORTER NAME POS. 1- 4 = Block Descriptor Word
ZONE 07000600CCCCCDFFCD4CCD4CC4CD4CCD4CC4E4CCDEE4CCD4CC4DDCCEEEEDDCCEEEEDDCCEEEEDDCCEEEEDCDDDECD4DCDC4444 POS. 5- 8 = Record Descriptor Word
NUMR 12001E0085145901950849094058084909407084934084909404444888844448888444488884444888895769359051450000 POS. 9- 14 = Record Identifier
01...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 15- 16 = Cycle Number
CHAR REPORTER ADDRESS POS. 17- 26 = Innovis Program ID
ZONE 44444444444444444444444DCDDDECD4CCCDCEE4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 27- 36 = Equifax Program ID
NUMR 0000000000000000000000095769359014495220000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 37- 41 = Experian Program ID
101...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 42- 51 = Trans Union Program ID
CHAR 9995551234SOFTWARE VENDOR NAME VERNO POS. 52- 59 = Activity Date
ZONE 4444444444444444444FFFFFFFFFFEDCEECDC4ECDCDD4DCDC44444444444444444444ECDDD44444444444444444444444444 POS. 60- 67 = Date Created
NUMR 0000000000000000000999555123426636195055546905145000000000000000000005595600000000000000000000000000 POS. 68- 75 = Program Date
201...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 76- 83 = Program Revision Date
CHAR POS. 84-123 = Reporter Name
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 124-219 = Reporter Address
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 220-229 = Reporter Phone #
301...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70 POS. 230-269 = Software Vendor Name
POS. 270-274 = Software Version #
POS. 275-370 = Reserved

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-26

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 111 of 174

366 FORMAT - DATA RECORD (VARIABLE BLOCKED)

Note: The Block Descriptor Word shifts the
first record of each block over 4 positions.
CHAR - * ID NUMBER 01ACCOUNT NUMBER R18 REV
ZONE 0B000B00F062994754CC4DEDCCD44444444444FFCCCDEDE4DEDCCD4444444444444444DFF054980000000070DCE400000000 POS. 1- 4 = Block Descriptor Word
NUMR 4800440000019100C094054425900000000000011336453054425900000000000000009180019C0010C0005C95500005C000 POS. 5- 8 = Record Descriptor Word
01...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 9 = Processing Indicator
CHAR 1102200000BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB SURNAME POS. 10- 17 = Time Stamp
ZONE 10FFFFFFFFFFCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC444400020000000000001199000000000001199444444444444444444EEDDCDC4444444 POS. 18 = Correction Indicator
NUMR 0C11022000002222222222222222200000000C0000C0000C0019C0000C0000C0019C00000000000000000024951450000000 POS. 19- 38 = Identification Number
101...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 39- 40 = Cycle Identifier
CHAR 1ST NAME MIDDLE NAME 2 <2 US1ST LINE OF ADDRESS POS. 41- 70 = Account Number
ZONE 44444444444FEE4DCDC444444444444DCCCDC4DCDC444444444F1357901199095524F44EEFEE4DCDC4DC4CCCDCEE44444444 POS. 71 = Portfolio Type
NUMR 00000000000123051450000000000004944350514500000000022468C0014C99513C20042123039550660144952200000000 POS. 72- 73 = Account Type
201...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 74- 78 = Date Opened
CHAR 2ND LINE OF ADDRESS CITY ST123451234Y J1 SURNAME 1S POS. 79- 83 = Credit Limit
ZONE 44444FDC4DCDC4DC4CCCDCEE4444444444444CCEE4444444444444444EEFFFFFFFFFE4DF4EEDDCDC444444444444444444FE POS. 84- 88 = Highest Credit
NUMR 0000025403955066014495220000000000000393800000000000000002312345123480110249514500000000000000000012 POS. 89- 91 = Terms Duration
301...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 92 = Terms Frequency
CHAR T NAME MIDDLE NAME 123456789MMDDYYYY99955512342 J2 SURNAME 1S POS. 93- 97 = Sched Monthly Payment
ZONE E4DCDC444444444444DCCCDC4DCDC4444444444FFFFFFFFFDDCCEEEEFFFFFFFFFFF444DF4EEDDCDC444444444444444444FE POS. 98-102 = Actual Payment Amt
NUMR 3051450000000000004944350514500000000001234567894444888899955512342000120249514500000000000000000012 POS. 103-104 = Account Status
401...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 105 = Payment Rating
CHAR T NAME MIDDLE NAME 123456789MMDDYYYY99955512342 US1ST LINE OF ADDRESS POS. 106-129 = Payment Hist. Profile
ZONE E4DCDC444444444444DCCCDC4DCDC4444444444FFFFFFFFFDDCCEEEEFFFFFFFFFFF44EEFEE4DCDC4DC4CCCDCEE4444444444 POS. 130-131 = Special Comment
NUMR 3051450000000000004944350514500000000001234567894444888899955512342004212303955066014495220000000000 POS. 132-133 = Compliance Cond Code
501...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 134-138 = Current Balance
CHAR 2ND LINE OF ADDRESS CITY ST123451234 J2 SURNAME 1S POS. 139-143 = Amount Past Due
ZONE 444FDC4DCDC4DC4CCCDCEE4444444444444CCEE4444444444444444EEFFFFFFFFF4444DF4EEDDCDC444444444444444444FE POS. 144-148 = Orig Charge-Off Amt
NUMR 0002540395506601449522000000000000039380000000000000000231234512340000120249514500000000000000000012 POS. 149-153 = Billing Date
601...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 154-158 = Date Of 1st Delinquency
CHAR T NAME MIDDLE NAME 123456789MMDDYYYY99955512342 US1ST LINE OF ADDRESS POS. 159-163 = Date Closed
ZONE E4DCDC444444444444DCCCDC4DCDC4444444444FFFFFFFFFDDCCEEEEFFFFFFFFFFF44EEFEE4DCDC4DC4CCCDCEE4444444444 POS. 164-168 = Date Of Last Payment
NUMR 3051450000000000004944350514500000000001234567894444888899955512342004212303955066014495220000000000 POS. 169-185 = Reserved
701...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 186 = Consumer Trans Type
CHAR LINE OF ADDRESS 2 CITY ST123451234 K1ORIGINAL CREDITOR NAME POS. 187-211 = Surname
ZONE 444DCDC4DC4CCCDCEE4F444444444444444CCEE4444444444444444EEFFFFFFFFF4444DFDDCCCDCD4CDCCCEDD4DCDC444444 POS. 212-231 = First Name
NUMR 0003955066014495220200000000000000039380000000000000000231234512340000216997951303954936905145000000 POS. 232-251 = Middle Name
801...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 252 = Generation Code
CHAR 00K20PURCHASED PORFOLIO/SOLD NAME K300ACCOUNT NUMBER MORT ID NUMBER K400MMDDYYYYMMDDYYYY00 POS. 253-257 = SSN
ZONE 44FFDFFDEDCCCECC4DDDCDDCD6EDDC4DCDC444DFFFCCCDEDE4DEDCCD4444DDDE4CC4DEDCCD4444DFFFDDCCEEEEDDCCEEEEFF POS. 258-262 = Date Of Birth
NUMR 0000220749381254076966396126340514500023001336453054425900004693094054425900002400444488884444888800 POS. 263-268 = Telephone Number
901...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 269 = ECOA Code
CHAR 0000000 L13NEW ACCOUNT NUMBER NEW ID NUMBER N1EMPLOYER NAME 1ST LI POS. 270-271 = Consumer Info Ind
ZONE FFFFFFF4DFFDCE4CCCDEDE4DEDCCD444444444444DCE4CC4DEDCCD44444444DFCDDDDECD4DCDC44444444444444444FEE4DC POS. 272-273 = Country Code
NUMR 0000000031355601336453054425900000000000055609405442590000000051547368590514500000000000000000123039 POS. 274-305 = Address - Line 1
1001...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 306-337 = Address - Line 2
CHAR NE OF EMPLOYER ADDRESS 2ND LINE OF EMPLOYER ADDRESS EMPLOYER CITY ST123451234OCCUPATION POS. 338-357 = City
ZONE DC4DC4CDDDDECD4CCCDCEE4444FDC4DCDC4DC4CDDDDECD4CCCDCEE4444CDDDDECD4CCEE4444444EEFFFFFFFFFDCCEDCECDD4 POS. 358-359 = State
NUMR 5506605473685901449522000025403955066054736859014495220000547368590393800000002312345123463347139650 POS. 360-368 = Postal/Zip Code
1101...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 369 = Address Indicator
CHAR POS. 370 = Residence Code
ZONE 44444444
NUMR 00000000
1201...5...

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-27

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 112 of 174

366 FORMAT - TRAILER RECORD (VARIABLE BLOCKED)

Note: The Block Descriptor Word shifts the
first record of each block over 4 positions.
CHAR <TRAILER
ZONE 07000600EDCCDCD0000100001000000000100002000030000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 1- 4 = Block Descriptor Word
NUMR 12001E0039193590000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C POS. 5- 8 = Record Descriptor Word
01...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 9- 15 = Record Identifier
CHAR POS. 16- 20 = Total Base Records
ZONE 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000100001000010000100001000010000400001 POS. 21- 25 = Total Processing Ind 1
NUMR 0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C POS. 26- 30 = Total Processing Ind 2
101...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 31- 35 = Total J1 Segments
CHAR POS. 36- 40 = Total J2 Segments
ZONE 0000100002000000000000000000000000044444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 41- 45 = Block Count
NUMR 0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C0000C00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 46- 50 = Total Status DA
201...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 51- 55 = Total Status 05
CHAR POS. 56- 60 = Total Status 11
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 61- 65 = Total Status 13
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 66- 70 = Total Status 61
301...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70 POS. 71- 75 = Total Status 62
POS. 76- 80 = Total Status 63
POS. 81- 85 = Total Status 64
POS. 86- 90 = Total Status 65
POS. 91- 95 = Total Status 71
POS. 96-100 = Total Status 78
POS. 101-105 = Total Status 80
POS. 106-110 = Total Status 82
POS. 111-115 = Total Status 83
POS. 116-120 = Total Status 84
POS. 121-125 = Total Status 88
POS. 126-130 = Total Status 89
POS. 131-135 = Total Status 93
POS. 136-140 = Total Status 94
POS. 141-145 = Total Status 95
POS. 146-150 = Total Status 96
POS. 151-155 = Total Status 97
POS. 156-160 = Total ECOA Z
POS. 161-165 = Total Employment Segs
POS. 166-170 = Total Orig Cred Segs
POS. 171-175 = Total Purch/Sold Segs
POS. 176-180 = Total Mort Info Segs
POS. 181-185 = Total Spec Pymnt Segs
POS. 186-190 = Total Change Segs
POS. 191-195 = Total SSN All
POS. 196-200 = Total SSN Base
POS. 201-205 = Total SSN J1
POS. 206-210 = Total SSN J2
POS. 211-215 = Total Birthday All
POS. 216-220 = Total Birthday Base
POS. 221-225 = Total Birthday J1
POS. 226-230 = Total Birthday J2
POS. 231-235 = Total Phone # All
POS. 236-370 = Reserved

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-28

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 113 of 174

426 FORMAT - HEADER RECORD (FIXED LENGTH)

CHAR 1364HEADER IN HDR EQ HDR ID X HDRTU HDR ID MMDDYYYYMMDDYYYYMMDDYYYYMMDDYYYYREPORTER NAME POS. 1- 4 = Record Descriptor Word
ZONE FFFFCCCCCD44CD4CCD4444CD4CCD4CC4E4CCDEE4CCD4CC4DDCCEEEEDDCCEEEEDDCCEEEEDDCCEEEEDCDDDECD4DCDC44444444 POS. 5- 10 = Record Identifier
NUMR 1364851459009508490000580849094070849340849094044448888444488884444888844448888957693590514500000000 POS. 11- 12 = Cycle Number
01...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 13- 22 = Innovis Program ID
CHAR REPORTER ADDRESS POS. 23- 32 = Equifax Program ID
ZONE 4444444444444444444DCDDDECD4CCCDCEE44444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 33- 37 = Experian Program ID
NUMR 0000000000000000000957693590144952200000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 38- 47 = Trans Union Program ID
101...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 48- 55 = Activity Date
CHAR 9995551234SOFTWARE VENDOR NAME VERNO POS. 56- 63 = Date Created
ZONE 444444444444444FFFFFFFFFFEDCEECDC4ECDCDD4DCDC44444444444444444444ECDDD444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 64- 71 = Program Date
NUMR 0000000000000009995551234266361950555469051450000000000000000000055956000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 72- 79 = Program Revision Date
201...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 80-119 = Reporter Name
CHAR POS. 120-215 = Reporter Address
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 216-225 = Reporter Phone #
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 226-265 = Software Vendor Name
301...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 266-270 = Software Version #
CHAR POS. 271-426 = Reserved
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 427-1364 = Blank Fill
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
401...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95.....

...continue to blank-fill out to 1364 characters...

CHAR
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
1101...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95.....
CHAR
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
1201...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95.....
CHAR
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
1301...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...6

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-29

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 114 of 174

426 FORMAT - DATA RECORD (FIXED LENGTH)

CHAR 13641MMDDYYYYHHMMSS ID NUMBER ACCOUNT NUMBER R18MMDDYYYY00000500000000200 POS. 1- 4 = Record Descriptor Word
ZONE FFFFFDDCCEEEECCDDEE4CC4DEDCCD4444444444444CCCDEDE4DEDCCD4444444444444444DFFDDCCEEEEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF POS. 5 = Processing Indicator
NUMR 1364144448888884422094054425900000000000001336453054425900000000000000009184444888800000500000000200 POS. 6- 19 = Time Stamp
01...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 20 = Correction Indicator
CHAR 0REV 000000020000000000110211000BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB 000000000000000000000000000MMDDYYYYMMDDYYYYMMD POS. 21- 40 = Identification #
ZONE FDCE4FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC4444FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFDDCCEEEEDDCCEEEEDDC POS. 41- 42 = Cycle Identifier
NUMR 0955000000002000000000011021100022222222222222222200000000000000000000000000000004444888844448888444 POS. 43- 72 = Account Number
101...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 73 = Portfolio Type
CHAR DYYYYMMDDYYYY 1SURNAME FIRST NAME MIDDLE NAME 2123 POS. 74- 75 = Account Type
ZONE CEEEEDDCCEEEE44444444444444444FEEDDCDC444444444444444444CCDEE4DCDC4444444444DCCCDC4DCDC444444444FFFF POS. 76- 83 = Date Opened
NUMR 4888844448888000000000000000001249514500000000000000000069923051450000000000494435051450000000002123 POS. 84- 92 = Credit Limit
201...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 93-101 = Highest Credit
CHAR 456789MMDDYYYY99955512341 US1ST LINE OF ADDRESS 2ND LINE OF ADDRESS CITY POS. 102-104 = Terms Duration
ZONE FFFFFFDDCCEEEEFFFFFFFFFFF44EEFEE4DCDC4DC4CCCDCEE4444444444444FDC4DCDC4DC4CCCDCEE4444444444444CCEE444 POS. 105 = Terms Frequency
NUMR 4567894444888899955512341004212303955066014495220000000000000254039550660144952200000000000003938000 POS. 106-114 = Sched Monthly Payment
301...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 115-123 = Actual Payment Amt
CHAR ST123451234 J1 SURNAME 1ST NAME MIDDLE NAME 12345 POS. 124-125 = Account Status
ZONE 4444444444444EEFFFFFFFFF44DF4EEDDCDC444444444444444444FEE4DCDC444444444444DCCCDC4DCDC4444444444FFFFF POS. 126 = Payment Rating
NUMR 0000000000000231234512340011024951450000000000000000001230514500000000000049443505145000000000012345 POS. 127-150 = Payment History Profile
401...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 151-152 = Special Comment
CHAR 6789MMDDYYYY99955512342 J1 POS. 153-154 = Compliance Cond Code
ZONE FFFFDDCCEEEEFFFFFFFFFFF444DF444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 155-163 = Current Balance
NUMR 6789444488889995551234200011000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 164-172 = Amount Past Due
501...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 173-181 = Orig Charge-Off Amt
CHAR J2 SURNAME 1ST NAME MIDDLE NAME 112345 POS. 182-189 = Billing Date
ZONE 44444444444444444444444444DF4EEDDCDC444444444444444444FEE4DCDC444444444444DCCCDC4DCDC444444444FFFFFF POS. 190-197 = Date Of 1st Delinquency
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000012024951450000000000000000001230514500000000000049443505145000000000112345 POS. 198-205 = Date Closed
601...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 206-213 = Date Of Last Payment
CHAR 6789MMDDYYYY99955512342 US1ST LINE OF ADDRESS 2ND LINE OF ADDRESS CITY POS. 214-230 = Reserved
ZONE FFFFDDCCEEEEFFFFFFFFFFF44EEFEE4DCDC4DC4CCCDCEE4444444444444FDC4DCDC4DC4CCCDCEE4444444444444CCEE44444 POS. 231 = Consumer Trans Type
NUMR 6789444488889995551234200421230395506601449522000000000000025403955066014495220000000000000393800000 POS. 232-256 = Surname
701...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 257-276 = First Name
CHAR ST123451234 J2 POS. 277-296 = Middle Name
ZONE 44444444444EEFFFFFFFFF4444DF444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 297 = Generation Code
NUMR 0000000000023123451234000012000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 298-306 = SSN
801...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 307-314 = Date Of Birth
CHAR POS. 315-324 = Telephone Number
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 325 = ECOA Code
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 326-327 = Consumer Info Ind
901...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 328-329 = Country Code
CHAR K1ORIGINAL CREDITOR NAME 00K20PURCHASED PORFOLIO/SOLD NAME K300AC POS. 330-361 = Address - Line 1
ZONE 44444444444444444444444444DFDDCCCDCD4CDCCCEDD4DCDC44444444FFDFFDEDCCCECC4DDDCDDCD6EDDC4DCDC444DFFFCC POS. 362-393 = Address - Line 2
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000021699795130395493690514500000000002207493812540769663961263405145000230013 POS. 394-413 = City
1001...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 414-415 = State
CHAR COUNT NUMBER MORT ID NUMBER K400MMDDYYYYMMDDYYYY000000000 L13NEW ACCOUNT NUMBER NEW POS. 416-424 = Postal/Zip Code
ZONE CDEDE4DEDCCD4444DDDE4CC4DEDCCD4444DFFFDDCCEEEEDDCCEEEEFFFFFFFFF4DFFDCE4CCCDEDE4DEDCCD444444444444DCE POS. 425 = Address Indicator
NUMR 3645305442590000469309405442590000240044448888444488880000000000313556013364530544259000000000000556 POS. 426 = Residence Code
1101...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95.....

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-30

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 115 of 174

426 FORMAT - DATA RECORD (FIXED LENGTH) CONTINUED

CHAR ID NUMBER N1EMPLOYER NAME 1ST LINE OF EMPLOYER ADDRESS 2ND LINE OF EMPLOY
ZONE 4CC4DEDCCD44444444DFCDDDDECD4DCDC44444444444444444FEE4DCDC4DC4CDDDDECD4CCCDCEE4444FDC4DCDC4DC4CDDDDE See Attachment for Segment Definitions
NUMR 0940544259000000005154736859051450000000000000000012303955066054736859014495220000254039550660547368
1201...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95.....
CHAR ER ADDRESS EMPLOYER CITY ST123451234OCCUPATION
ZONE CD4CCCDCEE4444CDDDDECD4CCEE4444444EEFFFFFFFFFDCCEDCECDD444444444
NUMR 5901449522000054736859039380000000231234512346334713965000000000
1301...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...6

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-31

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 116 of 174

426 FORMAT - TRAILER RECORD (FIXED LENGTH)

CHAR 1364TRAILER00000000100000000100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 1- 4 = Record Descriptor Word
ZONE FFFFEDCCDCDFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF POS. 5- 11 = Record Identifier
NUMR 1364391935900000000100000000100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 12- 20 = Total Base Records
01...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 21- 29 = Total Processing Ind 1
CHAR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 30- 38 = Total Processing Ind 2
ZONE FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF POS. 39- 47 = Total J1 Segments
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 48- 56 = Total J2 Segments
101...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 57- 65 = Block Count
CHAR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 66- 74 = Total Status DA
ZONE FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF POS. 75- 83 = Total Status 05
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 84- 92 = Total Status 11
201...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 93-101 = Total Status 13
CHAR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 102-110 = Total Status 61
ZONE FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF POS. 111-119 = Total Status 62
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 120-128 = Total Status 63
301...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 129-137 = Total Status 64
CHAR 0000000 POS. 138-146 = Total Status 65
ZONE FFFFFFF444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 147-155 = Total Status 71
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 156-164 = Total Status 78
401...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 165-173 = Total Status 80
CHAR POS. 174-182 = Total Status 82
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 183-191 = Total Status 83
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 192-200 = Total Status 84
501...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 201-209 = Total Status 88
CHAR POS. 210-218 = Total Status 89
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 219-227 = Total Status 93
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 228-236 = Total Status 94
601...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 237-245 = Total Status 95
CHAR POS. 246-254 = Total Status 96
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 255-263 = Total Status 97
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 264-272 = Total ECOA Z
701...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 273-281 = Total Employment Segs
POS. 282-290 = Total Orig Cred Segs
...continue to blank-fill out to 1364 characters... POS. 291-299 = Total Purch/Sold Seg
POS. 300-308 = Total Mortg Info Segs
POS. 309-317 = Total Spec Pymnt Segs
CHAR POS. 318-326 = Total Change Segs
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 327-335 = Total SSN All
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 336-344 = Total SSN Base
1001...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 345-353 = Total SSN J1
CHAR POS. 354-362 = Total SSN J2
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 363-371 = Total Birthday All
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 372-380 = Total Birthday Base
1101...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS. 381-389 = Total Birthday J1
CHAR POS. 390-398 = Total Birthday J2
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 POS. 399-407 = Total Phone # All
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 POS. 408-426 = Reserved
1201...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...65...70...75...80...85...90...95..... POS.427-1364 = Blank Fill
CHAR
ZONE 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444
NUMR 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
1301...5...10...15...20...25...30...35...40...45...50...55...60...6

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-32

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 117 of 174

ATTACHMENT - SEGMENT DEFINITIONS

J1 Segment K3 Segment
Pos. 1- 2 = Segment Identifier Pos. 1- 2 = Segment Identifier
Pos. 3 = Consumer Transaction Type Pos. 3- 4 = Agency Identifier
Pos. 4- 28 = Surname Pos. 5-22 = Account Number
Pos. 29- 48 = First Name Pos. 23-40 = Mortgage Identification Number
Pos. 49- 68 = Middle Name
Pos. 69 = Generation Code
Pos. 70- 78 = Social Security Number
Pos. 79- 86 = Date Of Birth
Pos. 87- 96 = Telephone Number K4 Segment
Pos. 97 = ECOA Code Pos. 1- 2 = Segment Identifier
Pos. 98- 99 = Consumer Information Indicator Pos. 3- 4 = Specialized Payment Indicator
Pos. 100 = Reserved Pos. 5-12 = Deferred Payment Start Date
Pos. 13-20 = Payment Due Date
Pos. 21-29 = Payment Amount
Pos. 30 = Reserved
J2 Segment
Pos. 1- 2 = Segment Identifier
Pos. 3 = Consumer Transaction Type
Pos. 4- 28 = Surname
Pos. 29- 48 = First Name L1 Segment
Pos. 49- 68 = Middle Name Pos. 1- 2 = Segment Identifier
Pos. 69 = Generation Code Pos. 3 = Change Indicator
Pos. 70- 78 = Social Security Number Pos. 4-33 = New Account Number
Pos. 79- 86 = Date Of Birth Pos. 34-53 = New Identification Number
Pos. 87- 96 = Telephone Number Pos. 54 = Reserved
Pos. 97 = ECOA Code
Pos. 98- 99 = Consumer Information Indicator
Pos. 100-101 = Country Code
Pos. 102-133 = First Line of Address
Pos. 134-165 = Second Line of Address
Pos. 166-185 = City N1 Segment
Pos. 186-187 = State Pos. 1- 2 = Segment Identifier
Pos. 188-196 = Postal/Zip Code Pos. 3- 32 = Employer Name
Pos. 197 = Address Indicator Pos. 33- 64 = First Line of Employer Address
Pos. 198 = Residence Code Pos. 65- 96 = Second Line of Employer Address
Pos. 199-200 = Reserved Pos. 97-116 = Employer City
Pos. 117-118 = Employer State
Pos. 119-127 = Employer Postal/Zip Code
Pos. 128-145 = Occupation
K1 Segment Pos. 146 = Reserved
Pos. 1- 2 = Segment Identifier
Pos. 3-32 = Original Creditor Name
Pos. 33-34 = Creditor Classification

K2 Segment
Pos. 1- 2 = Segment Identifier
Pos. 3 = Portfolio Indicator
Pos. 4-33 = Purchased Portfolio or Sold To Name
Pos. 34 = Reserved

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 5-33

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 118 of 174

Frequently Asked
Questions and Answers
SEGMENTS AND APPENDAGES

1. Question: How do you use the Base Segment?

Answer: The Base Segment of the Metro 2 Format is used to report the identification
information for the primary borrower, as well as all of the pertinent account
information, such as Date Opened, High Credit, Balance and Account Status.

2. Question: What if we don’t currently capture data for a specific field in our
system?

Answer: Refer to Record Layouts within the Metro 2 Format section for designated
Required Fields.

If you have a question about a specific field that is not on your system, contact all of
the consumer reporting agencies to determine if that field is required. Some fields
must be reported to comply with legislative requirements, while others are used to
make the reported data complete and accurate.

3. Question: How do you use the J1 and J2 Segments?

Answer: In general, appendages in the Metro 2 Format are designed to allow the
data furnisher to report additional information about the account by adding the
appropriate appendages to the end of the Base Segment. Two segments: J1 and J2
are used in reporting the names and addresses (if different from the primary
borrower) of individuals who are associated with the account.

• The J1 Segment is used to report a consumer who is associated with the account
who lives at the same address as the individual reported in the Base Segment.

• The J2 Segment is used to report a consumer who is associated with the account
and who lives either at the same or different address from the individual
reported in the Base Segment.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 6-1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 119 of 174

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

4. Question: When reporting fixed-length records, can the J2 Segment be
reported for all consumers, whether they live at the same or different
address as the primary borrower? If the address is the same, can the
address fields be blank?

Answer: If you are reporting fixed-length records, you may choose to report only J2
Segments for all associated consumers. In that case, the J2 Segments must always
contain addresses, even if the addresses are the same as those reported in the Base
Segments.

5. Question: How do you use the L1 Segment?

Answer: The L1 Segment is used to report a new Account Number or a new

Identification Number in situations when one or both of these numbers has changed
since the last reporting period. The Change Indicator field in the L1 Segment
specifies whether the change is to the Account Number, the Identification Number or
both.

The old Account Number is reported in the Consumer Account Number field of the
Base Segment and the new Account Number is reported in the New Consumer
Account Number field of the L1 Segment. The old Identification Number is reported
in the Identification Number field of the Base Segment and the new Identification
Number is reported in the New Identification Number field of the L1 Segment.

The L1 Segment should be reported at the time of the Account

Number/Identification Number change and should be reported only once. The
following month, the new numbers should appear in the Base Segment.

6. Question: How do you report fixed-length records if no appendage (e.g., J1,

J2) information is available?

Answer: If no information is available for the appendages, provide the Segment

Identifier (e.g., J1, J2) and blank fill the remainder of the segment.

7. Question: How do you report variable-length records if no appendage (e.g.,

J1, J2) information is available?

Answer: Do not report the appendage.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 6-2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 120 of 174

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

BDW/RDW

8. Question: What is the BDW and how is it used?

Answer: For variable-length blocks, the Block Descriptor Word (BDW) is typically
systems-generated and contains a value equal to the length of each block of data.
The BDW must be reported when using the packed format or when reporting
variable length records. The BDW is used internally by each consumer reporting
agency’s system to determine the number of bytes in each block.

9. Question: What is the RDW and how is it used?

Answer: The Record Descriptor Word (RDW) contains a value equal to the number of
bytes in each record. A data record includes the Base Segment and any
appendages (e.g., J1, K1, N1).

The RDW is a required field and may be systems-generated by the data furnisher’s
system. If not, it must be hard-coded in the program.

The RDW is used internally by each consumer reporting agency’s system to

determine the number of bytes in each data record.

DELINQUENCY REPORTING

10. Question: How are delinquencies calculated?

Answer: Delinquencies should be calculated from the due date. For consumer
reporting purposes, an account is not deemed to be delinquent until it is at least
30 days (Account Status Code 71) past the due date.

CYCLE REPORTING

11. Question: When is cycle reporting appropriate, versus month-end

reporting?

Answer: Cycle reporting is generally appropriate when a large volume of revolving

accounts is being reported and the data furnisher has multiple billing cycles.
Reporting would take place at the end of each billing cycle, resulting in more
accurate and current reporting of account statuses.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 6-3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 121 of 174

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

12. Question: How are delinquencies reported when a cycle reporter submits
data at the end of the month?

Answer: A cycle reporter who submits data at the end of the month should report
the account status as of the end of the billing cycle for the account being reported,
and not the status of the account on the date the media is created. All account
fields, such as Current Balance, Amount Past Due and Date of Last Payment
should be reflected as of the end of the billing cycle.

Example: The consumer who is 30 days delinquent at the end of the billing cycle
should be reported as an Account Status Code 71, even though a payment is
received between the end of the billing cycle and the date the media is created.

ACCOUNT STATUS, PAYMENT RATING, SPECIAL COMMENT

13. Question: How do Account Statuses, Payment Ratings and Special

Comments interact?

Answer: The Account Status (Field 17A) is used to report the current condition of
the accounts, such as current or 30 days past the due date. The Payment Rating
(Field 17B), which is required for certain Account Statuses, is used to report
whether the account is current, past due, in collections or charged off within the
activity period being reported. The Special Comment (Field 19) is used to provide
additional information about the account. These codes are used together to
provide a complete picture of the account.

Examples:
• An account is reported with Account Status Code 80 (90 days past the due date)
and Special Comment Code M (Account closed at credit grantor’s request).
Since both codes are reported, credit grantors know the current condition of the
account, and that the account is closed to further charges, at the credit
grantor’s request.

• An account is reported with Account Status Code 13 (Paid), Payment Rating 3

(90 days past the due date) and Special Comment Code AU (Account paid in full
for less than the full balance). This combination of codes provides complete
information for credit grantors: the account is paid, the consumer was 90 days
past the due date during the final month and the account was settled for less
than the full balance.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 6-4

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 122 of 174

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

REPORTING SCENARIOS
14. Question: Is there a preferred method of reporting when accounts are
completely or partially reaffirmed in bankruptcy?

Answer: For accounts that are completely reaffirmed in bankruptcy, report the
appropriate Account Status (Field 17A) and the Consumer Information Indicator R,
which states “Reaffirmation of Debt.” The Consumer Information Indicator (Field
38 of the Base Segment and Field 11 of the J1 and J2 Segments) should be
reported for each consumer who was involved in the bankruptcy.

For accounts that are partially reaffirmed in bankruptcy, report a separate tradeline
with a new Account Number for the portion of the account that is in repayment.
For this new tradeline, report the Consumer Information Indicator R for each
affected consumer, which states “Reaffirmation of Debt,” plus the appropriate
Account Status (Field 17A). For that portion of the original tradeline which is still
included in bankruptcy, report the appropriate Account Status (Field 17A), the
appropriate Consumer Information Indicator (Base, J1 and J2 Segment), and adjust
the Current Balance (Field 21) accordingly.

15. Question: What Account Status Code should be reported with the
Bankruptcy Consumer Information Indicators?

Answer: For accounts where all associated borrowers are reported with a
Bankruptcy Consumer Information Indicator, report the Account Status Code that
represents the status of the account just prior to notification of the bankruptcy.

For joint accounts where only one borrower files bankruptcy, report one Base
Segment for the account with the Consumer Information Indicator (CII) set to the
appropriate bankruptcy code for the borrower who filed bankruptcy. The CII for
the other consumer should be blank. The Account Status (field 17A) should reflect
the status of the ongoing account for the consumer who did not file bankruptcy.

Note: The critical piece of displayable information for the bankrupt borrower is the
Consumer Information Indicator.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 6-5

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 123 of 174

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

16. Question: How should Bankruptcies be reported when the consumer
voluntarily surrenders the merchandise or redeems the merchandise?

Answer: When a Bankruptcy is filed, the consumer can voluntarily surrender the
merchandise to the creditor. In this situation, report Account Status Code 95
(Voluntary surrender), and the appropriate Consumer Information Indicator.

The consumer also has the option to pay fair market value, thereby redeeming the
merchandise. In this situation, report Account Status Code 13 (Paid/closed
account); Special Comment Code AU (Account paid in full for less than the full
balance); and the appropriate Consumer Information Indicator.

17. Question: Is there a preferred method of reporting when an account is

partially charged off?

Answer: Report the original account with the appropriate Account Status for that
month (e.g., Current, 30 days delinquent, 60 days delinquent) with a balance that
does not include the amount charged to loss.

The charged off amount should be reported as a separate account with a new
Account Number. Other pertinent fields should be reported as follows: Date
Opened = original date opened; Original Charge-off Amount = amount charged to
loss; Date of First Delinquency = date of the first delinquency in the series of
delinquencies that led up to the Charge-off.

If the new account is subsequently charged off, both accounts would be reported as
Account Status Code 97 (Charge-off) but would have different Original Charge-off
Amounts.

18. Question: How should settled accounts be reported?

Answer: Report the following Base Segment fields as specified:

• Account Status Code 13 or 61-65 (paid or closed account statuses)
• Appropriate Payment Rating (i.e., 0 through 6, G, L) when required
• Special Comment Code AU (Account paid in full for less than the full balance)
• Current Balance = zero

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 6-6

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 124 of 174

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

19. Question: How should a paid in full, closed account be reported?

Answer: Report the following Base Segment fields as specified:

• Account Status Code = 13, 61-65, as applicable
• Payment Rating = required when the Account Status Code is 13 or 65. Blank fill
for Account Status Codes 61-64.
• Payment History Profile = freeze the history as of the Date of Last Payment
• Billing Date = freeze this date as of the month the account was paid
• Current Balance = 0
• Amount Past Due = 0
• Date Closed = the date the account was paid in full

Note: If a Revolving, Open or Line of Credit account is closed, but still has an
outstanding balance, do not report Account Status Codes 13 or 61-65.

20. Question: How should a closed account be reported that has an

outstanding balance?

Answer: For Revolving, Open and Line of Credit accounts only, report the following
Base Segment fields as specified:
• Portfolio Type = R, O or C
• Account Status Code = 11, 71, 78, 80, 82-84, as applicable
• Compliance Condition Code = if account closed at consumer’s request, report
the appropriate code XA, XD, XE or XJ, OR
• Special Comment Code = “M” if account closed by credit grantor
• Current Balance = the outstanding balance amount as of the reported Billing
Date
• Amount Past Due = required when the Account Status Code is 71, 78, 80, 82-
84
• Date Closed = the date the account was closed

Note: Do not report an account as closed by credit grantor and closed at

consumer’s request. Only one closed code can apply.

21. Question: How long should a paid account (Account Status Codes 13,
61-65) continue to be reported?

Answer: Use the following guidelines if paid accounts are re-reported:

• Freeze the Payment History Profile as of the Date of Last Payment.
• Freeze the Billing Date as of the month the account was paid.
• Do not re-report paid accounts for more than three months.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 6-7

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 125 of 174

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

22. Question: How do you report lost or stolen credit cards?

Answer: There are two options for reporting:

• If the payment history is valid on the lost or stolen credit card, use the L1
Segment to change the Account Number. Use of the L1 Segment allows the
consumer reporting agencies to retain all prior account history.
• If the payment history is invalid due to the credit card being lost or stolen, report
Special Comment Code BL (to indicate “Credit card lost or stolen”) and the
appropriate Account Status Code. If opening another account, report the new
credit card as a separate account with a new Account Number and the
appropriate Account Status Code and Current Balance.

23. Question: How do you report deferred loans?

Answer: Report the following Base Segment fields as specified:

• Terms Frequency = D to indicate “Deferred”
• Account Status Code = 11 (Current account)
• Highest Credit or Original Loan Amount = the total amount borrowed
• Current Balance = the total amount borrowed minus any payments which have been
made
• Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount = zero
• Amount Past Due = zero
• Payment History Profile = Use Character B to indicate accounts which have never
been in repayment. Use Character D to indicate accounts that were previously in
repayment but are now deferred.

In the K4 Segment, report the Specialized Payment Indicator as 02 for Deferred

Payment. Also, report the Deferred Payment Start Date as the date the first
payment will be due.

24. Question: How do you report accounts that have been sold to another
lender?

Answer: Report the following Base and K2 Segment fields as specified:

• Account Status Code = 05 (Transferred account)
• Payment Rating = the appropriate code that designates whether the account was
current, past due, in collections or charged off within the activity period being
reported
• Special Comment = AH (Purchased by another lender)
• Current Balance = zero
• Amount Past Due = zero
• FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency = If the account is delinquent at the time
of sale, report the date of the first delinquency.
• K2 Segment Portfolio Indicator = 2 and Sold To Name = name of company to which
account is being sold (or to which account was sold)

Additionally, if the account is delinquent, it is imperative that you provide to the

debt purchaser the date of the first delinquency that led to the account being
sold.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 6-8

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 126 of 174

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

25. Question: How are “payment reversal” transactions handled in regards to

Date of Last Payment, Date of First Delinquency, Payment History Profile
and Actual Payment Amount?

Answer: A “payment reversal” transaction usually occurs when a check is returned

for non-payment to the credit grantor. If the change is made in the following
month’s reporting cycle, the following adjustments should be made:
• The Date of Last Payment should be adjusted to indicate the last payment made
that was not reversed.
• The Date of First Delinquency (DOFD) should reflect the first time the consumer
was 30 days past the due date. The DOFD would change to the month of the
returned check if that had been the first time the consumer was 30 days past the
due date.
• The Payment History Profile should reflect the appropriate delinquency in the
first position, which reflects the previous month’s payment activity (e.g., 1 if the
returned check resulted in the account being 30-59 days past the due date that
month.)
• The Actual Payment Amount reflects the payment received for this reporting
period. If no payment was received for this reporting period, this amount should
be zero.

26. Question: Consumer loans may have multiple payment schedules, which
may each have different payment frequencies (e.g., principal amount due
annually and interest amount due monthly.) How should these loans be
reported?

Answer: Report only one tradeline.

• The Terms Frequency should reflect the most frequent payment schedule. For
example, if the principal is due annually and the interest amount is due monthly,
report Terms Frequency as M (monthly).
• The Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount should reflect the minimum amount
due each month and may change when the principal amount is also due.

In months where only the interest payment is due, report Special Comment Code
BT (Principal deferred/interest payment only). In months where both principal and
interest payments are due, the Special Comment Code BT should not be reported.

ECOA REQUIREMENTS

27. Question: How do I comply with ECOA?

Answer: While ECOA requires only the reporting of spouse information, industry
practices encourage the reporting of all consumers associated with an account. The
correct ECOA Code should be reported in the Base, J1 and J2 Segments.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 6-9

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 127 of 174

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

28. Question: How is an ECOA change reported?

Answer: Change the ECOA Code to the new value in the segment that has changed.
Refer to field descriptions for a list of ECOA Codes.

FCRA REQUIREMENTS

29. Question: The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires certain information to be
reported with regard to returned checks. What are those requirements?

Answer: For companies who report returned checks, such as collection agencies,
factoring companies or check guarantee companies, there are four reporting
guidelines:
• The Date Opened (Field 10 in the Base Segment) should contain the date of the
check.
• The Highest Credit or Original Loan Amount (Field 12 in the Base Segment)
should contain the original amount of the check, excluding fees and interest.
• The Original Creditor Name (Field 2 in the K1 Segment) should contain the name
of the payee.
• The FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency (Field 25 in the Base Segment)
should contain the date the check was returned for nonsufficient funds. If not
available, report the date of the check.

30. Question: How do I comply with the reporting requirements of the 1997
Fair Credit Reporting Act?

Answer:
Date of First Delinquency
When an account is delinquent, Field 25 —the FCRA Compliance/Date of First
Delinquency should reflect the date of the first delinquency (in an unbroken chain)
that led to the status being reported. Refer to Exhibit 8 for a detailed explanation
and examples.

Closed Accounts
XA - This Compliance Condition Code should be reported to indicate that the
account was closed at the consumer’s request. Applies to accounts with Portfolio
Types C (Line of Credit), O (Open) and R (Revolving).

Disputed Accounts
XB - This Compliance Condition Code should be reported to indicate that the
account information is disputed by the consumer.

XC - This Compliance Condition Code should be reported to indicate “Completed

investigation of FCRA dispute - consumer disagrees”.
(Continued)

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 6-10

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 128 of 174

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Closed and Disputed Accounts
XD - This Compliance Condition Code should be reported to indicate that the
account was closed at the consumer’s request and account information is disputed
by the consumer. Applies to accounts with Portfolio Types C (Line of Credit), O
(Open) and R (Revolving).

XE - This Compliance Condition Code should be reported to indicate that the

account was closed at the consumer’s request and dispute investigation completed
- consumer disagrees. Applies to accounts with Portfolio Types C (Line of Credit), O
(Open) and R (Revolving).

Note: Compliance Condition Codes are reported in Field 20.

DELETING ACCOUNTS/BORROWERS

31. Question: How can an account, or a specific borrower, be deleted from the
consumer reporting agencies' files?

Answer: It is imperative that only inaccurate accounts be deleted from the

consumer reporting agencies' files. In order to maintain the accuracy and integrity
of consumer files, historical consumer credit information must be reported in a
factual and objective manner. Paid derogatory accounts, such as collections,
should be reported as paid; they should not be deleted.

To delete an entire account, report Account Status Code DA (Field 17A). All
borrowers will be deleted along with the account history.

To delete a specific borrower, report Z in the ECOA Code field of the segment
containing the consumer to be deleted.

CONSUMER INFORMATION

32. Question: How can a new borrower be added to an existing account?

Answer: Append a J1 or J2 Segment for the new borrower and report Consumer
Transaction Type 1 in Field 2.

• A J1 Segment should be used to add a new borrower living at the same address
as the individual reported in the Base Segment.
• A J2 Segment should be used to add a new borrower living at a different address
from the individual reported in the Base Segment.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 6-11

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 129 of 174

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

33. Question: How can an association with an existing account be terminated?

Answer: Report T in the ECOA Code field (Base Segment, Field 37, J1/J2 Segment,
Field 10) in the segment containing the consumer for whom the association is to be
terminated. All payment history for this account will be retained. Do not report
this individual in subsequent reporting periods.

34. Question: How should deceased borrowers be reported?

Answer: Deceased borrowers can be reported through use of the ECOA Code X in
the appropriate Base Segment, Field 37 or J1/J2 Segment, Field 10.

35. Question: Can the same Consumer Information Indicator be reported each
month even though the reporting guidelines specify the indicator only
needs to be reported one time?

Answer: Yes, reporting the same Consumer Information Indicator each month is
acceptable, except for removal values of Q, S and U. The removal values should
only be reported one time.

DUPLICATE TRADELINES
36. Question: What causes duplicate tradelines?

Answer: Any change in Account Number, Identification Number, Portfolio Type,

and/or Date Opened may cause duplication if the consumer reporting agencies are
not notified prior to the change.

MEDIA

37. Question: What types of media are acceptable?

Answer: Contact each of the consumer reporting agencies to determine what types
of media are accepted.

38. Question: Does a carriage return on a diskette prevent processing?

Answer: A carriage return/line feed should be used between each record, and a
carriage return should be used at the end of the last record. A carriage return
should never be used within a record because it will prevent the consumer
reporting agencies from processing the data.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 6-12

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 130 of 174

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

FIRST TIME REPORTERS

39. Question: Are there any special reporting requirements for a first time
reporter when sending data to the consumer reporting agencies?

Answer: It is very important to ensure that the FCRA Compliance/ Date of First
Delinquency is reported accurately.

When historical credit information is reported in the Payment History Profile (Field
18), the Date of First Delinquency must reflect the date of the first delinquency that
led to the earliest delinquency reported in the Payment History Profile. In this
situation, the Date of First Delinquency must be reported, regardless of the
Account Status Code being reported.

Examples:

Account Status = 93 (Collection)

Payment History Profile = GGGGGGGGGGGG666654321100
Billing Date = 10/31/2003
Date of First Delinquency = 12/31/2001

In the above example, 12/31/2001 represents the date of the earliest 30-day
delinquency represented in the Payment History Profile that led to the Collection
(Code G) being reported.

Account Status = 11 (Current Account)

Payment History Profile = 000000GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
Billing Date = 10/31/2003
Date of First Delinquency = 03/31/2000

In the above example, 03/31/2000 represents the date of the earliest 30-day
delinquency that led to the Collection (Code G) reported in the Payment History
Profile. In this scenario, the 30-day delinquency was outside the time period
represented in the Payment History Profile.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 6-13

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 131 of 174

Glossary of Terms
Account Number A security feature that allows a data furnisher to report a
Scrambling scrambled version of the account numbers. Three
methods of scrambling are available based on CDIA
guidelines. The consumer reporting agencies will
unscramble the account numbers for display purposes.

Alphanumeric Describes a character set that includes both letters and

numbers.

ASCII An acronym for American Standard Code for Information

Interchange. A code used by certain types of computers.

Associated Credit See Consumer Data Industry Association.

Bureaus, Inc. (ACB)

Authorized User Person permitted by a credit card holder to charge goods

and services on the cardholder's account. Authorized
users are not legally responsible for payment of the
charges incurred.

Bankruptcy The judgment of the court that a person who has filed a
Discharged Chapter 7, 11 or 12 petition be granted a bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Dismissed A Chapter 7, 11, 12 or 13 petition is denied by the U.S.

Bankruptcy Court.

Bankruptcy Petition An application made to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court

(Chapter 7) requesting release from financial obligations due to a
debtor's inability to pay his debts.

Bankruptcy Petition An application made to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court

(Chapter 11) requesting financial reorganization.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 7-1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 132 of 174

Glossary of Terms

Bankruptcy Petition An application made to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court

(Chapter 12) requesting release from financial obligations due to the
inability of a family farm to pay their debts.

Bankruptcy Petition An application made to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court

(Chapter 13) requesting court assistance to pay one's debts.

Bankruptcy Withdrawn The petitioner has decided not to file bankruptcy and has
taken back the petition.

Blocking Combining two or more records into a block to increase

the efficiency of computer input and output operations.

Byte One alphanumeric character.

Consumer One who buys goods or services.

Consumer Data Formerly known as Associated Credit Bureaus, CDIA is

Industry Association an international trade association representing the
(CDIA) consumer credit, mortgage reporting, employment and
tenant screening, and collection service industries.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, CDIA provides
legislative assistance and a lobbying function to its
members, and establishes standards for the consumer
credit reporting industry.

Cycle Reporting A method by which large-volume data furnishers can

divide their files for reporting purposes, usually in
alphabetical order by surname or by billing date.
Reporting takes place at the end of each billing cycle,
resulting in more accurate and current reporting of
account statuses.

Debt Purchaser See Factoring Company.

EBCDIC An acronym for Extended Binary Coded Decimal

Interchange Code. A code used by certain types of
computers.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 7-2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 133 of 174

Glossary of Terms

ECOA (Equal Credit A federal law that prohibits creditors from discriminating
Opportunity Act) against applicants on the basis of sex or marital status in
any aspect of a credit transaction.

ECOA Code An alpha or numeric code used to describe a borrower's

association with an account, according to the Equal
Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA).

Factoring Company A company or individual who purchases accounts with

the intent of collecting debts owed.

FCBA (Fair Credit A federal law stipulating procedures to help consumers

Billing Act) resolve creditbilling disputes with the credit grantor
promptly and fairly. Disputes must be reported.

FCRA (Fair Credit The FCRA states that companies which furnish data to
Reporting Act) the consumer reporting agencies have a responsibility to
provide accurate information, to update and correct
information and to respond to notices of dispute. It also
states that consumers have the right to know what is in
credit records; to challenge the accuracy of information;
and to have it reverified, updated or removed. It also
limits the time derogatory information can be retained on
a credit record and assures that a consumer's privacy
will be protected at all times.

FDCPA (Fair Debt The FDCPA regulates the activities of debt collectors
Collection Practices concerning their communications with consumers,
Act) prohibiting harassment or abuse, false or misleading
representations, and unfair practices.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 7-3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 134 of 174

Glossary of Terms

Fixed Length Record A record that always contains the same number of
characters.

For example, you may report a 426-byte Base Segment,

a 100-byte J1 Segment, and a 30-byte K4 Segment for
every record. The fixed record length would be 556. If
there is no associated consumer on the account, report
the Base Segment, report the J1 Segment Identifier,
blank fill the remainder of the J1 Segment, and report
the K4 Segment information.

Installment A loan repayable in installments, usually in set monthly

(Portfolio Type) amounts.

Line of Credit An agreement between an institution and a consumer

(Portfolio Type) where the institution agrees to lend a consumer funds up
to an agreed upon credit limit. The consumer may
borrow as much of the line as needed and pays interest
on the borrowed portion only. Payment amounts are
revolving, based on the outstanding balance amount.

Media Computerized magnetic tape, cartridge, diskette, or

electronic data transfer containing consumer credit
information.

Mortgage An instrument of conveyance (usually of real estate)

(Portfolio Type) from the borrower to the lender. The property remains
with the use and occupancy of the borrower as long as
the conditions of the mortgage are met. The major
conditions are the continual payment of interest and
principal amounts.

Open Credit extended to a consumer based on an estimate of

(Portfolio Type) the general ability to pay. The entire balance is due
upon demand.

Personal Receivership Debt repayment plan administered by a court-appointed

trustee.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 7-4

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 135 of 174

Glossary of Terms

Reaffirmation of Debt An agreement made prior to discharge in bankruptcy to

pay certain debts that otherwise would be discharged
through the bankruptcy proceedings. Debts can be
partially or completely reaffirmed.

Reaffirmation of Debt The consumer may rescind a reaffirmation agreement

Rescinded prior to the bankruptcy discharge or within 60 days after
the reaffirm agreement is filed with the court, whichever
occurs later. A consumer files a rescind of debt (requires
judge’s signature) for one or more of the debts in the
reaffirm. This means that the reaffirm is canceled (taken
back) and the debts are again included in or discharged
through bankruptcy.

Redemptions In a Bankruptcy filing, the consumer can choose to

(due to Bankruptcy) redeem merchandise from a creditor by paying fair
market value. (Refer to Frequently Asked Question and
Answer #16 for reporting guidelines.)

Revolving An agreement that establishes a maximum credit limit

(Portfolio Type) for a consumer. Payment amounts are revolving, based
on the outstanding balance amount.

Third Party Collection A company or individual who specializes in collecting

Agency outstanding debts for other businesses or individuals.

Variable Length Record Records which may be different lengths within

predetermined minimums and maximums. Variable
length records allow a data furnisher to report only the
size of record required for a transaction, thus allowing
more data to be placed on the media.

For example, the J1 and J2 Segments would be reported

only when additional borrowers are associated with an
account. Some records may include these appendages,
while others may not.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 7-5

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 136 of 174

Implementation Checklist
IMPLEMENTATION The Metro 2 Format Implementation Checklist will guide you
step by step through the process of changing to the Metro 2
OF THE METRO 2 Format. Following these guidelines will ensure that the credit
FORMAT information you report is accurate, complete and timely.

Prior to reporting in Metro 2 for the first time, you must

complete testing with each of the consumer reporting
agencies to which you report.

Whether reporting through a purchased software package, a

third-party data processor or an internally developed
program, the data furnisher is ultimately responsible for
compliance issues.

When reporting information through a third-party processor,

there are certain steps that need to be taken to ensure that
information is reported accurately. The steps are:

• Confirm that the processor is supplying all account

information in the Metro 2 Format to all consumer
reporting agencies.

• Use the Metro 2 Implementation Checklist to review in

detail what the processor will be reporting to ensure that
your portfolio information is reported accurately.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 8-1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 137 of 174

Implementation Checklist
Step Task Description Reference Available? Comments
Yes or No

1 Obtain a copy of the Metro 2 Format. Electronically:

http://www.cdia
online.org/metro.
cfm

Hard copy: Phone

(202) 371-0910
2 Obtain a Program Identifier (for the
Header Record) from each Consumer
Reporting Agency.

3 Compare Metro 2 Field Definitions to Credit

available data on your system. The Reporting
following data should be reported Resource
according to the specified definitions in Guide:
order to process your credit information Metro 2
correctly:
Header Record - Identification of
Reporter:
Block Descriptor Word (BDW) Page 4-1 See Q&A 8 —
Page 6-3.
Record Descriptor Word (RDW) Page 4-1 See Q&A 9 —
Page 6-3.
Record Identifier - Header Page 4-1 Hard code
Cycle Number Page 4-2 See Q&A 11 —
Page 6-3.
Innovis Program Identifier Page 4-2 Hard code
Equifax Program Identifier Page 4-2 Hard code
Experian Program Identifier Page 4-2 Hard code
Trans Union Program Identifier Page 4-2 Hard code
Activity Date Page 4-2
Date Created Page 4-2
Program Date Page 4-2

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 8-2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 138 of 174

Implementation Checklist

Step Task Description Reference Available? Comments

Yes or No
Program Revision Date Page 4-3
Reporter Name Page 4-3
Reporter Address Page 4-3
Reporter Telephone Number Page 4-3
Software Vendor Name Page 4-3 Hard coded
by Vendor
Software Version Number Page 4-3 Hard coded
by Vendor

Base Record - Processing Information: See Q&A 1 —

Page 6-1.
Block Descriptor Word (BDW) Page 4-4 See Q&A 8 —
Page 6-3.
Record Descriptor Word (RDW) Page 4-4 See Q&A 9 —
Page 6-3.
Processing Indicator Page 4-4 Hard code
Time Stamp Page 4-5
Correction Indicator Page 4-6
Base Record - Account Information:
Identification Number Page 4-7
Cycle Identifier Page 4-7 See Q&A 11 —
Page 6-3.
Consumer Account Number Page 4-7
Portfolio Type Page 4-7
Account Type Page 4-8
Date Opened Page 4-8
Credit Limit Page 4-8
Highest Credit or Original Loan Amount Page 4-9
Terms Duration Page 4-9
Terms Frequency Page 4-10
Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount Page 4-10
Actual Payment Amount Page 4-11

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 8-3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 139 of 174

Implementation Checklist

Step Task Description Reference Available? Comments

Yes or No
Account Status Page 4-11 See Q&A 12, 13,
15 — Pages 6-4,
6-5.
Payment Rating Page 4-11 See Q&A 13 —
Page 6-4.
Payment History Profile (up to 24 Page 4-12 See Exhibit 5 —
months) Page 5-11.
Special Comment Page 4-13 See Q&A 13 —
Page 6-4.
Compliance Condition Code Page 4-14
Current Balance Page 4-15
Amount Past Due Page 4-15
Original Charge-off Amount Page 4-15
Billing Date Page 4-16
FCRA Compliance/Date of First Page 4-17
Delinquency
Date Closed Page 4-18
Date of Last Payment Page 4-18
Base Record - Primary Borrower
Information:
Consumer Transaction Type Page 4-18
Surname Page 4-19
First Name Page 4-19
Middle Name Page 4-19
Generation Code Page 4-19
Social Security Number Page 4-19
Date of Birth Page 4-20
Telephone Number Page 4-20
ECOA Code Page 4-21 See Q&A 27, 28,
31, 33, 34 —
Pages 6-9, 6-
10, 6-11, 6-12.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 8-4

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 140 of 174

Implementation Checklist

Step Task Description Reference Available? Comments

Yes or No
Consumer Information Indicator Page 4-22 See Q&A 14, 15,
16, 35 — Pages
6-5, 6-6, 6-12.
Country Code Page 4-22
First Line of Address Page 4-23
Second Line of Address Page 4-23
City Page 4-23
State Page 4-23
Postal/Zip Code Page 4-24
Address Indicator Page 4-24
Residence Code Page 4-24

4 Can you report all borrowers associated

with the account?
For an associated borrower who lives at See Q&A 3, 6, 7
the same address as the primary — Pages 6-1,
borrower, report the J1 Segment. Fields 6-2.
available:
Segment Identifier - J1 Page 4-25 Hard code
Consumer Transaction Type Page 4-25
Surname Page 4-25
First Name Page 4-26
Middle Name Page 4-26
Generation Code Page 4-26
Social Security Number Page 4-26
Date of Birth Page 4-26
Telephone Number Page 4-27
ECOA Code Page 4-27 See Q&A 27, 28,
31, 33, 34 —
Pages 6-9, 6-
10, 6-11, 6-12.
Consumer Information Indicator Page 4-28 See Q&A 14, 15,
16, 35 — Pages
6-5, 6-6, 6-12.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 8-5

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 141 of 174

Implementation Checklist

Step Task Description Reference Available? Comments

Yes or No
For an associated borrower who lives at See Q&A 3, 6, 7
a different address than the primary — Pages 6-1,
borrower, report the J2 Segment. Fields 6-2.
available:
Segment Identifier - J2 Page 4-29 Hard code
Consumer Transaction Type Page 4-29
Surname Page 4-29
First Name Page 4-30
Middle Name Page 4-30
Generation Code Page 4-30
Social Security Number Page 4-30
Date of Birth Page 4-30
Telephone Number Page 4-30
ECOA Code Page 4-31 See Q&A 27, 28,
31, 33, 34 —
Pages 6-9, 6-
10, 6-11, 6-12.
Consumer Information Indicator Page 4-32 See Q&A 14, 15,
16, 35 — Pages
6-5, 6-6, 6-12.
Country Code Page 4-32
First Line of Address Page 4-32
Second Line of Address Page 4-33
City Page 4-33
State Page 4-33
Postal/Zip Code Page 4-33
Address Indicator Page 4-33
Residence Code Page 4-34

5 For Collection Agencies, Debt Collectors,

Factoring Companies, Student Loan
Guaranty Agencies, and US Department
of Education, a K1 Segment is needed.
Fields available:

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 8-6

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 142 of 174

Implementation Checklist

Step Task Description Reference Available? Comments

Yes or No
Segment Identifier - K1 Page 4-35 Hard code
Original Creditor Name Page 4-35
Creditor Classification Page 4-36

6 If you've purchased or sold a portfolio, a See Q&A 24 —

K2 Segment can be reported. Fields Page 6-8.
available:
Segment Identifier - K2 Page 4-37 Hard code
Portfolio Indicator Page 4-37
Purchased Portfolio or Sold To Name Page 4-37

7 If you provide mortgage information, a

K3 Segment can be reported. Fields
available:
Segment Identifier - K3 Page 4-38 Hard code
Agency Identifier Page 4-38
Account Number (of secondary Page 4-38
marketing agency)
Mortgage Identification Number Page 4-38

8 Specialized payment information, for

balloon or deferred payments, can be
reported in the K4 Segment. Fields
available:
Segment Identifier - K4 Page 4-39 Hard code
Specialized Payment Indicator Page 4-39
Deferred Payment Start Date Page 4-39 See Q&A 23 —
Page 6-8.
Payment Due Date (Balloon Payment) Page 4-39
Payment Amount (Balloon Payment) Page 4-39

9 Account Number and/or Identification See Q&A 5 —

Number changes can be reported in the Page 6-2.
L1 Segment. Fields available:
Segment Identifier - L1 Page 4-40 Hard code

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 8-7

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 143 of 174

Implementation Checklist

Step Task Description Reference Available? Comments

Yes or No
Change Indicator Page 4-40
New Consumer Account Number Page 4-40
New Identification Number Page 4-41

10 Can employment information for the

primary borrower be provided in the N1
Segment? Fields available:
Segment Identifier - N1 Page 4-42 Hard code
Employer Name Page 4-42
First Line of Employer Address Page 4-42
Second Line of Employer Address Page 4-42
Employer City Page 4-42
Employer State Page 4-42
Employer Postal/Zip Code Page 4-42
Occupation Page 4-42

11 Can totals be provided in the Trailer

Record? Fields available:
Record Descriptor Word (RDW) Page 4-44 See Q&A 9 —
Page 6-3.
Record Identifier - Trailer Page 4-44 Hard code
Total Base Records Page 4-44
Total Associated Consumer Segments Page 4-44
(J1)
Total Associated Consumer Segments Page 4-44
(J2)
Block Count Page 4-44
Total of Status Code DA (Deletes) Page 4-44
Total of each Status Code individually Pages 4-45
& 4-46
Total of ECOA Code Z (Deletes) Page 4-47
Total Employment Segments Page 4-47
Total Original Creditor Segments Page 4-47

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 8-8

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 144 of 174

Implementation Checklist

Step Task Description Reference Available? Comments

Yes or No
Total Purchased Portfolio/Sold To Page 4-47
Segments
Total Mortgage Information Segments Page 4-47
Total Specialized Payment Information Page 4-47
Segments
Total Change Segments Page 4-47
Total SSNs (All Segments) Page 4-48
Total SSNs (Base Segments) Page 4-48
Total SSNs (J1 Segments) Page 4-48
Total SSNs (J2 Segments) Page 4-48
Total Dates of Birth (All Segments) Page 4-48
Total Dates of Birth (Base Segments) Page 4-48
Total Dates of Birth (J1 Segments) Page 4-49
Total Dates of Birth (J2 Segments) Page 4-49
Total Telephone Numbers (All Segments) Page 4-49
Review the following reporting
situations:
12 Have comments (e.g., Do Not Mail,
Charge Off, Fraud, etc.) been removed
from name and address fields?

13 How do you report accounts that are See Q&A 14 —

completely or partially reaffirmed in Page 6-5.
bankruptcy?
14 What Account Status Code should be See Q&A 15, 16
reported with bankruptcy Consumer — Page 6-5, 6-
Information Indicators? 6.

15 How should a partially charged off See Q&A 17 —

account be reported? Page 6-6.

16 How should settled accounts be See Q&A 18 —

reported? Page 6-6.

17 How should paid in full, closed accounts See Q&A 19 –

be reported? Page 6-7.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 8-9

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 145 of 174

Implementation Checklist

Step Task Description Reference Available? Comments

Yes or No

18 How should a closed account be reported See Q&A 20 –

that has an outstanding balance? Page 6-7.

19 How long should paid accounts (Account See Q&A 21 –

Status Codes 13, 61-65) continue to be Page 6-7.
reported?
20 How should lost or stolen credit cards be See Q&A 22 —
reported? Page 6-8.

21 How do you report deferred loans? See Q&A 23 —

Page 6-8.

22 How do you report accounts that have See Q&A 24 —

been sold to another lender? Page 6-8.

23 How are "payment reversal" transactions See Q&A 25 —

handled? Page 6-9.

24 How do you report loans with multiple See Q&A 26 —

payment schedules? Page 6-9.

25 How should accounts be reported to See Q&A 29, 30

comply with the Fair Credit Reporting — Page 6-10, 6-
Act? 11.
26 How can an account, or specific See Q&A 31 —
borrower, be deleted from the file? Page 6-11.

27 What causes duplicate tradelines? See Q&A 36 —

Page 6-12.

28 If you are a first time reporter of credit See Q&A 39 —

data, there are special reporting Page 6-13.
requirements.

Project Phases:

29 Review the Metro 2 Format and any

conversion questions with your
Consumer Reporting Agency
representative.
30 Develop internal software, and perform
internal conversion tests.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 8-10

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 146 of 174

Implementation Checklist

Step Task Description Reference Available? Comments

Yes or No

31 Advise all Consumer Reporting Agencies

of the expected date they will receive the
test media or transmission.

32 Send properly labeled test media, record

layout, and documentation to all
Consumer Reporting Agencies.

33 To set-up for electronic transmissions,

contact all Consumer Reporting
Agencies.

34 Make any recommended corrections to

the test media until the test is
satisfactory to the Consumer Reporting
Agencies and your company.

35 Send properly labeled production media

to all Consumer Reporting Agencies.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 8-11

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 147 of 174

Child Support Reporting

GENERAL REPORTING GUIDELINES

The Child Support Enforcement Program was established in 1975 under Title IV-D of
the Social Security Act, to help state and local agencies locate absent parents and to
collect child support from parents legally obligated to pay.

Child support obligations are renewable from month to month. Although each monthly
payment satisfies that month’s obligation, the next month immediately begins a new
obligation, to be satisfied by the next payment. The entire support obligation is not
considered satisfied until the child reaches the age of majority or emancipation, or the
statute of limitations for that state has been reached.

• Report data in the standard Metro 2 Format, including the Header Record.

• Report full file on a monthly basis.

• Report the complete name, social security number, and address of the obligor.

• Report the phone number and birth date, when available.

• An acceptable reason for deleting accounts is when Child Support cases are
withdrawn by the courts.

• In the Identification Number field, report the internal code that identifies the child
support agency where the information is verified.

• All parties reporting credit information must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting
Act and any applicable state laws.

• All parties reporting credit information must respond to consumer inquiries.

Note: The guidelines contained in this document are specific to your industry
and should be used in conjunction with the specifications in the Metro 2
Format. Refer to the Metro 2 Format for detailed information on
segments and field information.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 9-1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 148 of 174

CHILD SUPPORT REPORTING GUIDELINES

1. State agencies that are able to age the accounts should report the following Account
Status Codes (Base Segment, Field 17A):

Status 11
Reported for all open, current accounts, and for cases that have been brought current.
Use this status when the child, or youngest child (in the case of multiple children), has
not yet reached the age of majority or emancipation, or the statute of limitations for
judgments in that state has not been reached.

Status 13*
Reported when the Office of Child Support Enforcement rates this case “satisfied.” Use
this status when the child, or youngest child (in the case of multiple children), has
reached the age of majority or emancipation, or the statute of limitations for judgments
in that state has been reached.

Status 62
Reported when the Office of Child Support Enforcement rates this case as “satisfied” and
the account was previously a collection. Use this status when the child, or youngest child
(in the case of multiple children), has reached the age of majority or emancipation, or
the statute of limitations for judgments in that state has been reached.

Statuses 71, 78, 80, 82–84**

Reported to reflect the appropriate stage of delinquency (30 days to 180 or more days
past the due date).

Status 93**
Reported when the Office of Child Support Enforcement rates this case as in collections.

Status DA
Reported when a Child Support case is withdrawn by the courts. The action taken by the
consumer reporting agencies is to delete the account from their files.

Status 05*
Reported when the child support case is transferred to another state because of the
relocation of the obligor. This usually occurs with a URESA (Uniform Reciprocal
Enforcement Support Act) account. The state agency is responsible for notifying another
agency when the account is being transferred to their jurisdiction.

Report the Payment History Profile, which provides up to 24 months of payment history,
in order for the agency to control and maintain the payment history.

* When the Account Status is 05 or 13, the Payment Rating must also be reported.

** When Status 71, 78, 80, 82-84 or 93 is reported, the account should be reported with

a Special Comment “CS” each month in order to overlay the date of first delinquency.
Special Comment “CS” is reported only until the child or youngest child reaches the
age of majority or emancipation, or the statute of limitations for judgments in that
state has been reached.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 9-2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 149 of 174

CHILD SUPPORT REPORTING GUIDELINES

State agencies that are unable to age the accounts should report the following
Account Status Codes (Base Segment, Field 17A):

Status 11
Reported for all open, current accounts, and for cases that have been brought current.
Use this status when the child, or youngest child (in the case of multiple children), has
not yet reached the age of majority or emancipation, or the statute of limitations for
judgments in that state has not been reached.

Status 13*
Reported when the Office of Child Support Enforcement rates this case “satisfied” and
the account was previously reported as current. Use this status when the child, or
youngest child (in the case of multiple children), has reached the age of majority or
emancipation, or the statute of limitations for judgments in that state has been
reached.

Status 62
Reported when the Office of Child Support Enforcement rates this case “satisfied” and
the account was previously a collection. Use this status when the child, or youngest
child (in the case of multiple children), has reached the age of majority or
emancipation, or the statute of limitations for judgments in that state has been
reached.

Status 93
Reported when the Office of Child Support Enforcement rates this case as in collections.
If a Status 93 is reported, the account should be reported with a Special Comment “CS”
each month in order to overlay the date of first delinquency. Special Comment “CS” is
reported only until the child or youngest child reaches the age of majority or
emancipation, or the statute of limitations for judgments in that state has been
reached.

Status DA
Reported when a Child Support case is withdrawn by the courts. The action taken by
the consumer reporting agencies is to delete the account from their files.

Status 05*
Reported when the child support case is transferred to another state because of the
relocation of the obligor. This usually occurs with a URESA (Uniform Reciprocal
Enforcement Support Act) account. The state agency is responsible for notifying
another agency when the account is being transferred to their jurisdiction.

* When the Account Status is 05 or 13, the Payment Rating must also be reported.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 9-3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 150 of 174

CHILD SUPPORT REPORTING GUIDELINES

2. Portfolio Type (Base Segment, Field 8) — O (Open)

3. Account Type Codes (Base Segment, Field 9)

• 50 — Family Support
• 93 — Child Support

4. Date Opened (Base Segment, Field 10) — the date the case was initiated with the
state agency

5. Highest Credit or Original Loan Amount (Base Segment, Field 12) — zero

6. Terms Duration (Base Segment, Field 13) — 001

7. Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount (Base Segment, Field 15) — the monthly debt
obligation of the obligor

8. Special Comment Codes (Base Segment, Field 19) — Any Special Comment Code
can be reported on accounts that do not require Special Comment Code CS.

Refer to Exhibits 6 and 7 in the Metro 2 Format for descriptions of Special Comment
Codes.

9. Compliance Condition Codes (Base Segment, Field 20) — Report Compliance

Condition Codes in conjunction with Account Status Codes and Payment Ratings
when comments are required for legal compliance.

Refer to the Metro 2 Format Field 20 Definition for descriptions of Compliance

Condition Codes.

10. Current Balance (Base Segment, Field 21) — the total amount due from outstanding
support payments. This amount must equal, at a minimum, one Scheduled Monthly
Payment Amount.

11. Amount Past Due (Base Segment, Field 22) — the total amount in arrears

12. FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency (Base Segment, Field 25) — the activity
date

The FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency must freeze when the child, or
youngest child (in the case of multiple children), reaches the age of majority or
emancipation, or the statute of limitations for judgments in that state has been
reached.

13. ECOA Code (Base Segment, Field 37) — 1 (individual) on all records

14.Consumer Information Indicator (Base Segment, Field 38) —Report code T (Credit
Grantor Cannot Locate Consumer) and code U (Consumer Now Located) when
appropriate.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 9-4

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 151 of 174

Third Party Collection Agency/

Debt Purchaser/Factoring Company
Reporting

GENERAL REPORTING GUIDELINES

A Third Party Collection Agency is a company or individual who specializes in collecting
outstanding debts for other businesses or individuals. A Debt Purchaser/Factoring
Company is a company or individual who purchases accounts with the intent of collecting
debts owed.

• Report data in the standard Metro 2 Format, including the Header Record.

• Report at least on a monthly basis.

• Report the complete name, address and social security number of the legally liable
consumer(s), using J2 Segments for reporting secondary names.

• The first time you report to the consumer reporting agencies, report your entire file.
On subsequent updates, report the entire file, or at a minimum, newly opened
accounts, paid accounts, and accounts which have had changes since the previous
reporting period.

• Report paid in full collection accounts before purging the accounts from your internal
collection system.

• Do not delete paid in full collection accounts.

• Acceptable reasons for deleting accounts are:

— Accounts which have been canceled and returned to creditor.
— Accounts which have been forwarded or sold to another entity.
— Accounts reported in error.

• All parties reporting credit information must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
(FCRA), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), any applicable state laws and
regulatory authorities.

• The Date of First Delinquency is used to comply with FCRA sections 605 and 623
(obsolescence period). See page 10-4 of this document for detailed reporting
requirements.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 10-1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 152 of 174

THIRD PARTY COLLECTION AGENCY/DEBT PURCHASER/FACTORING

COMPANY REPORTING GUIDELINES

• In the Identification Number field, report the internal code that identifies the third
party collection agency/debt purchaser/factoring company where information is
verified.

• All parties reporting credit information must respond to consumer inquiries.

Note: The guidelines in this document are specific to your industry and should
be used in conjunction with the specifications in the Metro 2 Format.
Refer to the Metro 2 Format for detailed information on segments and
field information.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 10-2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 153 of 174

THIRD PARTY COLLECTION AGENCY/DEBT PURCHASER/FACTORING

COMPANY REPORTING GUIDELINES

1. Consumer Account Number (Base Segment, Field 7)

• Report the individual’s complete and unique account number as extracted from
your file.

• If the account number changes, report the L1 Segment. See field definitions in the
Metro 2 Format.

Note: Notify your consumer reporting agencies the first time this situation occurs.

2. Portfolio Type (Base Segment, Field 8) — O (Open)

3. Account Type Codes (Base Segment, Field 9)

• 48 — Collection Agency/Attorney
• 77 — Returned Check
• 0C — Factoring Company Account (includes Debt Purchasers)

4. Date Opened (Base Segment, Field 10) — the date the account was placed/assigned
to the third party collection agency or purchased by the debt purchaser/factoring
company. When reporting returned checks, provide the date the check was written.

5. Highest Credit or Original Loan Amount (Base Segment, Field 12) — original assigned
amount as of the date placed, assigned or purchased. When reporting returned
checks, report the original amount of the check, excluding fees and interest.

6. Terms Duration (Base Segment, Field 13) — 001

7. Account Status Codes (Base Segment, Field 17A) — report only the following:

• 93 — Account assigned to internal or external collections.

• 62 — Paid in full, was a collection account.
• DA —Delete account.

Acceptable reasons for deleting accounts are:

• Accounts which have been canceled and returned to creditor.
• Accounts which have been forwarded or sold to another entity.
• Accounts reported in error.

Do not delete paid in full collection accounts.

8. Billing Date (Base Segment, Field 24) — master file activity date.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 10-3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 154 of 174

THIRD PARTY COLLECTION AGENCY/DEBT PURCHASER/FACTORING

COMPANY REPORTING GUIDELINES

9. FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency (Base Segment, Field 25) — the date of
the first delinquency with the original creditor that led to the account being placed
for collection or sold. If this date is not available, use the date the account was
opened with the original credit grantor.

Example:
Credit Grantor Reports:

Status Date of First

Code Definition Activity Date Delinquency
11 Current January Zero-fill
71 30 days past the due date February 02/28/2003
78 60 days past the due date March 02/28/2003
80 90 days past the due date April 02/28/2003
82 120 days past the due date May 02/28/2003
83 150 days past the due date June 02/28/2003

Account is assigned to collection agency or sold to debt purchaser/factoring company.

Collection Agency/Debt Purchaser/Factoring Company Reports:

Status Date of First

Code Definition Activity Date Delinquency
93 Collection August 02/28/2003
93 Collection September 02/28/2003
Consumer agrees to a
repayment plan. First
payment is received by
collection agency/debt
purchaser/factoring company
or credit grantor’s internal
collection department.
93 Collection October 02/28/2003
Consumer continues to make
payments. Balance amount Is
reported as decreasing.
62 Paid collection account November 02/28/2003
Balance amount is reported
as zero.

Notes: The FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency does not change due
to subsequent repayment agreements.

When reporting returned checks, report the date the check was returned for
insufficient funds. If not available, report the date of the check.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 10-4

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 155 of 174

THIRD PARTY COLLECTION AGENCY/DEBT PURCHASER/FACTORING

COMPANY REPORTING GUIDELINES

10. Report Compliance Condition Codes (Base Segment, Field 20) and Special Comments
(Base Segment, Field 19) in conjunction with Account Status Codes to further define the
accounts.

Examples:

Compliance Condition Code XB (Account information disputed by consumer) could be

reported with Account Status Code 93.

Special Comment AU (Account legally paid in full for less than the full balance) could be
reported with Account Status Code 62.

11. Current Balance (Base Segment, Field 21) — balance amount, which may include fees and
interest, depending on state and federal laws. If payments are made, the Balance amount
should decrease accordingly.

12. ECOA Code (Base Segment, Field 37; J2 Segment, Field 10) — used to designate an
account as joint, individual, etc. in compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act
(ECOA).

Note: Authorized users (ECOA Code 3) should not be reported because they are not
contractually liable.

13. Consumer Information Indicator (Base Segment, Field 38 and J2 Segment, Field 11) —
used to specify that a consumer has filed bankruptcy or a consumer cannot be located.
Refer to Exhibit 9 in the Metro 2 Format for a list of available indicators.

14. Report the K1 Segment, which contains the name of the original creditor and the creditor’s
classification. When reporting returned checks, report the name of the payee in the
Original Creditor Name field.

Notes: Refer to the guidelines for the K1 Segment in the Metro 2 Format. CDIA policy and
some state laws stipulate that the original creditor must be identified. The purpose of
reporting the original creditor name is to help consumers identify the source of accounts
when they appear on credit reports. Without the original creditor names, consumers may
not know what the accounts represent.

Federal law stipulates that the name of the payee must be identified when reporting
returned checks.

15. The following Base Segment fields are not applicable and may be blank- or zero-filled:
• Cycle Identifier (Field 6)
• Credit Limit (Field 11)
• Terms Frequency (Field 14)
• Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount (Field 15)
• Payment Rating (Field 17B)
• Original Charge-off Amount (Field 23)

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 10-5

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 156 of 174

Student Loan Reporting

GENERAL REPORTING GUIDELINES

Reporters of student loan information include lenders, servicers, secondary markets,
guaranty agencies, collection agencies and the U.S. Department of Education.

The following reporting guidelines refer to all reporters of student loan information:

• Report data in the standard Metro 2 Format, including the Header Record.

• Report on a monthly basis.

• Report all open accounts monthly.

• Report transferred, paid, and government claim accounts at the end of the month in
which they occur.

• Report the complete name, address and social security number of the consumer.

• In the Identification Number field, report the internal code that identifies the lender,
servicer, secondary market, or guarantor where information is verified.

• All parties reporting credit information must respond to consumer inquiries.

Note: The guidelines in this document are specific to your industry and should be
used in conjunction with the specifications in the Metro 2 Format. Refer to
the Metro 2 Format for detailed information on segments and field
information.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 11-1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 157 of 174

LENDER/SERVICER/SECONDARY MARKET REPORTING GUIDELINES

1. Account Type Code (Base Segment, Field 9) — 12 (Education Loan) for all accounts

2. Terms Duration (Base Segment, Field 13) — report monthly terms while the loan is in
repayment

Terms Duration for loans in “initial school period” and a “grace period” should be blank filled
since there are currently no terms. For loans in “forbearance”, report the terms that have
been set for interest payments only.

3. Account Status Codes (Base Segment, Field 17A)

• 11 — Open account in good standing

Note: Do not report loans until the monies are disbursed to the student.

• 11 with Terms Frequency D and Payment History Profile Character B — Open

account/payments deferred/account was never in repayment

• 11 with Terms Frequency D and Payment History Profile Character D — Open

account/payments deferred/account was previously in repayment

Notes: Terms Frequency Code D should be used with Account Status Code 11 to show
that payments are not currently being made (e.g., deferment, grace period,
forbearance), but there is a future payment obligation.

Do not include deferred student loans in calculation of delinquency logic. Report an

Amount Past Due = 0.

• 71, 78, 80, 82–84 — the appropriate stage of delinquency (30 days to 180 or more days
past the due date)

• 13 — Closed/paid/zero balance account

Notes: For paid accounts, report the Date Closed. Also, report both the Current Balance
and the Amount Past Due as zero.

When reporting Account Status Code 13, the Payment Rating must also be reported.

• 88 — Claim filed with government for insured portion of balance on defaulted loan

Notes: If Status Code 88 is reported but reversed after government review, report the
account as Status Code DA to delete the account. The following month, report the
account with the original Date Opened, the original Consumer Account Number, and the
actual status. If valid payment history is available, it can be reported in the Payment
History Profile.

Status 88 should be reported for the situation called “non-matriculate,” in which the
student never enrolled. The claim is filed immediately.

When reporting Account Status Code 88, the Payment Rating must also be reported.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 11- 2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 158 of 174

LENDER/SERVICER/SECONDARY MARKET REPORTING GUIDELINES

• 05 with Special Comment Code AT — Account closed due to transfer. (Does not include
transferred to a servicer, unless that servicer is the new holder of the note.)

Notes: The Current Balance and Amount Past Due should be reported as zero.

When reporting Account Status Code 05, the Payment Rating must also be reported.

4. Payment History Profile (Base Segment, Field 18) — Provides up to 24 months of payment
history. For deferred loans, report the Grid Character B for loans that have never been in
repayment, and report Grid Character D for loans that were previously in repayment.

Example of Payment History Profile for a loan reaching government claim status:

Account Status Code 88, Payment Rating = 6

Billing Date = 01/31/2003; Date of First Delinquency = 01/31/2002
Payment History Profile = 665432111111000000000000

In the above example, the Payment History Profile represents, from left to right, 12/31/2002
through 01/31/2001. The 0's indicate the account was current from 1/31/2001 through
12/31/2001. The account became 30 days delinquent in 01/31/2002 and progressed to 180
days delinquent through 12/31/2001. A government claim was filed in 01/31/2003, resulting
in the Status Code 88.

Note: It is important that the Payment History Profile be reported in order for the lender to
control and maintain the payment history.

5. Compliance Condition Codes (Base Segment, Field 20) and Special Comments (Base
Segment, Field 19)

Report in conjunction with Account Status Codes to further define the accounts.

Examples:

• Special Comment AT (Account Closed due to Transfer) —with Account Status Code 05—
when an account is sold to another lender.
• Special Comment BT (Principle deferred/Interest payment only)—for loans in forbearance
• Compliance Condition Code XB (Account information disputed by consumer) could be
reported with Account Status Code 88.

6. FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency (Base Segment, Field 25) — report the date as
described in the Metro 2 Format.

7. Consumer Information Indicators (Base Segment, Field 38; J1 Segment, Field 11; J2
Segment, Field 11) – used to specify that a consumer has filed bankruptcy or a consumer
cannot be located. Refer to Exhibit 9 in the Metro 2 Format for a list of available indicators.

8. Deferred Payment Start Date (K4 Segment, Field 3) — report for deferred loans.

9. L1 Segment — report one time when account numbers change due to an account
acquisition or internal account number change.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 11- 3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 159 of 174

LENDER/SERVICER/SECONDARY MARKET REPORTING GUIDELINES

For Multiple Disbursements of the Same Loan:

• Combine multiple disbursements into a single account.

• Retain the original Consumer Account Number.

• Retain the original Date Opened of the first disbursement.

• Increase the Original Loan Amount, Current Balance, and Scheduled Monthly Payment
Amount (when in repayment) to include totals for all disbursements.

Example: If the loan is for $10,000 and the first disbursement is for $2,000, report
the Original Loan Amount field as $2,000. As additional disbursements are made,
increase the Original Loan Amount field to include additional disbursements.

• Change Terms Duration if appropriate.

For Multiple Loans:

• Multiple loans must be reported as separate accounts.

• When multiple loans are consolidated, report the new loan as Account Status Code 11
and each multiple loan as Account Status 13, with the appropriate Payment Rating.

For Loans Transferred in from Another Lender:

• If the previous reporter’s Consumer Account Number is available, report the L1

Segment to change the Consumer Account Number. The Base Segment should contain
the previous reporter’s Consumer Account Number, and the L1 Segment should contain
the reporter’s New Consumer Account Number. The L1 Segment should only be
reported the first time the new account number is reported.

• Retain the previous lender’s Date Opened.

• Report the K2 Segment (Portfolio Purchased From) at least one time, to show the name
of that lender and avoid confusion for the consumer.

Example: If XYZ Bank buys accounts from ABC Bank, XYZ Bank or their servicer
should report a K2 Segment containing ABC Bank.

Note: Notify your consumer reporting agencies the first time this situation occurs, for
testing purposes.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 11- 4

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 160 of 174

LENDER/SERVICER/SECONDARY MARKET REPORTING GUIDELINES

For Loans Reported by a Servicer:

• The Identification Number should refer to the current holder of the note.

Note: Verification of accounts will be done with the servicer.

For Loans that are Forgiven when a School Closes:

• Report Account Status Code DA to delete the account.

For Loans that are Forgiven when a Student becomes Disabled:

• If the loan had been in repayment prior to the student becoming disabled, report
Account Status Code 13, Payment Rating 0, Current Balance 0, and Amount Past Due 0
to indicate a paid/closed account, along with the appropriate Date Closed.

• If the loan had never been in repayment, report Account Status Code DA to delete the
account.

For Loans that are Forgiven due to “Teacher Forgiveness”:

• If the loan had been in repayment prior to being forgiven, report Account Status Code
13, Payment Rating 0, Current Balance 0 and Amount Past Due 0 to indicate a
paid/closed account, along with the appropriate Date Closed.

• If the loan had never been in repayment, report Account Status Code DA to delete the
account.

For Loans that were Falsely Certified:

• Report Account Status Code DA to delete the account.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 11- 5

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 161 of 174

GUARANTY AGENCY/U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

REPORTING GUIDELINES

• Do not report the account during the review period.

• Do not report the account if it is returned to the lender.

• Guaranty agencies should follow the reporting guidelines for

Lender/Servicer/Secondary Market when reporting loans that are not guaranteed by
the government.

GENERAL REPORTING GUIDELINES

1. Consumer Account Number (Base Segment, Field 7) —report the new number as
assigned by the guaranty agency.

2. Date Opened (Base Segment, Field 10) — report the date the defaulted claim was
paid to the lender.

3. FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency (Base Segment, Field 25) — report the
date of the first delinquency with the original lender that led to the defaulted
claim.

Note: If multiple defaults are reported as one loan (compressed), the Date of First
Delinquency must be the date of the first delinquency that led to the earliest
default.

4. Consumer Information Indicator (Base Segment, Field 38; J1 Segment, Field 11, J2
Segment, Field 11) — used to specify that a consumer has filed bankruptcy or a
consumer cannot be located. Refer to Exhibit 9 in the Metro 2 Format for a list of
available indicators.

5. K1 Segment — report the complete name of the lender to whom the claim was paid
in the Original Creditor Name field. Also, report Creditor Classification Code 07 to
indicate Educational.

Note: The K1 Segment is required for all accounts reported, regardless of Account
Status Code.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 11- 6

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 162 of 174

GUARANTY AGENCY/U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

REPORTING GUIDELINES
For Defaulted Loans:

Account Status Codes (Base Segment, Field 17A) — report only the following:

• 93 — Account assigned to internal or external collections. (Status 93 should be

reported immediately after the review period if retained.)

Notes: If a consumer is making payments, continue to report the account as a

Status Code 93, but report the declining balance.

If accounts are turned over to a Collection Agency and the Collection Agency reports
the accounts to the credit bureaus, the guaranty agency should report the accounts
as Status DA to delete them. These accounts cannot be reported by both agencies,
causing duplication. The FCRA Compliance/Date of First Delinquency should contain
the date of the first delinquency with the original lender that led to the default. The
K1 Segment should contain the complete name of the original
lender/servicer/secondary market to whom the claim was paid, as well as Creditor
Classification Code 07.

• 62 — Account paid in full/was a collection account.

For Rehabilitated Loans:

Report Account Status Code DA to delete the account.

Note: The claim reported by the original lender will remain on the file until purged
according to FCRA guidelines.

For Accounts Sent to DOE (Guaranty Agencies Only):

Report Account Status Code DA to delete the account.

For Accounts with a Balance under Total and Permanent Disability:

Report Account Status Code 62 to indicate the account is paid.

For Accounts with a Balance and Consumer is Deceased:

Report Account Status Code 62 and ECOA Code X.

For Guaranty Agencies Dissolving or Undergoing Bankruptcy:

Contact the Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) to determine the appropriate
steps in the reporting process that would be unique to the agency’s specific situation.

For Loans that are Forgiven when a School Closes:

Report Account Status Code DA to delete the account.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 11-7

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 163 of 174

STUDENT LOAN GLOSSARY OF TERMS

False Certification
Relief for borrowers for whom the school falsified the borrower's name on either the loan
application or disbursement authorization, unless the student received the proceeds of the
loan.

Forbearance
An option offered to borrowers who are unable to make regular monthly payments. During
the forbearance period, the borrower is responsible only for making interest payments on
the loan, which in many cases is capitalized (added to the principal balance).

Forgiven Loans
Government-guaranteed education loans that do not have to be repaid if the school closes
due to financial reasons or is shut down by regulators. Students qualify when the loan was
disbursed on or after 1/1/1986, the school closed before the student received a degree or
certificate, the student could not have completed the education program by transferring
credits to another institution, the student was in attendance at the school when it closed or
was on an approved leave of absence or had withdrawn from the program no more than 90
days before the school closed. In order for a student loan to be forgiven or discharged, the
student must have approval from the U.S. Department of Education.

Grace Period
The period of time, generally six months, between the time the borrower is no longer
attending school and the date repayment of the student loan is expected to begin.

Guaranty Agency
A state or private nonprofit organization that has an agreement with the Secretary of the
U.S. Department of Education, under which the organization will administer a student loan
guarantee program under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. A guarantor pays
a claim to the original lender when a student defaults on an educational loan.

Initial School Period

The period of time immediately following the loan disbursement when the borrower is
attending school and repayment is not required.

Lender
A bank, credit union, savings and loan association, insurance company, or other lending
institution, which is subject to examination and supervision by an agency of the United
States.

Rehabilitated Loans
Educational loans that were previously in collections with a guarantor of the U.S.
Department of Education. The rehabilitation process requires that a student must commit to,
and make, 12 consecutive payments on the loan, in good standing. At that time, the loan
can then be resold to a new lender or the original lender.

Secondary Market
An entity which purchases student loan obligations from participating lenders in a secondary
market and pays lenders par, premium or discount on the original principal balance of the
note. A secondary market may also service the loans that it purchases.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 11- 8

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 164 of 174

STUDENT LOAN GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Servicer
An organization that services (i.e., processes) a student loan debt following origination,
to ensure due diligence of the debt with respect to enforcement of the terms of the
promissory note as defined under Federal regulations.

Teacher Forgiveness
A portion of the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program whereby the Secretary
of the U.S. Department of Education repays portions of student loans. To qualify, the
student must meet certain criteria, such as teaching, nursing, or volunteering through
the Peace Corps.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 11- 9

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 165 of 174

Utility Company Reporting

GENERAL REPORTING GUIDELINES

Reporters of utility company data include Energy companies (e.g., coal and wood
dealers, electric light and power, fuel oil distributors, gas companies — natural and
bottled, etc.), Communications companies (e.g., telephone, cable, etc.) and Service
companies (e.g., water, garbage, rubbish and other disposal companies, etc.).

The following reporting guidelines apply to all reporters of utility company data:

• Report data in the standard Metro 2 Format, including the Header Record.

• Report all current and delinquent open accounts on a monthly basis.

• Report closed accounts at the end of the month in which they occur.

• Report the complete name, address, and social security number of the legally liable
consumer(s).

• Report the phone number and date of birth, when available.

• Report the ECOA Code to designate the account as joint, individual, etc. in
compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA).

• Report the Payment History Profile, which provides up to 24 months of payment

history, in order to control and maintain the payment history.

• In the Identification Number field, report the internal code that identifies the utility
company where information is verified.

• All parties reporting credit information must respond to consumer inquiries.

• All parties reporting credit information must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting
Act and any applicable state laws.

Note: The guidelines in this document are specific to your industry and should
be used in conjunction with the specifications in the Metro 2 Format.
Refer to the Metro 2 Format for detailed information on segments and
field information.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 12- 1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 166 of 174

UTILITY COMPANY REPORTING GUIDELINES

1. Consumer Account Number (Base Segment, Field 7)

• Report the individual’s complete and unique account number as extracted from
your file.

• If a consumer has multiple accounts, the account numbers must be unique. If

necessary, append a unique identifier to the original account number for each
account.

• If the account number changes, report the L1 Segment. See field definitions in
the Metro 2 Format.

Note: Notify your local consumer reporting agencies the first time this situation
occurs.

2. Portfolio Type (Base Segment, Field 8)

• O (Open) - for all utility services’ payment plans

• I (Installment) - for merchandise (e.g., appliances, etc.)

3. Account Type Codes (Base Segment, Field 9)

• 92 (Utility Company) - for all utility services’ payment plans

• 06 (Installment Sales Contract) - for merchandise (e.g., appliances, etc.)

• 4D (Telecommunications/Cellular) - for telecommunications companies, as

appropriate

4. Highest Credit or Original Loan Amount (Base Segment, Field 12)

• For utility services’ accounts, report the highest balance ever attained.

• For Installment accounts, report the amount of the contract.

5. Terms Duration (Base Segment, Field 13)

• For utility services’ accounts, report Terms Duration as 001.

• For Installment accounts, report the number of months of the contract.

6. Terms Frequency (Base Segment, Field 14)

• For utility services’ accounts, blank fill.

• For Installment accounts, report the frequency for payments due.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 12- 2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
 Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 167 of 174

UTILITY COMPANY REPORTING GUIDELINES

7. Scheduled Monthly Payment Amount (Base Segment, Field 15)

• For utility services’ accounts, zero fill.

• For Installment accounts, report the regularly scheduled monthly payment

amount.

8. Account Status Codes (Base Segment, Field 17A) and Payment Ratings (Base
Segment, Field 17B)

• Report full file information, including open/current accounts (Status Code 11), all
stages of delinquency (Status Codes 71, 78, 80, 82–84), derogatory accounts
(Status Codes 93, 95–97) and closed or paid accounts (Status Codes 13, 61–
64). When the Account Status Code is 13 or 95, the Payment Rating must also
be reported.

• Refer to Exhibit 4 in the Metro 2 Format for specific definitions of Account Status
Codes.

9. Special Comments (Base Segment, Field 19) and Compliance Condition Codes (Base
Segment, Field 20)

• Report Special Comments and Compliance Condition Codes in conjunction with

Account Status Codes to further define the accounts. Refer to Exhibits 6 and 7 in
the Metro 2 Format for specific definitions of Special Comments, and the Field 20
Definition for specific definitions of Compliance Condition Codes.

Example: Compliance Condition Code XB (Account information disputed by

consumer) could be reported with Account Status Code 93.

• When a utility service is terminated due to nonpayment, Special Comment M

(Account Closed at Credit Grantor's Request) should be reported with the
appropriate Status Code.

If the account is subsequently reinstated, remove the Special Comment M.

10. Current Balance (Base Segment, Field 21)

• For all accounts, report the total current balance of the account.

11. Amount Past Due (Base Segment, Field 22)

• For delinquent or derogatory accounts, report the dollar amount past due.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 12- 3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 168 of 174

Correction Process
THE CORRECTION From time to time, you will find it necessary to correct
erroneous information you have reported to the consumer
PROCESS reporting agencies. The discovery of errors may come
about as a result of consumer contact or through internal
processes.

Communication of the corrections to the consumer

reporting agencies can be accomplished in one of the
following ways:

• Automated File Maintenance is the recommended

method because the reporting mechanism is already in
place, it’s cost-efficient, consistent and timely.

• The Automated Universal Data Process or Universal

Data Form should be used to make corrections that are
not supported by your internal automated reporting
system.

Reporting errors must be corrected promptly in

order to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
[section 623 (a) (2) (b)].

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 13-1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 169 of 174

Correction Process

AUTOMATED FILE Payment History Profile

MAINTENANCE Up to 24 months of payment history can be corrected by
reporting the Payment History Profile.

Refer to Field Definitions - Base Segment field #18 and to

Exhibit 5 in the Metro 2 Format section for complete
reporting rules and examples.

Correction Indicator

Set this indicator to ‘1’ to replace the most recently

reported update for the same reporting time period.

Refer to Field Definitions - Base Segment field #4 in the

Metro 2 Format section for complete reporting rules and
an example.

AUTOMATED The Automated Universal Data (AUD) process works as

follows:
UNIVERSAL DATA
PROCESS • Each consumer reporting agency and data furnisher
has its own access to the network.

• When a consumer contacts a data furnisher and

requests a change of information that has been
previously reported, the data furnisher researches the
account. If the data furnisher verifies that the
information in question needs to be changed, the
company will use the AUD software to document the
proper identifying information and the update to be
made to the consumer’s credit file.

• The data furnisher logs onto the network and transmits

the updated information to the consumer reporting
agencies.

• Based on the repositories (Equifax, Experian, Innovis,

TransUnion) to which the data furnisher reports, the
network will forward the AUD only to the appropriate
consumer reporting agencies.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 13-2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 170 of 174

Correction Process

• The AUD transaction charge covers the transmission of

one (1) transaction to all preselected repositories. The
data furnisher will be billed for each AUD transaction.

• The consumer reporting agencies retrieve the AUD

from their mailboxes and update the consumers’ files
accordingly.

• To complete the process, when a change has

been made, data furnishers must also update
their internal records to avoid re-reporting
incorrect information.

BENEFITS OF AUD Several benefits of using AUD instead of manual Universal

Data Forms are:
OVER MANUAL
UNIVERSAL DATA • 3 for 1 Feature – If you change a tradeline because
FORMS your customer calls you directly, AUD process will
automatically send copies of your update (AUD) to all
the consumer reporting agencies to which you
originally reported the data. This notification is
required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. [See section
623 (a) (2) (B).] Your operators won’t have to worry
about making compliance decisions.

• Cost – Each AUD costs less than a first class postage

stamp to send. And, the Post Office won’t make 3
other copies for you!

• No Illogical Conditions – Information within an

update must be complete and logical. A paper UDF has
no control over the quality or completeness of the
information that is entered into individual fields, but an
AUD does.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 13-3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 171 of 174

Consumer Dispute
Process
CONSUMER The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees consumers the
right to dispute information that has been previously
DISPUTE PROCESS reported to consumer reporting agencies. (See sections
611 and 623).

The consumer may initiate his or her dispute at a

consumer reporting agency (Equifax, Experian, Innovis or
TransUnion), one of the affiliates of that repository, or a
reseller of consumer reports. Regardless of the source
at which the dispute originates, the data furnisher
must respond. (See Federal Trade Commission
interpretation letter of July 1999
http://www.ftc.gov/os/1999/9908/faresletterfinal.htm).

The law also describes these duties of data furnishers

specific to the consumer dispute process:

• Conduct an investigation with respect to the disputed

information.
• Review all relevant information provided by the
consumer reporting agency.
• Report the results of the investigation to the consumer
reporting agency.
• If the investigation finds that the information is
incomplete or inaccurate, report those results to all
other consumer reporting agencies to which the data
provider furnished the information.

The law also mandates a deadline for the completion of

the investigation, review, and reporting of the
investigation results. This process shall be completed
within a 30-calendar day period that begins when the
consumer contacts the consumer reporting agency. (See
sections 623 (b) (2) and 611 (a) (1).)

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 14-1

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 172 of 174

Consumer Dispute Process

AUTOMATED In compliance with FCRA section 611 (a) (5) (D), the
consumer credit reporting industry maintains an
CONSUMER automated dispute resolution system. This system, called
DISPUTE ACDV, is available for use by all data furnishers.
VERIFICATION
(ACDV)

ACDV WORKFLOW The ACDV process works as follows:

• Each consumer reporting agency and data furnisher

has its own access to the network.

• When a consumer contacts a consumer reporting

agency with a dispute, the agency transmits the
disputed information to the data furnisher.

• The data furnisher accesses the network and retrieves

the disputed data.

• The data furnisher researches the disputed account,

and transmits a response back to the consumer
reporting agency. If the information is verified as
correctly reported, the response goes only to the
consumer reporting agency that initiated the dispute.
If the information is changed or updated, the ACDV
process automatically sends copies of the changes to
the other consumer reporting agencies to which the
furnisher had previously provided the information.

• The consumer reporting agencies retrieve responses,

update the credit files accordingly and respond back to
the consumers.

• To complete the process, when a change has

been made, data furnishers must also update
their internal records to avoid re-reporting
incorrect information.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 14-2

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 173 of 174

Consumer Dispute Process

BENEFITS OF • Automated Copies – If you change a tradeline in

response to a consumer reporting agency-generated
ACDV OVER consumer dispute, the ACDV process will send copies
MANUAL of the dispute and response to each of the consumer
CONSUMER reporting agencies to which you originally reported the
data. This notification is required by the Fair Credit
DISPUTE Reporting Act, and the software does it automatically.
VERIFICATION [See section 623 (b) (1) (D).] Also, by sending the
FORMS information to all consumer reporting agencies which
have it, you pre-empt future disputes, thus reducing
your costs. Finally, credit data is more accurate at all
the agencies to which you report, saving frustration for
your customer.

• Cost — Each ACDV transaction costs less than a first

class postage stamp.

• No Illogical Conditions — When a consumer

reporting agency sends out an “It’s not my account”
dispute, they need reverification about the consumer’s
identifying information. The software edits require that
the dispute be answered accurately. In other words, if
you get an “It’s Not Mine” you cannot answer with
“Update Balance.”

• Fast Response Time — For the calendar year 2001,

nearly 70% of all automated consumer disputes were
answered in 10 days or less.

CONSUMER Directions for use of the manual Consumer Dispute

Verification forms are provided for customers that have
DISPUTE chosen not to automate their CDV processing through the
VERIFICATION ACDV system.
FORMS
• The consumer reporting agency requesting
reverification is identified on the upper left hand corner
of the dispute.

• The consumer’s account number is displayed below the

consumer reporting agency’s address.

• The FCRA mandates a deadline for CDV responses. The

due date is listed on the form.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 14-3

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association
Case 1:05-cv-00599-SLR Document 174-6 Filed 11/08/2007 Page 174 of 174

Consumer Dispute Process

• Consumer identifying information is provided.

• The reason(s) the consumer gave for disputing this

account is detailed on the form. If this reason(s) is
not specifically answered, the account may be
deleted by the consumer reporting agency.

• Space is provided for the data furnisher to reverify

each piece of the consumer’s identifying information.
If the consumer is disputing ownership of the
account (“It’s not mine”) sufficient identifying
information must be provided for the consumer
reporting agency to continue to report the
account.

• The form allows for a comparison of the information

that was previously reported to the consumer reporting
agency and what is now showing on the data
furnisher’s accounts receivable system.

• The reinvestigation must be completed within

the time period allotted by law, therefore CDIA
recommends that all disputes be responded to
within 7 days of receipt.

• After the investigation is completed, the data furnisher

must complete the CDV form with an authorized
signature and telephone number and return it to the
consumer reporting agency that sent it.

• If information is changed or corrected on the CDV

form, the data furnisher must provide copies of the
form to all consumer reporting agencies to which it
regularly reports information. Failure to do so violates
FCRA section 623 (b) (1) (D).

• The data furnisher must also update its internal

accounts receivable system, to avoid re-reporting
erroneous information.

CREDIT REPORTING RESOURCE GUIDE | 14-4

Copyright 2003 © Consumer Data Industry Association