SageStream consumer reporting agency produces generally low credit scores that cannot be explained. You might want to consider a SageStream freeze on your credit files. Sage who?
Some of you may be wondering who is SageStream?
Most people have likely heard of the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and Transunion) but there are lesser-known specialty credit agencies, like SageStream, that can have a significant impact on a lender’s decision to grant credit.
SageStream LLC is headquartered in San Diego, CA, and is owned by ID Analytics, a fraud risk company. SageStream is a consumer reporting agency that prepares consumer reports and credit scores for lenders and other credit-granting companies. SageStream claims to help consumers with relatively thin credit files by looking at nontraditional information, such as people’s relationship with wireless providers or Internet service providers.
As with any consumer reporting agency, SageStream is subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. That means consumers with SageStream files can request a free copy of their report, dispute errors and inaccurate information, in addition to requesting a SageStream freeze.
What is a SageStream Credit Score?
SageStream produces a credit score from 1-999 that is based on their own data as well as a proprietary credit scoring algorithm. As with traditional credit scores, the higher the score, the less risk of the consumer defaulting. But SageStream credit scores are not widely used like FICO credit scores.
Companies that use SageStream credit scores
SageStream says its scores are used by various types of companies including:
- Auto Lenders
- Credit card issuers like Synchrony bank.
- Retailers.
- Wireless telephone service providers.
- Utilities.
5 Reasons to Consider a SageStream freeze
Putting a freeze on any credit report means access to your credit file is restricted. You can freeze and unfreeze your credit file for free. A credit freeze does not affect your credit score. It’s important to note that lenders or credit card companies can request that you remove a freeze when applying for credit. If they can’t see your report, they may not extend the credit.
Here is why you should consider a SageStream credit freeze:
1. Low SageStream credit score. Several consumers with an 800-plus credit score or 820 credit score reported being denied credit due to a low SageStream score. Credit scores are calculated based on information reported by creditors. SageStream’s algorithm calculates a credit score ranging from 1-999. The problem with SageSream is that very few lenders report their customers’ credit history to them. SageStream typically has little information to calculate a score. Most creditors do not report to SageStream, and thus its database for scoring is not as complete as those of the big-3.
2. No live contact. SageStream has made it next to impossible to get a live representative on the phone. The number provided to consumers offers several recorded messages with an option to speak to a live person. The problem is that it’s an endless loop that redirects you back to the list of pre-recorded options.
3. Dispute by mail-only. Like with the three major credit bureaus, consumers can dispute errors and SageStream must correct or delete any inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information within 30 days of receiving notice of your dispute. Disputing via mail can take over 30 days to resolve. The major credit bureaus offer the option of disputing online, which can hasten the dispute process.
4. Cannot immediately correct simple errors. SageStream does not offer an option to initiate disputes online. This can be an issue if you need an error corrected immediately. For instance, there may be items that are too old to be reported. The major credit bureaus typically remove obsolete items immediately when you speak with a representative or when that type of dispute is submitted online. That won’t happen with SageStream’s mail-only dispute policy.
It makes sense because the company’s executive vice president of credit risk solutions explained that “the company is focused to a large extent on providing lenders with information about millennials, people aged 18 to 34 who may have scant credit histories.” A consumer could have a full credit history with the major credit bureaus while having little to no credit history on SageStream.
5. Vague reasons for denial. Consumers with good credit scores from the three major credit bureaus often get denied for vague reasons when creditors use SageStream. Here are a few vague denial reasons consumers have received from SageStream:
- Limited history for consumer at this phone
- Distance between prior residences
- Phone is associated with the suspected fraud
- Credit score low due to when Social Security number was issued relative to peers
How to get your SageStream credit report
You can obtain your SageStream credit report by submitting a request online with their Consumer Report Request Form.
How to get your SageStream credit score
If you would like to obtain your SageStream credit score, you may submit your request securely online by completing their Credit Score Request Form.
How to freeze your SageStream credit report
You can request removal of the security freeze by mailing your request to the above address or by calling SageStream toll-free at (888) 395-0277 Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Pacific Time).
How to dispute SageStream credit report items
You can file a dispute with us by using one of the following options:
- Mailing your dispute at:
SageStream, LLC Consumer Office
P. O. Box 503793
San Diego, CA 92150 - Fax your dispute at (858) 451-2847
- Call in your dispute toll-free at (888) 395-0277
