What is the main difference between a credit header and a credit report?

The main distinction between a credit header and a credit report lies in the type of information contained within each. A credit header is essentially a summary of key identifying information about an individual, including personal details such as name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. It functions as a preliminary identifier without delving into specific financial data.

In contrast, a credit report provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's credit history, including detailed financial information such as outstanding debts, payment history, credit inquiries, and liabilities. One of the critical aspects of a credit header is that it typically omits certain sensitive details such as employment history and specific debt liabilities which are commonly found in a full credit report.

Understanding this distinction is essential for private investigators, as it informs how they might approach gathering personal financial information while adhering to legal guidelines and protecting individual privacy.