Trigger Leads Are (Almost) Banned: What Homebuyers Need to Know
If you’ve ever gone through the mortgage pre-approval process and suddenly received a flood of calls or texts from unfamiliar lenders after your credit is pulled—you’re not alone. This frustrating situation is often the result of a credit industry practice called trigger leads.
Here’s what you need to know about how trigger leads work, why they’ve caused so much controversy, and what new legislation means for protecting your privacy as a homebuyer.
What Are Trigger Leads?
Trigger leads are generated when one of the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion—sells your personal data to other lenders the moment your credit is pulled for a mortgage inquiry.
When this happens, you may start receiving unwanted calls, texts, or emails from multiple lenders trying to poach your business—often within hours of your original pre-approval request.
Important: You never opted in to this. Your data was sold anyway—without your knowledge or consent.
This practice, while legal under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), has been widely criticized by consumers and mortgage professionals alike as invasive and misleading.
Why Do Credit Bureaus Sell Trigger Leads?
The answer is simple: profit.
Credit bureaus generate revenue by selling your information to lenders who use it to generate leads and market their services. These leads include your:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Type of loan requested
- Estimated mortgage amount
Although the FCRA allows this type of data sharing under the guise of “permissible purpose,” most consumers never realize they’re being put on a lead list simply for applying for a loan.
Legislation to End Trigger Leads: What’s Happening Now?
In 2025, Congress took significant action to address this problem by introducing and passing the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (HR 2656), a bill that would effectively ban the sale of trigger leads unless the consumer gives explicit consent.
β House passed the bill β Senate passed the bill π‘ Awaiting the President’s signature
This bill, once signed into law, would:
- Prohibit credit bureaus from selling your data for trigger lead purposes without your permission
- Protect consumers from misleading and unsolicited lender offers
- Restore control over who contacts you during your mortgage process
This is a major win for consumer privacy and a more transparent mortgage process.
Why This Matters for Homebuyers
At Resolute Lending, we believe your trust and privacy should come first. Trigger leads erode that trust by:
- Confusing borrowers with unsolicited calls from unknown lenders
- Opening the door for scams and aggressive marketing tactics
- Causing unnecessary anxiety and frustration during an already stressful homebuying experience
Once this bill becomes law, you’ll have greater control and peace of mind when applying for a mortgage—knowing that your information stays with the lender you chose.
How to Protect Yourself Now (Before the Law Takes Effect)
While we wait for the President to sign the bill into law, here’s how you can protect yourself from trigger leads today:
- Opt out at OptOutPrescreen.com – This removes your name from pre-screened lists used for trigger leads for 5 years or permanently.
- Work with a lender who values your privacy – At Resolute Lending, we never sell your data, ever.
- Ignore unsolicited offers – These companies are not affiliated with your trusted mortgage advisor.
Final Thoughts
The trigger lead ban is almost here, and it’s a huge win for homebuyers across the country. With both chambers of Congress backing this legislation, it’s only a matter of time before your mortgage pre-approval stays between you and your lender—where it belongs.
At Resolute Lending, we’re proud to advocate for you—not just by offering great rates and service, but by protecting your personal information every step of the way.