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Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics | 633 17
th
Street, Suite 600 | Denver, Colorado 80202-2107
Main: (303) 318-8441 | Toll Free: 1-888-390-7936 | Fax: (303) 318-8400
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
Credit History Complaint Instructions
(for use with violations of the Colorado Employment Opportunity Act, § 8-2-126, C.R.S.)
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment | Division of Labor Standards and Statistics
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
What is a credit history complaint?
A credit history complaint is a written complaint filed with the Division against your current or prospective
employer for violations of the Employment Opportunity Act (EOA). The complaint form may be used when an
applicant or employee believes that their employer or potential employer improperly requested, accessed, or used
their credit report, or other personal credit history or credit information, in violation of the law.
What is the Employment Opportunity Act?
The Colorado Employment Opportunity Act (EOA) prevents employers from requesting or using credit information
(such as credit reports) in employment decisions for certain employees and job applicants in Colorado (See §
8-2-126, C.R.S.). The law applies to actions taken on or after July 1, 2013.
According to the law, employers may not request a prospective or current employee's credit report, or use
consumer credit information for employment purposes, unless: (1) the credit information is substantially related
to the employee’s current or potential job, or (2) the person being evaluated or the employer are exempt as
provided by the law.
For more information on when your employer can and cannot request your credit information under this law,
please refer to the Division’s Employment Opportunity Act Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions at
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
What are some common scenarios where an employer has potentially violated the law?
If you are an applicant or employee working or applying to work in the State of Colorado, and the employer has 4 or
more employees, the following scenarios are considered potential violations under the Employment Opportunity
Act, § 8-2-126, C.R.S.:
1) The employer or job application required that I give consent to allow the employer to access my credit
report, and my credit report is not “substantially related” to the job position.
2) My potential/current employer obtained my credit report without my written consent, and/or did not
disclose in writing how my credit report was “substantially related” to the job.
3) I was denied employment based on my credit history, and my credit history is not “substantially related” to
the job position.
4) My current employer made an adverse employment decision based upon my credit information (e.g.,
demotion, decrease in pay, reassignment, termination, etc.) and my credit history is not “substantially
related” to the job position.
5) My potential employer decided not to hire me based upon my credit information, and they did not disclose
to me the particular information in my credit history upon which they relied.
6) My current employer made an adverse employment decision based upon my credit information (e.g.,
demotion, decrease in pay, reassignment, termination, etc.) and they did not disclose to me the particular
information in my credit history upon which they relied.
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However, an employer’s actions may be lawful (and by submitting the complaint you could be liable for
penalties) if:
1) The position is with a bank or financial institution.
2) The position is an executive, management, or officer position, or the position is considered professional staff
to executive and management personnel, and the job involves: (1) setting the direction or control of the
business; (2) a fiduciary responsibility to the employer; (3) access to customers’, employees’, or the
employer’s personal or financial information other than information customarily provided in a retail
transaction; and/or (4) the authority to issue payments, collect debts, or enter into contracts.
3) The employer is a state or local law enforcement agency.
4) The employer employs less than four employees.
5) The employer employs private domestic servants or farm and ranch labor.
6) You are an independent contractor.
7) The employer was allowed to view your credit history based on a separate state or federal law.
8) The position involves contracts with defense, intelligence, national security, or space agencies of the federal
government.
For more information on the coverage of the law and the various exemptions, please contact the Division at (303)
318-3441 or toll free 1-888-390-7936.
How do I file a credit history complaint?
The Division only accepts complaints in writing or electronically. The complaint must be filed by the individual (or
the individual’s representative) who has been directly affected by the employer’s prohibited consumer credit
practices. The individual needs to be the specific employee or applicant whose consumer credit information was
involved.
If you believe your employer has violated the law, you may file a complaint by filling out the Credit History
Complaint” form. Please complete the form and answer all questions. If your complaint form is not completed, the
process may be delayed.
May I file a complaint anonymously?
The Division does not accept anonymous complaints, or complaints from individuals not directly affected by the
employer’s practices. The individual needs to be the specific employee or applicant whose consumer credit was
involved.
How do I include supporting documentation?
You may mail, fax, or email all supporting documents to the Division. Attach copies of supporting documentation
that may substantiate your complaint, such as:
Job description which describes the duties and responsibilities of your position
Job advertisement
Job application form
Consent forms provided by the employer
Copy of your credit report given to you by the employer
Disclosures provided by the employer
Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics | 633 17
th
Street, Suite 600 | Denver, Colorado 80202-2107
Main: (303) 318-8441 | Toll Free: 1-888-390-7936 | Fax: (303) 318-8400
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
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Employment contracts, policies, or handbooks related to use of credit information
Any additional e-mails and/or letters
On all pages of your documents, please include your name and the name of the employer you are filing the
complaint against. Do not send the originals; please make copies of all supporting documentation.
What is the next step after I’ve filed a complaint, and how long can an investigation take?
Once a complaint is received by the Division, it is assigned to an investigator. The investigator will contact you
to follow up on the matter. The Division does not provide a specific timeframe for investigating a dispute. In
general, the time it takes to resolve or complete an investigation depends on the complexity of each
complaint and other factors.
What can I do to help expedite the process?
Answer all questions on the “Credit History Complaint” form accurately and provide a detailed explanation
where necessary.
Provide all information in detail and supply supporting documentation with your initial written complaint.
Failure to supply information may result in delays.
Attach copies of any supporting documentation. DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS.
Contact the Division immediately if your address or contact information changes.
What is the status of my complaint?
If you would like to inquire about the status of your complaint, please contact the Division to talk to an
investigator.
What are the possible outcomes?
The Division investigates complaints, and when applicable, conducts hearings of appeals. The Division may award
a penalty of up to $2,500 to the prevailing party.
Do I have to pay a penalty to my employer if my complaint is unsuccessful?
If you file a complaint, and the employer is ultimately determined to be the prevailing party (for example, they did
not violate the law), you may have to pay the employer up to $2,500 in penalties.
How do I know the outcome?
The Division will notify you of the outcome of your complaint using the contact information you provided.
Before submitting the complaint:
By filling out, signing, and filing the “Credit History Complaint” form, you agree to the following:
I have been notified and understand that any person providing false information to the Division in order to
obtain and/or retain anything of value may be subject to criminal prosecution under the laws of the State of
Colorado with possible penalties of fines, imprisonment, or both.
I hereby certify that this is a true and accurate statement of the alleged violation, and authorize the Division
to investigate and assist in this matter.
Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics | 633 17
th
Street, Suite 600 | Denver, Colorado 80202-2107
Main: (303) 318-8441 | Toll Free: 1-888-390-7936 | Fax: (303) 318-8400
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
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I hereby certify that I have reviewed the Employment Opportunity Act (EOA) Fact Sheet and Frequently
Asked Questions on the Division’s website www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
I hereby grant the Division permission to access and review my credit history report.
I understand that any information supplied to the Division may be provided to the employer, the agents of
the employer involved in the dispute, and other agencies or individuals as the Division deems appropriate.
I understand the law provides the possibility of penalties being awarded to the prevailing party; the
prevailing party can be the employee, applicant, or employer.
I understand that this complaint and all associated documentation may be subject to the Colorado Open
Records Act, and is potentially reviewable by the public.
What is the Division’s contact information if I have additional questions?
Contact the Division using the information listed below. You may also visit our website at
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
Mailing Address:
Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics
633 17th Street, Suite 600
Denver, Colorado 80202-2107
Phone: (303) 318-3441
Toll Free: 1-888-390-7936
Fax: (303) 318-8400
Email: cdle_labor_standards@state.co.us
Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics |
633 17
th
Street, Suite 600 | Denver, Colorado 80202-2107
Main: (303) 318-8441 | Toll Free: 1-888-390-7936 | Fax: (303) 318-8400
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
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Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics
CREDIT HISTORY COMPLAINT FORM
(for use with violations of the Employment Opportunity Act,
§ 8-2-126, C.R.S.)
633 17
th
Street, Suite 600
Denver, Colorado 80202-2107
Telephone (303) 318-8441
Fax (303) 318-8400
Toll Free (888) 390-7936
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
This form is to be used to report employers, or potential employers, who may be in violation of the Employment
Opportunity Act § 8-2-126, C.R.S. You must sign and date this form at the bottom.
Effective on and after July 1, 2013, the Employment Opportunity Act, § 8-2-126, C.R.S. prohibits employers from
requesting or using credit information (such as credit reports) in employment decisions for certain employees and
job applicants in Colorado. For more information on the Colorado Employment Opportunity Act, go to
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
Section I: Contact Information for Complainant
(Your information is required. The Division does not accept anonymous claims.)
Your First Name
Your Home Phone
Your Last Name
Your Current Work Phone
Your Mailing Address
Your Current Cell Phone
City State Zip Code
Your Email Address
Section II: Contact Information for Employer, or Potential Employer Allegedly Violating § 8-2-126, C.R.S.
Employer/Business Name
Owner or Supervisor’s Name
Employer/Business Mailing Address
City State Zip Code
Employer/Business Email Address
Section III: Current or Former Employees
(Only complete Section III (for Employees) OR Section IV (for Applicants). Do not complete both).
Your job title associated with the employer listed in Section II
Date of Hire
Your job responsibilities/duties
Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics | 633 17
th
Street, Suite 600 | Denver, Colorado 80202-2107
Main: (303) 318-8441 | Toll Free: 1-888-390-7936 | Fax: (303) 318-8400
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
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Your job responsibilities/duties (continued)
Your employment status (i.e. still employed, fired, laid off, resigned)
Section IV: Applicants Who Applied For a Job
The job position you applied for associated with the employer listed in Section II
Your job responsibilities/duties of the job you applied for
Date Applied
Date of Hire (if applicable)
Was the job position advertised? (Attach a copy of the job advertisement)
Interview Date (if applicable)
Rejection Date (if applicable)
Section V: Description of Alleged Violation
Did the employer request your credit history?
Date of Request (if applicable)
How was the request communicated to you? (e.g., verbally, in a letter, etc. If in writing, attach a copy of the consent form)
Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics | 633 17
th
Street, Suite 600 | Denver, Colorado 80202-2107
Main: (303) 318-8441 | Toll Free: 1-888-390-7936 | Fax: (303) 318-8400
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
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Did you consent to the credit history request?
Date of Consent (if applicable)
Person’s name and title to whom you gave consent:
First and Last Name:
Title:
Email Address:
Phone Number:
Did you receive a copy of your credit report from the employer? (Attach a copy of the credit report given to you by the
employer)
Date credit report was received (if
applicable)
Did employer request any additional reports? (e.g., background, employment,
etc.)
Do you believe your credit information was used for employment purposes? How was it used? Please explain.
Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics | 633 17
th
Street, Suite 600 | Denver, Colorado 80202-2107
Main: (303) 318-8441 | Toll Free: 1-888-390-7936 | Fax: (303) 318-8400
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
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Did employer act adversely? Check all that apply:
Did not get the job you applied for ……..…
Terminated ………………………………...
Denied a promotion.……………………….
Demoted………………………...………….
Reassigned to a lower-ranked position……
Decrease in compensation Level …………..
Other, please describe:..……………………
Date of Adverse Action (if applicable)
How was the adverse action communicated to you?
(If in writing, attach a copy of the communication)
Did the employer tell you that the adverse action was based on your credit history? Please explain.
Did the employer disclose the particular information in your credit history they relied on when acting adversely? Please
explain. (Be specific, i.e., late payments on mortgage, amount of medical debt, etc. If disclosed in writing, attach a copy of
the disclosure).
Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics | 633 17
th
Street, Suite 600 | Denver, Colorado 80202-2107
Main: (303) 318-8441 | Toll Free: 1-888-390-7936 | Fax: (303) 318-8400
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
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On what date did the employer provide the particular information?
Section VI: Witnesses Who Have Evidence of the Violation (Note: The Division may contact these individuals)
Witness 1:
First Name
Relationship
Last Name
Home Phone
Mailing Address
Cell Phone
City State Zip Code
Email Address
Witness 2:
First Name
Relationship
Last Name
Home Phone
Mailing Address
Cell Phone
City State Zip Code
Email Address
Describe in detail any additional information for your allegation that this employer has violated the Employment
Opportunity Act, § 8-2-126, C.R.S. Please include copies of any relevant documents or information and additional
pages as necessary (i.e., job posting, disclosure forms, consent forms, credit report, employment handbook, letters,
emails, etc.)
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Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics | 633 17
th
Street, Suite 600 | Denver, Colorado 80202-2107
Main: (303) 318-8441 | Toll Free: 1-888-390-7936 | Fax: (303) 318-8400
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa
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I declare under penalty of perjury § 18-8-501 et seq., C.R.S. that the information I have provided is true and correct.
Name
Signature
Date
Please mail or deliver this complaint and any attached documentation to:
Mailing Address:
Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics
633 17th Street, Suite 600
Denver, Colorado 80202-2107
Fax: (303) 318-8400
Email: cdle_labor_standards@state.co.us
Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics
| 633 17
th
Street, Suite 600 | Denver, Colorado 80202-2107
Main: (303) 318-8441 | Toll Free: 1-888-390-7936 | Fax: (303) 318-8400
www.colorado.gov/cdle/eoa