Financial Privacy

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act: Pretexting

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act prohibits "pretexting," the use of false pretenses, including fraudulent statements and impersonation, to obtain consumers' personal financial information, such as bank balances. This law also prohibits the knowing solicitation of others to engage in pretexting. The Commission has been active in bringing cases to halt the operations of companies and individuals that allegedly practice pretexting and sell consumers' financial information.

For a fuller explanation of pretexting, how to protect yourself against it, and what to do if you suspect you are a victim, please click here.

To see the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act: Subtitle B - Fraudulent Access to Financial Information, the law that prohibits pretexting, click here.

You may find additional information about the Commission's efforts to stop pretexting by reading our press releases, or reviewing our reports & testimony.