BoA FICO or not?

[Anonymous]

Received a call today from a BoA rep pitching the new privacy assist that allegedly offers unlimited FICO scores, ongoing updates changes in all three reports and 4 reports with FICOs per year.  The rep specifically said FICO.  After his spiel, I again asked if they were true FICO and he confirmed.  I asked if this was an upgrade to their service as I wasn't aware of the FICO score feature, he confirmed.  So I signed up for 30 days free then 12.99 per month after.

As I research now, I don't see any support for his "FICO" score claim.  Called back and rep as well as her supervisor that I asked to speak to confirm that they are FICO scores from each bureau.  Do they not know WTH they are talking about or can someone confirm or deny?

Message Edited by WishIKnewThen on 10-25-2008 01:10 PM

[Anonymous]

I really thought this was the only place you could get a FICO score?

But the ongoing updates for all 3 reports sounds like it would be worth the $12.99. I pay $14.95 for TrueCredit from TransUnion (I think it is $14.95) and I can update my reports once everyday.

I just wait until I see any MAJOR changes and the buy my FICO here if I really need to know.

I guess you could always compare one of their "FICO" scores to one you buy here on the same day and find out for sure. Who knows what kind of lies they may be trained to tell in those call centers though...

[haulingthescoreup]

I'm reasonably sure that these are FAKO's, not FICO's.

Did he literally say FICO scores, or did he say credit scores?


edit: sorry, I just re-read your post. It's possible, I suppose, although I can't even begin to tell you how skeptical I am.

All it takes is one corporate trainer to say "FICO scores" instead of "credit scores" for every trainee to repeat the mistake.

Keep checking on this end, and I'll see if I can find anything out.

Message Edited by haulingthescoreup on 10-25-2008 01:51 PM

[Anonymous]

I too was/am skeptical - during the call I even stated that it seemed to be a rare product to offer FICO on all three for 4 times a year.  He never disputed.  When I called back the female rep gave me the sense that she didn't know what she was talking about because when I asked if the scores where in fact FICO she starts going on about soft pulls not affecting my credit and the information in  my files going back 7 years - WTH!  I am asking if these scores are genuine FICO Ms.!!!  Asked for her sup and he said he never heard of the scores being anything other than FICO.  I'll call again on Monday and try that round of reps and sups...not sure what to expect.

[Junejer]

My skepticism is in the stratosphere with this one. I would ask them for their support in writing. I would want to see the FICO gold seal, before I shelled out the $12.99. Sounds FAKO to me.

[haulingthescoreup]

I checked around some, and the answer is nope, they're not FICO's.

It would be interesting to know if they're being trained to say that the scores are FICO's, or if they're just inserting a word that they think means credit scores. (The Kleenex/ facial tissue thing)

[Junejer]

They ought to be careful. They are one FICO claim away from a lawsuit.

[RobertEG]

Why not just call FairIsaac and ask them if they have granted a license to BOA to permit them to sell FICO(R) scores?  I am sure that FI would be interested, and of course, will give you the FairAnswer!  Trademark infringement is a violation of federal law.

If FI says no, I wouild call BOA and demand a full refund of all charges to date.

[RobertEG]

The terms "elevator" and "aspirin" were also once registered trademarks, and the holders of those marks lost them because they let their usage slip into the public domain without contesting their misuse.  That is why companies, such as Coke, Kleenex, and BandAid, now agressively assert their marks.

This is particularly agregious when a party such as BoA might be doing this, who is now the laqrgest banking conglomerate in the industry.

[haulingthescoreup]

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RobertEG wrote:

Why not just call FairIsaac and ask them if they have granted a license to BOA to permit them to sell FICO(R) scores?  I am sure that FI would be interested, and of course, will give you the FairAnswer!  Trademark infringement is a violation of federal law.

If FI says no, I wouild call BOA and demand a full refund of all charges to date.

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Thanks, I kinda did.