Idaho Passes HB 149: Protecting Consumer Privacy in Mortgage Applications & Ending Trigger Leads
On March 17, 2025, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 149 (HB 149) into law, creating significant new privacy protections for consumers applying for home mortgages. Effective July 1, 2025, this landmark legislation directly targets the controversial practice of mortgage trigger leads, empowering Idaho homebuyers to maintain control over their personal financial data and shielding them from unwanted credit solicitations.
What Exactly Are Mortgage Trigger Leads?
When you apply for a home loan, your lender pulls your credit report to verify your eligibility. Unfortunately, credit bureaus often sell these inquiries—known as "mortgage trigger leads"—to third-party lenders. This results in a flood of unsolicited calls, emails, and mailed loan offers from companies you've never interacted with, potentially causing confusion, stress, and even identity theft risks.
Common problems caused by mortgage trigger leads include:
- Unwanted Credit Solicitations
- Confusion from Misleading Offers
- Potential Privacy Risks
How HB 149 Protects Idaho Consumers
Idaho’s HB 149 tackles these issues head-on by placing critical restrictions on how mortgage credit inquiries can be used:
- Clear and Required Disclosures: Companies purchasing and using trigger leads must explicitly disclose how they obtained consumer information and must clarify that they have no affiliation with the original lender.
- Full Compliance with Federal Law: HB 149 mandates adherence to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), ensuring consumer rights to privacy and respect for national do-not-call registries.
- Ban on Misleading or Deceptive Practices: Companies can no longer use consumer information to mislead or aggressively target mortgage applicants.
Money Well Lending’s Stance: A Huge Win for Consumer Privacy
At Money Well Lending, we applaud this legislation as a major victory for transparency and consumer protection. We believe wholeheartedly that when consumers consent to have their credit checked, their consent should extend no further. They should never have their personal and financial details commoditized and sold to third-party marketers.
As part of our core values—transparency, integrity, and professionalism—Money Well Lending proudly adheres to a strict privacy policy: we do not sell or share our clients' private data. While we've always prioritized protecting client information internally, credit bureaus could still sell applicants’ credit inquiries until now. Idaho’s HB 149 finally addresses this significant gap.
"Borrowers deserve total assurance that consenting to a credit inquiry is exactly that—nothing more. HB 149 re-establishes control over personal financial privacy and prevents unwarranted solicitations, a cause Money Well Lending strongly supports."
—Vicki Ahmadi, VP of Operations, Money Well Lending
Don’t Live in Idaho? Here’s How You Can Still Protect Yourself
If you’re in a state that has yet to pass similar laws, you still have power over your privacy. You can proactively opt out of mortgage trigger leads and significantly reduce unsolicited credit and insurance offers by registering at:
Opting out helps you:
- Avoid unsolicited credit calls and offers
- Protect your credit and identity from misuse
- Ensure more control over your personal financial information
This proactive step is highly recommended, even if you’re not currently planning to apply for a mortgage.
How HB 149 Benefits Idaho Homebuyers
Idaho’s move to enact HB 149 gives homebuyers immediate benefits, including:
- Fewer Unwanted Offers: Dramatically reducing unsolicited communications following a mortgage inquiry.
- Stronger Privacy Protections: Greater peace of mind knowing personal financial data remains confidential.
- Clearer Lending Process: Increased transparency around how your data is obtained and utilized.
What’s Next: Advocating for Nationwide Privacy Standards
Money Well Lending urges all states to adopt similar consumer protections, recognizing that personal financial privacy shouldn’t depend on geography. Until then, homebuyers everywhere can actively protect themselves through OptOutPrescreen.com.
Ready to work with a mortgage lender that respects and protects your privacy? Money Well Lending is here to help with fast preapprovals, competitive rates, and unparalleled client care.
📞 Call us today at (877) 695-5521 or visit Money Well Lending to start your secure, transparent home financing experience.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a legal professional for specific guidance related to your circumstances.