Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

With approximately 500 million records in the database, NCTUE is the premier, industry-specific data source for accurately assessing new applicant risk. NCTUE allows members to screen new consumers for customer service applications and unpaid closed accounts to decrease write-offs and improve profitability.

• Identify whether a new applicant has outstanding, unpaid balances resulting in unpaid closed accounts from other member companies
• Gain insight into fraudulent new applications containing duplicate or invalid Social Security numbers
• Access unique, industry-specific data sources to accurately determine deposits
• Access updated address information from other members to greatly improve skip tracing and collections results
• Receive management reports to view the aging of unpaid closed accounts, payment profiles, account reviews, activity analysis, and more

Although results vary, members have seen a significant lift in loss mitigation by joining NCTUE. Members also receive updates with new phone numbers and address information for a high percentage of their outstanding, unpaid closed accounts

Membership in NCTUE is open to any telco company (as defined by the Telecommunications Act of 1996) with residential accounts and any pay TV or utility company with consumer accounts.

Members include national, regional, and local companies that provide these services:

• Cable TV
• Satellite
• Electric
• Gas
• Home security
• Internet
• Local phone, long-distance, and/or wireless phone
• Water
• Wastewater

Equifax Information Services is the contracted supplier that manages the database on behalf of the members. The database does not include Equifax credit information, and Equifax is not a member of NCTUE.

Our mission is to serve as an FCRA-compliant credit reporting agency for the telecommunication, pay TV, and utility industries by submitting industry-specific payment information to enable members of the exchange to better identify and manage financial risks and to better monitor customer relationships during the life of the service affiliation.

A board of trustees and an executive director oversee operations of the exchange and provide day-to-day administration. The board is comprised of member companies in telco, pay TV, and utility industries. NCTUE membership is governed by member agreements, operating guidelines, and bylaws.