Why You're Getting Bombarded With Mortgage Calls And What You Can Do About It

Why You're Getting Bombarded With Mortgage Calls And What You Can Do About It

Have you recently applied for a mortgage and suddenly started getting flooded with phone calls, texts, and emails from lenders you’ve never even heard of? You're not alone—and you're definitely not imagining it.



This frustrating situation is the result of something called a trigger lead—a behind-the-scenes process most homebuyers know nothing about until it happens to them. The good news? A new bill in Congress may soon give you back control over your personal information. Here’s everything you need to know about trigger leads, what they mean for your privacy, and how to protect yourself right now.

What Is a Trigger Lead?

A trigger lead is a marketing tool used by lenders that’s activated the moment you apply for a mortgage. When your credit is pulled by a legitimate lender—like the mortgage broker you chose to work with—the credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) are notified. And instead of keeping that information private, they sell your data to other lenders almost instantly.

These other companies then begin calling, texting, and emailing you with competing mortgage offers—often within hours of your application. Some may present themselves as affiliated with your original lender (they're not), or they may push hard to get your personal info under the guise of offering better rates.



It's not just invasive. It's confusing and potentially misleading, especially for first-time buyers.

Why It Happens

Credit bureaus profit from selling your information to other lenders under the logic that you're in the market for a mortgage. In their view, this opens the door to "competition" that could benefit the consumer. But in reality, it often results in dozens of unwanted messages, confusing offers, and unnecessary stress.

And to be clear—your mortgage broker didn't sell your information. This practice is entirely legal under current laws, and it happens whether you work with a bank, a broker, or a credit union.

Enter: The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808)

Fortunately, there's a proposed bill in Congress aimed at finally putting an end to this frustrating process. It's called the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808), introduced in April 2025. If passed, this bill would amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prevent credit bureaus from selling your data unless very specific conditions are met.

Here’s what would change:

No more selling your info to random lenders unless they have:

• A firm offer of credit or insurance, and
• Your written permission, or
• A current relationship with you (like being your mortgage lender, your loan servicer, or your bank/credit union).

In other words, lenders couldn’t just buy your data and start cold-calling you. There would be strict limitations to protect your privacy.

Will It Stop Trigger Leads Completely?

Not entirely—but it would significantly reduce the number of companies that can access your information. Only lenders with an existing relationship with you—or those with documented permission—could legally reach out.



You might still get a call or two from your bank or credit union, but the onslaught of aggressive sales tactics from unfamiliar lenders would largely disappear.

When Could the Law Take Effect?

H.R. 2808 was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives on April 10, 2025, and discussions are already underway. If it passes, the law would take effect 180 days after it’s signed.



Of course, nothing is guaranteed in Congress, but support is building. The Senate passed a similar version unanimously in 2024 before the congressional session expired—so there’s real momentum behind this.

How You Can Protect Yourself Now

Even though the bill isn’t law yet, you can take action right now to protect your information from being sold.

The best option? Opt out of trigger leads directly through the official credit bureau opt-out system:

👉 www.optoutprescreen.com

It takes less than two minutes and ensures that your credit file isn't included in lists sold to other lenders. Many homebuyers choose to complete this step even before their mortgage application to avoid the wave of unsolicited messages.



If you're already in the homebuying process and are suddenly hearing from unknown lenders, now’s the time to act.

Why This Matters

When you apply for a mortgage, you’re often making the biggest financial decision of your life. You shouldn’t be subjected to a wave of pressure from strangers trying to win your business through cold calls and fast talk.

Trigger leads interfere with the homebuying process. They create confusion, erode trust, and sometimes cause buyers to make decisions based on pressure rather than real information.



Understanding how your credit data is used—and taking simple steps to opt out—can lead to a more focused, less stressful mortgage experience.

Final Thoughts

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act could mark a major shift in how your personal information is handled when applying for a mortgage. While it won’t eliminate every call, it would bring much-needed privacy protections and transparency to the process.



Until it becomes law, opting out remains the most effective way to stay in control of your information—and reduce the noise when all you want is to focus on buying your home.