The state is asking 32 banks, among other things, how many owners requested and received forbearance and how banks reported to credit agencies during the forbearance period, to ensure they aren't improperly reporting missed payments that would lower credit scores.

WSJ: New York Officials Probe Mortgage Lenders

The three economists looked at 12, 000 credit-card accounts at one financial institution (whose identity they don't disclose) over a two-year period ended June 2002.

WSJ: It's Easier to Return Those Unwanted Gifts