Errors in credit reports can have a serious impact. They can make getting loans, credit cards, and even a job difficult.
The law gives you the right to dispute these errors. You can do this online, by phone, or via mail. You should send a copy of the documentation to the credit reporting agency and the source of the information (also known as a data furnisher). A good dispute attorney can help you get accurate and timely information removed from your report.
Communication
According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have a right to dispute any information that appears on your credit reports. A credit report dispute lawyer can help you eliminate inaccurate or incomplete data on your reports and protect your rights.
A good attorney has years of experience dealing with federal laws that protect consumers. They know what paperwork you need and how to present it so the company can recognize it.
In addition to disputing errors with the credit reporting agencies, a lawyer can also help you file a lawsuit against an agency or creditor that violates the FCRA. Because lawsuits against credit reporting companies and creditors are highly technical, it’s generally not a good idea for consumers to handle these cases independently.
Experience
Inaccurate information on credit reports can have serious consequences, including making it difficult to get loans or find employment. Credit reporting agencies are supposed to correct inaccurate or incomplete information upon receiving a consumer’s dispute, but they only sometimes do so. In some cases, consumers who these companies have harmed can file lawsuits.
A quality attorney specializing in this field will have years of experience dealing with these types of cases and will understand the federal laws designed to protect consumers. They will know how to draft a proper dispute letter to make the most effective argument and be prepared to take the case to trial.
In addition to filing a complaint with the CFPB or FTC, you can sue the company that provides inaccurate information to the credit reporting agency (also called an “information furnisher”). Examples of such companies include your bank, mortgage lender, or employer.
Reputation
A credit reporting agency’s reputation matters because lenders, employers, and insurance agencies use information in your report to make decisions about you. A good attorney can help you get your rights enforced and protect you from false or inaccurate information on a report.
When disputing errors, it’s important to do it in writing by certified mail with the return receipt requested. Also, enclose copies of any documentation you have to support your claim. It may also be useful to send a letter to the company that provided the inaccurate information (called an “information furnisher”), such as your bank, apartment landlord, or credit card issuer.
Unless the CRA considers your dispute frivolous, they must investigate the items you’ve disputed within 30 days. They must also tell you their investigation results, including any corrections they’ve made. They must also notify anyone who has viewed your credit report in the last six months. If they continue to violate your rights, you can sue for damages and reasonable attorney fees.
Fees
A skilled credit attorney will know your case’s legal ins and outs and how to get the best results. They will also understand the details of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which protects consumers like you from incorrect information in their credit reports and from debt collectors who violate the law when they try to collect on an outstanding debt.
When errors appear on your credit report, they can cause major financial problems. You can dispute these errors with the credit bureaus by sending a letter explaining what you think is wrong and copies of documents supporting your claim. If you can prove an inaccurate error, the credit bureau must remove it from your report. You may also be entitled to statutory damages. You can find a sample letter here. When that doesn’t work, you can file a lawsuit under the FCRA against the credit bureaus or the data furnisher who provided the information.
