CREDIT REPORTING
It can be frustrating to deal with inaccurate credit reports. Not only can errors wreak havoc on your financial and mental wellbeing, but they can sometimes be complex to correct. The good news is that consumers have rights, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), that help ensure credit reporting agencies report accurate information and creditors appropriately reinvestigate disputes. California consumer have a few additional protections under the state's Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act (CCRAA).
YOUR RIGHTS
You have a right to receive a copy of your report
You have the right to dispute any inaccurate or incomplete information
Credit bureaus must delete incomplete, inaccurate, or unverifiable information
Credit bureaus cannot report outdated information (usually bankruptcies more than 10 years old, and other adverse information more than 7 years old)
You must give your consent for reports to be provided to employers or creditors
If information in your credit report is used against you, you have the right to know the source of that information
COMMON ERRORS
"Re-aged" debts that are older than reported
Your credit information is "mixed" with someone else's
Reporting an account as active when it was voluntarily closed by the consumer
Misidentification of account type (mortgage loans, installment loans, etc.)
Other generally false information (amounts due, account status, late payments, etc.)
False reporting of debts discharged in bankruptcy - these should usually display a $0 balance, without any delinquencies
It's never too early to call an attorney about credit reporting problems.
Our office offers free consultations.
We can handle many credit reporting cases on a contingency basis - meaning we only get paid if you do.
