Inaccurate information on your credit report can have a serious impact on your life. It can make it difficult to get a job, advance in your career, secure financial resources or purchase a home. It can also be a source of identity theft and fraud. A fair credit reporting act attorney can help you fight against misinformation on your report and take legal action if it is wrong.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that regulates the use of consumer credit reports. It protects consumers by limiting who can see their credit reports and under what circumstances. It also gives consumers specific privacy rights. If you have been harmed by mistakes on your credit report, an FCRA lawyer can apply state and federal laws to get them fixed, sue violating parties and recover damages for your injuries.
Credit reporting agencies, information suppliers and users are governed by the FCRA. A credit reporting agency is the company that assembles and sells consumer credit information. This includes credit bureaus like Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Other companies that assemble information, including landlords and insurance companies, are considered to be consumer reporting agencies as well. The financial credit reporting law attorney requires these agencies to follow strict rules when it comes to accuracy and maintaining a consumer’s privacy.
It is against the law for a credit reporting agency to give your report to anyone who does not have an approved purpose for viewing it, such as an employer. An employer can only access a report after you provide written consent. Likewise, it is illegal for an employer to deny employment or otherwise take adverse action against you because of information in your report. The FCRA does allow military personnel and identity theft victims to place a year-long active duty alert on their credit files that prevents companies from taking unauthorized action on their behalf.
Errors on credit reports can include financial information not updated after bankruptcy, inaccurate debts reported as open when they were closed and mixed-up identities resulting from similar names and social security numbers. Other errors are related to a CRA’s failure to properly investigate a dispute. It is not uncommon for a consumer to suffer serious injury as a result of these mistakes.
A violation of the FCRA is a serious matter and carries hefty fines. An FCRA lawyer can sue the violating party and recover money damages, punitive damages, court costs and attorney fees. If the conduct was willful or in bad faith, it is possible for a court to award additional damages.
If you are having trouble getting a job or being denied a loan because of inaccuracies on your credit report, contact a New Paltz, New York-based fair credit reporting act attorney from HKM Employment Attorneys to discuss your case. The firm has a thorough understanding of the FCRA and will advise you about your options. The initial consultation is free of charge.