FCRA lawyers help consumers protect their rights and enforce the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) against consumer reporting agencies, creditors and other companies that access and use an individual’s consumer information. Whether the issue is credit bureau errors, mixed file accusations or illegal background checks, a qualified attorney can ensure your legal rights are protected and help you recover damages from violators.
Inaccurate data on your credit report can hurt your ability to qualify for loans, secure employment or make major purchases. A seasoned credit report lawyer can assist you with disputing these errors and work to get them removed quickly. They can also represent you in lawsuits against those who violate the law, ranging from credit bureaus and creditors to debt collectors and even CRAs themselves.
Credit reporting agencies (CRAs) must abide by strict rules when collecting and managing your consumer information, including how they handle your credit dispute requests. If a CRA fails to comply with the law, it could result in statutory damages. Likewise, if an employer or other company violates the FCRA when they conduct a background check on a job applicant, that applicant can seek compensatory and punitive damages.
An experienced credit report attorney can help you through each step of the process, from identifying mistakes to filing and submitting dispute letters. They can also communicate with the CRAs and other parties involved to resolve your issues in an efficient manner. Additionally, if your case warrants it, an attorney can take the matter to court for you, which can expedite your case and improve your odds of success.
The CFPB’s regulations state that CRAs must correct errors within 30 days of receiving your dispute letter. However, many CRAs and other furnishers of consumer information fail to do so. They may also incorrectly report expunged or sealed records and use criminal conviction data that can’t legally be used in a hiring decision. This can be grounds for a class action lawsuit against the offending entity.
It’s important for individuals to regularly monitor their credit reports to ensure they have accurate, up-to-date information. A reputable FCRA lawyer can provide guidance on this and other topics, including how to avoid identity theft and what to do when you discover inaccuracies on your credit report.
When a credit bureau, creditor or information user violates the law, the affected consumer has the right to sue them in federal court. Depending on the circumstances and the extent of the violation, an individual can recover statutory damages, attorneys’ fees and court costs.
If you have questions about your rights under the CFPB’s rules or need assistance navigating the complexities of credit reporting, contact Jibrael S. Hindi, an experienced attorney and dedicated advocate for the protection of consumer rights. He can discuss your situation in an initial consultation and determine how best to proceed. He serves clients nationwide from his office in Los Angeles. To schedule your free consultation, contact him online or call (888) 691-5234.