Fair Credit Reporting Act
Credit Report Error Lawyer — Hold Credit Bureaus and Furnishers Accountable
A credit report error lawyer can hold Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion accountable for inaccurate information. FCRA violations may entitle you to damages. Free case analysis.
You may be responsible for case costs and expenses. We will explain how costs are handled in your matter.
What the Law Is and Who It Protects
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), enacted in 1970 and codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq., governs the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer credit information. Congress enacted the FCRA to promote accuracy, fairness, and privacy of information in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
The FCRA imposes obligations on three categories of entities: consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion; data furnishers (companies that provide information to CRAs, such as banks and debt collectors); and users of consumer reports (employers, landlords, lenders). Each category has specific duties under the statute.
Consumer reporting agencies must follow reasonable procedures to ensure the maximum possible accuracy of consumer information. When a consumer disputes inaccurate information, the CRA must conduct a reasonable investigation within 30 days and correct or delete information that cannot be verified. Furnishers must investigate disputes forwarded to them by CRAs and correct inaccurate information they have reported.
Credit reports affect nearly every major financial decision in a consumer's life — mortgage applications, auto loans, credit card approvals, apartment rentals, and even employment. An error on your credit report can cost you thousands of dollars in higher interest rates, cause loan denials, and damage your reputation. The FCRA gives consumers the tools to fight back against these errors and hold the responsible parties accountable.
What Constitutes a Violation
Accounts That Don't Belong to You
Reporting accounts belonging to another person with a similar name (mixed file) or accounts opened through identity theft is a serious FCRA violation that can devastate your credit score.
Incorrect Payment History
Reporting a payment as late when it was made on time, or failing to update a paid account to show a zero balance, are common furnisher errors that must be corrected after a proper dispute.
Failure to Correct After Dispute
When you dispute inaccurate information, the credit bureau must investigate and correct or delete the information within 30 days. Failure to do so is a violation of the FCRA.
Identity Theft Tradelines
Accounts opened by identity thieves that appear on your credit report must be blocked and removed after you provide a police report and identity theft affidavit. Failure to block is an FCRA violation.
Mixed Files
Credit bureaus sometimes mix your credit file with another person's, resulting in accounts, judgments, or other information from a stranger appearing on your report.
Outdated Negative Information
Most negative information must be removed from your credit report after seven years. Bankruptcies can remain for ten years. Reporting outdated information beyond these limits is an FCRA violation.
Damages and Statute of Limitations
Damages Available: Actual damages (including lost loan opportunities, higher interest rates, emotional distress), up to $1,000 in statutory damages per negligent violation, punitive damages for willful violations, plus attorney fees paid by the defendant.
Statute of Limitations: Two years from the date you discovered the violation, or five years from the date of the violation, whichever is earlier.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. You may not obtain the same or similar results. Each case is different.
You may be responsible for case costs and expenses. We will explain how costs are handled in your matter.
This AI case analysis tool provides a preliminary, automated assessment for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, establish an attorney-client relationship, or predict the outcome of any legal matter. Results are not a guarantee of eligibility or recovery. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before taking any legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Analyze Your Case?
Our free AI case analyzer evaluates your situation in minutes. No obligation, no upfront cost.
You may be responsible for case costs and expenses. We will explain how costs are handled in your matter.