Atlanta Consumer Rights Attorney
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways: Consumer Rights and Credit Protection
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protect consumers from inaccurate credit reporting and abusive debt collection practices.
- Credit reports often contain errors, outdated accounts, duplicate entries, or accounts reported without proper documentation.
- If a creditor, credit bureau, or debt collector violates federal law, you may have the right to have negative items removed and pursue legal remedies.
- A consumer rights attorney can dispute inaccurate credit reporting, challenge unlawful collection activity, and help restore your credit profile.
- Taking legal action against companies that violate consumer protection laws can help improve your credit while holding those companies accountable.
Your credit report is very important. For example, banks check it before giving loans. Landlords also review it before renting to you. In addition, some employers check credit during hiring.
However, credit reports often contain mistakes. For example, you may see accounts you never opened. You may also see the same debt twice. As a result, these errors can hurt your credit score.
Because of this, life can become harder. Loans may cost more. Renting a home may also become harder.
Fortunately, the law protects you. Two key laws help consumers. These laws are the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
When Should You Call a Consumer Rights Lawyer?
First, you can dispute credit errors yourself. Many people try this step. However, credit bureaus do not always fix the problem.
Sometimes they ignore the dispute. Other times they run a quick check. Then they leave the error on your report.
Therefore, many people speak with a lawyer. A consumer rights lawyer knows these laws well. Because of this, they can push companies to follow the law.
A lawyer may help you:
- Remove wrong items from your credit report
- Challenge errors under the FCRA
- Stop illegal debt collection calls
- File disputes with credit bureaus
- Take legal action if companies break the law
If you believe your report has errors, you can contact The TD Injury Firm for help.
Common Credit Report Errors
Credit reports use large data systems. Because of this, mistakes happen often.
For example, some reports show accounts that are not yours. In addition, some reports show the same debt more than once. Meanwhile, other reports list debts that should already be removed.
Common errors include:
- Accounts that belong to someone else
- Duplicate debts
- Wrong payment history
- Wrong balance amounts
- Old debts that should be removed
You can check your credit report online. For example, visit AnnualCreditReport.com. This site lets you see your credit report for free.
Your Rights Under the FCRA
The FCRA protects consumers. First, it requires accurate credit reports.
Next, if you dispute an item, the credit bureau must investigate. Then it must check the claim with the company that reported the debt.
If the company cannot prove the debt, the account must be removed. Therefore, companies cannot keep reporting debts without proof.
How the Credit Dispute Process Works
If your credit report contains errors, you have the right to dispute them. The process is usually simple. However, the steps must be done correctly.
- First, review your credit reports.
Check reports from all three credit bureaus. Look for accounts that are wrong, duplicated, or too old. - Next, gather your proof.
Collect documents that show the error. For example, this may include payment records or account statements. - Then submit a dispute.
Send your dispute to the credit bureau reporting the error. You can also dispute directly with the creditor. - After that, the credit bureau must investigate.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the bureau usually has 30 days to investigate the dispute. - Finally, the incorrect item must be corrected or removed.
If the creditor cannot verify the information, the credit bureau must remove it from your report.
If the credit bureau fails to correct the problem, legal action may be possible. In that situation, you may want to speak with The TD Injury Firm about your options.
Protection From Debt Collector Harassment
The FDCPA protects consumers from abusive collectors. For example, collectors cannot threaten you. They also cannot lie about a debt.
Collectors cannot do the following:
- Call you many times each day
- Threaten arrest or jail
- Lie about the amount of a debt
- Call very late at night
- Keep calling after you dispute the debt
Get Help With Credit Report Errors
Credit errors can harm your finances. However, the law gives you ways to fix them.
The TD Injury Firm helps people challenge credit report errors. In addition, the firm helps stop illegal debt collection.
You can call (404) 595-1991. You can also complete the online intake form to speak with a lawyer.
Written By Tracy Udunka-Dennis
Attorney Tracy Udunka-Dennis, a lifelong Georgia resident raised in a hardworking Nigerian household, was inspired by her parents’ dedication to education and perseverance. After earning her law degree from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and gaining experience at several firms, she founded The TD Injury Firm to advocate for injury victims and hold negligent parties accountable.
