Negative credit information can damage your credit score and negatively impact your life. When it comes to reporting to agencies, creditors and debt collectors aren’t always fair. You should be familiar with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Credit reports contain a lot of private, personal information about you. This information is gathered from many sources. This information can have a significant impact on your life. It could impact your ability to get a job, or whether you are accepted as a tenant for an apartment you wish to rent. It will determine whether you are approved for a credit card or auto loan, as well as how much interest it charges.

Reports from your creditors are one of the main sources that Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax – three of the largest consumer credit agencies in the US – use to get information about you. Your credit score can have a huge impact on your life. There are laws that govern how your report can and cannot be used. You can also access it from anyone. Fair Credit Reporting Act and Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (also known as FCRA and FACT) provide penalties for debt collectors that falsely report information about you and those who incorrectly use your credit report. You can also check your credit report for free under certain circumstances.

You have the right to know

You have the right of access to your credit report. FCRA and FACT allow you to get your credit report from all three major credit reporting agencies free of charge once a year.

You have the right to request a copy of your credit report if you are denied credit, denied a job, or denied insurance. This is within 60 days after being informed that you were denied. You can request the correct report by contacting the credit card company, or any other entity.

You have the right to be informed if a creditor, debt collector, or another reporter sends you negative information to a consumer reporting agent. FCRA regulations require creditors to inform you before reporting any negative information to a reporting agent. This notice does not have to be distinct. It is enough for them include a statement on a bill, or other communication, stating that they may report information about you to consumer reporting agencies. If they have any negative information regarding you, they must notify you within 30 day.

Disputing Inaccurate Information

According to consumer research, 70-80% of credit reports are inaccurate. 25-30% of credit reports have inaccurate information that could make it difficult for you to obtain credit or a good rate of interest. This could include information such as information about your past credit lines, information you have not used in the past and incorrect information reported by debt collectors. Any of this information could have serious consequences for your credit. It is important to regularly review your credit reports and to correct any incorrect information.

You should inform the consumer reporting agency if you discover incorrect information on your credit reports. The credit bureau will investigate the dispute and ask the entity that reported it to verify the accuracy. If they find that you are correct, they must inform all three credit bureaus and make the correction. If they refuse, you can ask that they include a letter from you along with your credit reports. You can also send a copy to anyone who requests your credit reports.

There are also special provisions that apply to victims of identity theft and fraud. You will also find rules regarding who can access your credit report.

It is important to challenge any creditor who you believe has falsified information. Fair credit lawyers can help you file a federal suit for violating the FCRA. If you win your case, you could receive a judgment for actual damage, which can range between $100 and $1,000. This includes court costs and attorney fees.