📊 Credit Report Error Demand Letters: FCRA Rights
Force Credit Bureaus and Furnishers to Fix Inaccurate Information
⚖️ Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

Your credit report affects your ability to get loans, rent apartments, get insurance, and even land jobs. When it contains errors, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to demand corrections.

What the FCRA Protects

15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. regulates how credit reporting agencies (CRAs) and data furnishers handle your credit information.

The three major credit bureaus:

  • Equifax
  • Experian
  • TransUnion
Key Principle: Credit bureaus and furnishers must maintain maximum possible accuracy in your credit report. If information is inaccurate or incomplete, you have the right to dispute it and force them to investigate and correct it.
FCRA § 1681i: Bureau Dispute and Reinvestigation Rights

When you dispute an item with a credit bureau, the law requires:

  • Reasonable reinvestigation within 30 days: The bureau must investigate your dispute (§ 1681i(a)(1))
  • Forward dispute to furnisher: The bureau must notify the data furnisher (the bank, creditor, or collector who reported the info) within 5 business days (§ 1681i(a)(2))
  • Delete or modify if inaccurate: If the investigation reveals the information is inaccurate or cannot be verified, the bureau must delete or correct it (§ 1681i(a)(5))
  • Notify you of results: The bureau must send you written results of the investigation (§ 1681i(a)(6))
  • Notify furnisher of deletion: If data is deleted or modified, the bureau must notify the furnisher (§ 1681i(a)(5)(B))
FCRA § 1681s-2: Furnisher Duties

Data furnishers (banks, creditors, collectors, landlords) have obligations too:

Furnisher Duty FCRA Citation What It Means
Accuracy requirement § 1681s-2(a)(1) Furnishers cannot provide information they know or have reasonable cause to believe is inaccurate
Investigation after bureau notice § 1681s-2(b) After receiving notice of dispute from a CRA, furnishers must investigate and report results back to the CRA
Direct dispute duty § 1681s-2(a)(8) Furnishers must investigate disputes sent directly by consumers (with some exceptions)
Duty to correct and update § 1681s-2(a)(2) If furnisher determines data is incomplete or inaccurate, must promptly notify all CRAs to correct it
Identity theft blocking § 1681s-2(a)(6) Must not report information resulting from identity theft after receiving proper notice
What Information Can Be Reported?

The FCRA limits how long negative information can remain on your credit report:

  • Most negative items: 7 years from the date of first delinquency (§ 1681c(a)(4))
  • Bankruptcies: 10 years from the date of filing (§ 1681c(a)(1))
  • Tax liens: 7 years from the date paid (§ 1681c(a)(2))
  • Judgments: 7 years from the date of entry or until the statute of limitations expires, whichever is longer (§ 1681c(a)(2))
  • Accounts in good standing: Can be reported indefinitely
Medical Debt Exception: As of 2023, the three major bureaus voluntarily removed paid medical collections, medical collections under $500, and certain older medical debts. However, the CFPB's 2024 rule attempting to ban medical debt from credit reports entirely has been challenged and effectively halted under the Trump administration. The litigation is ongoing, and the future of medical debt reporting remains uncertain.
Damages for FCRA Violations

If a credit bureau or furnisher violates the FCRA, you can sue for:

Type of Damages Willful Violations Negligent Violations
Actual damages Yes (§ 1681n(a)(1)(A)) Yes (§ 1681o(a)(1))
Statutory damages $100–$1,000 per violation No statutory damages
Punitive damages Yes (if willful) No
Attorney fees & costs Yes (§ 1681n(a)(3)) Yes (§ 1681o(a)(2))
Fee Shifting Advantage: Because prevailing plaintiffs can recover attorney fees, many consumer attorneys handle FCRA cases on contingency. If you have clear, documented errors that the bureaus won't fix, legal representation may cost you nothing upfront.
Statute of Limitations

FCRA claims must be filed within:

  • 2 years from the date you discover the violation, OR
  • 5 years from the date the violation occurred
  • Whichever comes first (§ 1681p)
🔍 Common Credit Report Errors

Credit report errors range from minor (misspelled name) to catastrophic (accounts that aren't yours, discharged debts shown as unpaid). Here are the most common types and how they hurt you.

Identity Errors (Mixed Files)

What it is: Your credit report contains information belonging to someone else with a similar name, SSN, or address.

Examples:

  • Accounts opened by John Smith Sr. appear on John Smith Jr.'s report
  • Debts from someone with a similar SSN (off by one digit) are merged with your file
  • Information from a person with the same name but different DOB or SSN

Impact: Can drastically lower your credit score and cause loan denials, especially if the mixed-in accounts are delinquent or charged-off.

Accounts That Aren't Yours
Error Type Common Cause How to Dispute
Identity theft Fraudulent account opened using your stolen identity File FTC Identity Theft Report + police report; invoke FCRA § 1681c-2 blocking rights
Authorized user confusion You were added as authorized user on someone else's account, or vice versa, and it's reported incorrectly Dispute and provide documentation showing you were not the account holder
Duplicate tradelines Same debt reported multiple times (by original creditor, collection agency, and debt buyer) Dispute duplicates; demand deletion of all but one accurate listing
Incorrect Account Status

Examples:

  • Discharged bankruptcy debts: Debts discharged in Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy shown as "charged-off" or "unpaid" instead of "$0 balance" or "included in bankruptcy"
  • Paid accounts shown as unpaid: You paid off a collection or charged-off account, but it still shows a balance
  • Closed accounts shown as open: You closed a credit card years ago, but it's still listed as "open"
  • Late payments on current accounts: Account is current but shows recent late payments that didn't occur
Bankruptcy Reporting Rules: After bankruptcy discharge:
  • Accounts included in bankruptcy should show $0 balance and "included in bankruptcy" or "discharged"
  • The bankruptcy itself can remain for 10 years, but individual discharged debts should reflect $0 balance
  • Continuing to report discharged debts as unpaid is a common FCRA violation
Incorrect Balances and Limits

Examples:

  • Credit card shows $5,000 balance when actual balance is $500
  • Credit limit is reported as $1,000 when it's actually $10,000 (makes your utilization ratio look artificially high)
  • Student loan balance is wrong due to consolidation, deferment, or forgiveness

Impact: Balance errors increase your credit utilization ratio, which can significantly lower your score.

Date Errors
Date Error Why It Matters
Wrong date of first delinquency This date determines when the item should fall off your report (7 years from first delinquency). If the date is wrong, the item may be reported too long.
Wrong date of last activity Can affect statute of limitations calculations and whether the debt is legally enforceable.
Wrong account opening date Affects your length of credit history, a major score factor.
Late Payment Errors

Examples:

  • Late payment reported when you paid on time
  • Multiple late payments reported for a single late payment
  • Late payments reported during periods when you had a forbearance or deferment (student loans, mortgages)
  • Late payments that should have been removed as part of a settlement agreement
Settlement Agreement Deletions: If you settled a debt and the settlement agreement included removal of negative credit reporting, but the creditor or collector is still reporting it, you have both an FCRA claim AND a breach of contract claim.
Old Debts That Should Have Fallen Off

Under FCRA § 1681c, most negative items must be removed after 7 years from the date of first delinquency. Common violations:

  • Collections or charge-offs older than 7 years still being reported
  • Bureaus using the wrong "date of first delinquency" to extend reporting past 7 years
  • Debt buyers "re-aging" old debts by reporting a new delinquency date when they purchase the debt
Re-Aging is Illegal: Creditors and collectors cannot reset the 7-year clock by reporting a new delinquency date when an old debt is sold or re-reported. The "date of first delinquency" is fixed and cannot be changed (§ 1681c(c)(1)).
Medical Debt Reporting

As of 2023, the three major bureaus have removed many medical collections from credit reports, including:

  • Paid medical collections
  • Medical collections under $500
  • Medical collections less than one year old

However, larger unpaid medical debts may still appear. Common errors:

  • Medical debt that was paid or covered by insurance still showing as unpaid
  • Medical debt resulting from billing errors or incorrect denial of insurance claims
  • Medical debt under $500 that wasn't removed
✍️ How to Dispute Credit Report Errors

Disputing credit report errors is a two-track process: you can dispute with the credit bureaus, and you can dispute directly with the data furnishers.

Step 1: Get Your Credit Reports

Before you can dispute, you need to see what's being reported. You're entitled to:

  • One free report per bureau per year: Visit AnnualCreditReport.com (the only official source)
  • Additional free reports: After certain events (denial of credit, fraud alert, unemployment, public assistance)
  • Free reports after adverse action: If you're denied credit, insurance, or employment based on your credit report, you get a free copy
Pro Tip: Pull reports from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). They often contain different information, and errors may appear on one but not the others.
Step 2: Identify and Document Errors

For each error, gather supporting documentation:

Error Type Supporting Documents
Account not yours ID, SSN card, FTC Identity Theft Report (if identity theft), proof you never applied for the account
Incorrect balance Current account statement, payment confirmation, settlement agreement
Paid account showing unpaid Cancelled check, bank statement, receipt, letter from creditor acknowledging payment
Discharged bankruptcy debt Bankruptcy discharge order, Schedule of debts from bankruptcy petition
Late payment never occurred Bank statements showing on-time payments, payment history from creditor
Debt too old to report Calculation showing 7+ years since first delinquency, last statement from original creditor
Step 3: Dispute with the Credit Bureaus

You can dispute online, by mail, or by phone. I recommend mail for these reasons:

  • Creates a paper trail with proof of delivery (certified mail)
  • Allows you to attach supporting documents
  • Gives you control over the exact language of your dispute
  • Online disputes often limit your explanation to short dropdown options

Bureau dispute addresses:

  • Equifax: Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374
  • Experian: Experian, P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013
  • TransUnion: TransUnion LLC, Consumer Dispute Center, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
The 30-Day Clock: Once the bureau receives your dispute, they have 30 days to investigate and respond (§ 1681i(a)(1)). If they fail to respond within 30 days, or if they fail to conduct a reasonable investigation, that's an FCRA violation.
Step 4: Dispute Directly with the Furnisher

In addition to (or instead of) disputing with the bureaus, you can send a dispute directly to the data furnisher (the bank, creditor, or collector reporting the info).

Why dispute directly with the furnisher?

  • Furnishers have a duty under § 1681s-2(b) to investigate disputes they receive from bureaus
  • Furnishers also have a duty under § 1681s-2(a)(8) to investigate certain disputes received directly from consumers
  • If the furnisher determines the information is inaccurate, they must notify ALL credit bureaus, not just the one you disputed with
  • Direct disputes can be more effective because you're dealing with the source of the information
Exceptions to Direct Dispute Duty: Furnishers can decline to investigate direct disputes if:
  • The dispute is frivolous or irrelevant
  • You've already disputed it with the credit bureau
  • The furnisher has already provided you with required disclosures
However, most furnishers will investigate anyway to avoid liability.
Step 5: What Happens After You Dispute

Possible outcomes:

  • Error is corrected or deleted: Bureau/furnisher agrees the information was inaccurate and removes or corrects it
  • Verification is provided: Bureau/furnisher responds that they investigated and verified the information is accurate
  • No response or inadequate investigation: Bureau/furnisher fails to respond within 30 days or conducts a rubber-stamp investigation
  • Partial correction: Some aspects of the tradeline are corrected, but other errors remain

If the dispute is "verified" but you believe it's still wrong:

  1. Request method of verification: Ask the bureau to explain how they verified the information (what documents, what investigation steps)
  2. Send a follow-up dispute: Point out specific deficiencies in their investigation and provide additional evidence
  3. File a CFPB complaint: Report the inadequate investigation to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
  4. Consult an attorney: If the error persists and is causing you harm, you may have grounds for an FCRA lawsuit
Step 6: Add a Consumer Statement (If Necessary)

If the bureau refuses to correct an error you believe is inaccurate, you have the right under § 1681i(b) to add a 100-word consumer statement to your credit report explaining your side of the story.

When to use it:

  • As a last resort when the bureau won't remove inaccurate information
  • To explain extenuating circumstances (medical emergency, identity theft in progress, dispute with creditor)

Limitations:

  • Most lenders don't read consumer statements
  • It doesn't improve your credit score
  • It's not a substitute for getting the error actually removed
📄 Sample Credit Report Dispute Letters

Below are templates for common dispute scenarios. Customize them with your specific information and send via certified mail.

Sample 1: General Dispute Letter to Credit Bureau
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [SSN: XXX-XX-1234] (last 4 digits only) [Date of Birth: MM/DD/YYYY] [Date] [Credit Bureau Name] [Credit Bureau Address] SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL Re: Dispute of Inaccurate Information Report Number: [from your credit report] To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to dispute inaccurate information appearing on my credit report dated [date]. Pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681i, I demand that you investigate and remove the following errors: DISPUTED ITEM #1: Creditor: [Name of creditor/collector] Account Number: [Account number from credit report] Error: [Describe the error specifically, e.g., "This account shows a balance of $5,000. The correct balance is $0 as the account was paid in full on [date]."] Supporting Documentation: Attached is [describe documents, e.g., "a copy of the paid-in-full letter from the creditor dated [date]"] DISPUTED ITEM #2: Creditor: [Name] Account Number: [Number] Error: [Describe error] Supporting Documentation: [Describe attached docs] [Repeat for each disputed item] Pursuant to § 1681i(a)(1), you must complete your investigation within 30 days of receipt of this letter. If you cannot verify these items as accurate, you must delete them from my credit report immediately. Please send me: 1. Written results of your investigation 2. A copy of my updated credit report showing the corrections 3. Notification to all parties who received my credit report in the past 6 months (or 2 years for employment purposes) that these items were deleted This dispute is made in good faith. I reserve all rights under the FCRA, including the right to pursue legal action if you fail to conduct a reasonable investigation or if you continue to report inaccurate information. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: [List all supporting documents]
Sample 2: Direct Dispute to Furnisher
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Date] [Creditor/Furnisher Name] [Address] SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL Re: Dispute of Inaccurate Credit Reporting Account Number: [Your account number] To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to dispute inaccurate information you are furnishing to the credit reporting agencies regarding my account. ACCOUNT INFORMATION: Account Number: [Number] Current reported status: [e.g., "Charged off, $3,500 balance"] Correct status should be: [e.g., "Paid in full, $0 balance"] NATURE OF DISPUTE: Your records show [describe what they're reporting]. This is inaccurate because [explain why, e.g., "I paid this account in full on [date] via [payment method]. Attached is proof of payment."] SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: Enclosed you will find: 1. [E.g., "Copy of cancelled check #1234 dated [date] for $3,500"] 2. [E.g., "Bank statement showing the payment cleared on [date]"] 3. [E.g., "Letter from your company dated [date] acknowledging payment in full"] DEMAND FOR CORRECTION: Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1681s-2(a), you have a duty to ensure the accuracy of information you furnish to credit reporting agencies. I demand that you: 1. Investigate this dispute and correct your records 2. Notify Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion that the previously reported information was inaccurate 3. Provide me with written confirmation that you have corrected this information with all three credit bureaus Pursuant to § 1681s-2(b), if you receive notice of this dispute from a credit bureau, you must conduct a reasonable investigation. I am sending copies of this letter to all three bureaus. I reserve all rights under the FCRA, including the right to sue for damages if you continue to furnish inaccurate information after receiving this notice. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: [List all supporting documents] cc: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion
Sample 3: Identity Theft Dispute with Blocking Request
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Date] [Credit Bureau Name] [Address] SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL Re: Identity Theft Report and Request for Blocking FCRA § 1681c-2 To Whom It May Concern: I am a victim of identity theft. Fraudulent accounts have been opened using my personal information, and I am requesting that you block this information from my credit report pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1681c-2. FRAUDULENT ACCOUNTS TO BE BLOCKED: 1. [Creditor name], Account #[number] 2. [Creditor name], Account #[number] [List all fraudulent accounts] I did not open these accounts, authorize any charges, or receive any benefit from them. These accounts are the result of identity theft. ENCLOSED DOCUMENTATION: 1. FTC Identity Theft Report (IdentityTheft.gov completion confirmation) 2. Police report filed with [Police Department] on [date], Case #[number] 3. Affidavit of identity theft 4. Copy of my driver's license 5. Proof of my current address Pursuant to § 1681c-2(a), you must block the reporting of this fraudulent information within 4 business days after receiving this notice and supporting documentation. Additionally, pursuant to § 1681c-2(c), you must notify the furnishers of this information that it resulted from identity theft and should not be reported. Please send me written confirmation that you have: 1. Blocked the fraudulent accounts from my credit report 2. Notified the furnishers of the identity theft I reserve all rights under the FCRA. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: FTC Identity Theft Report, Police Report, Affidavit, ID, Proof of Address
Sample 4: Dispute of Bankruptcy Re-Reporting Violation
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Date] [Credit Bureau Name] [Address] SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL Re: Dispute — Discharged Bankruptcy Debts Incorrectly Reported To Whom It May Concern: I received a discharge in bankruptcy on [date] in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the [District]. Case Number: [XX-XXXXX]. Your credit report dated [date] incorrectly shows the following accounts as having balances or as "charged off" when they were included in my bankruptcy discharge and should reflect a $0 balance: ACCOUNTS DISCHARGED IN BANKRUPTCY: 1. [Creditor name], Account #[number] Current reported status: [e.g., "Charged off, $2,000 balance"] Correct status should be: "Included in bankruptcy, $0 balance" 2. [Repeat for each account] Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1681i, I demand that you investigate and correct these accounts to show: - Balance: $0 - Status: "Included in bankruptcy" or "Discharged through bankruptcy" Enclosed is a copy of my bankruptcy discharge order listing these debts. Continuing to report discharged debts as unpaid violates the FCRA and damages my ability to obtain credit. Please correct these items within 30 days and send me an updated credit report. I reserve all rights under the FCRA. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: Bankruptcy Discharge Order, Schedule of Debts
Sample 5: Dispute of Re-Aged Debt
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Date] [Credit Bureau Name] [Address] SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL Re: Dispute — Illegal Re-Aging of Debt To Whom It May Concern: Your credit report dated [date] contains a collection account that has been illegally "re-aged" in violation of FCRA § 1681c(c). ACCOUNT INFORMATION: Collector: [Name] Account Number: [Number] Date of first delinquency (as reported): [Date shown on credit report] VIOLATION: This account originated with [original creditor] and first became delinquent on [actual date of first delinquency]. Pursuant to § 1681c(a)(4), this account should have been removed from my credit report on [date - 7 years from first delinquency]. However, when [debt collector] purchased this debt in [year], they reported a new "date of first delinquency" of [newer date], which illegally extends the reporting period beyond 7 years from the original delinquency. Under § 1681c(c)(1), the date of first delinquency is fixed and cannot be changed when a debt is sold or transferred. DEMAND: I demand that you: 1. Immediately delete this account as it is beyond the 7-year reporting period 2. Investigate the illegal re-aging practice 3. Notify the furnisher that they violated § 1681c(c) Enclosed is documentation showing the original date of first delinquency. I reserve all rights under the FCRA, including the right to sue for willful violation of the re-aging prohibition. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: [Last statement from original creditor, charge-off notice, etc.]
⚡ Enforcement: Suing for FCRA Violations

If credit bureaus or furnishers refuse to correct errors despite your disputes, you have the right to sue for damages under the FCRA.

When to Consider Legal Action
  • You've disputed errors with the bureaus and furnishers, but they persist
  • The errors are causing you concrete harm (loan denials, higher interest rates, job rejection)
  • The bureau or furnisher conducted a clearly inadequate investigation (rubber stamp)
  • The violation appears willful (they knew the information was wrong but reported it anyway)
  • Multiple violations are occurring (several inaccurate accounts, repeated re-aging, etc.)
What You Can Recover
Type of Violation Damages Available Example Scenarios
Negligent FCRA violation Actual damages + attorney fees/costs Bureau failed to conduct reasonable investigation; no evidence they knew info was wrong
Willful FCRA violation Actual damages + statutory damages ($100-$1,000) + punitive damages + attorney fees/costs Furnisher continued reporting discharged bankruptcy debt after receiving discharge notice; bureau ignored clear evidence of error
Actual Damages Examples:
  • Higher interest rates paid due to lowered credit score
  • Denial of mortgage, auto loan, or credit card
  • Denial of employment or security clearance
  • Emotional distress, humiliation, anxiety
  • Time and costs incurred disputing the errors
FCRA Litigation Process

Step 1: Consult an FCRA Attorney

  • Bring all documentation: credit reports, dispute letters, certified mail receipts, bureau responses
  • Bring evidence of harm: loan denial letters, higher interest rate documents, job rejection notices
  • Attorney evaluates whether you have a viable FCRA claim

Step 2: Demand Letter (Optional)

  • Attorney may send pre-suit demand letter detailing violations and damages
  • Many cases settle at this stage when the violation is clear

Step 3: File Lawsuit

  • FCRA claims can be filed in federal district court or state court
  • Complaint alleges specific violations (failure to investigate, furnishing inaccurate info, etc.)
  • Can sue credit bureaus, furnishers, or both

Step 4: Discovery

  • Request bureau's investigation file (what did they do to verify the disputed info?)
  • Request furnisher's records and communications with bureaus
  • Depositions of bureau and furnisher representatives

Step 5: Settlement or Trial

  • Most FCRA cases settle before trial
  • Settlement often includes: payment of damages, correction of credit reports, attorney fees
  • If no settlement, case proceeds to trial before judge or jury
Settlement Reality: FCRA settlements vary widely based on the severity of violations and damages. Cases with clear, willful violations and documented harm (loan denials, job loss) can settle for $10,000–$50,000+. Cases with minor technical violations and minimal harm may settle for $2,000–$5,000 plus credit report correction.
Class Actions

If a credit bureau or furnisher has a systemic practice of violating the FCRA (e.g., failing to investigate disputes, re-aging debts, mixed file errors), a class action lawsuit may be appropriate.

Benefits of joining a class action:

  • No upfront cost to you
  • Combines resources with other affected consumers
  • Can result in systemic changes to the violator's practices

Drawbacks:

  • Individual recovery is typically smaller than in an individual lawsuit
  • Less control over the litigation strategy
  • Longer timeline to resolution
Do I Need an Attorney?

Yes, for most FCRA lawsuits. Here's why:

  • FCRA litigation is technical and requires knowledge of case law and procedure
  • Defendants (bureaus and furnishers) will have experienced defense counsel
  • Attorney fee shifting means your lawyer gets paid by the defendant if you win, making contingency arrangements common
  • An experienced FCRA attorney knows how to maximize your recovery and navigate discovery
Finding an FCRA Attorney
  • National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA): consumeradvocates.org
  • Your state bar association: Referral services for consumer law attorneys
  • Legal aid organizations: For low-income consumers
💼 How I Help Clients with Credit Report Errors

I represent consumers fighting inaccurate credit reporting. Whether you're dealing with identity theft, discharged bankruptcy debts still showing as unpaid, or persistent errors the bureaus won't fix, I can help.

Services I Provide
📋 Credit Report Analysis
  • Review credit reports from all three bureaus
  • Identify inaccuracies and FCRA violations
  • Assess potential damages and litigation value
  • Develop dispute strategy
✍️ Dispute Letter Drafting
  • Draft comprehensive dispute letters to bureaus and furnishers
  • Gather and organize supporting documentation
  • Handle certified mailing and tracking
  • Monitor investigation timelines and responses
⚖️ FCRA Litigation
  • Sue credit bureaus and furnishers for violations
  • Pursue statutory damages, actual damages, and punitive damages
  • Force correction of credit reports through litigation
  • Recover attorney fees (paid by the defendant if you win)
🛡️ Identity Theft Recovery
  • File FTC Identity Theft Reports and police reports
  • Invoke FCRA § 1681c-2 blocking rights
  • Force deletion of fraudulent accounts
  • Sue entities that refuse to remove identity theft accounts
Why Clients Choose Me
  • No upfront fees for most cases: FCRA cases often handled on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win, and the defendant pays attorney fees
  • Deep FCRA expertise: I understand bureau investigation procedures, furnisher duties, and common violation patterns
  • Aggressive advocacy: I don't accept rubber-stamp investigations or form-letter denials—I force bureaus and furnishers to do their jobs
  • Proven results: Track record of settlements and verdicts against major bureaus and national furnishers
  • Personal attention: Direct access to me throughout the process
Fix Your Credit Report. Hold Them Accountable.
If you've disputed credit report errors without success, I can evaluate your case and explain your legal options. Most cases handled on contingency.
Email owner@terms.law
Schedule a Call

Book a call to discuss your credit report dispute. Bring your credit reports, dispute correspondence, and any evidence of harm (loan denials, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions
No. Disputing credit report errors has no direct negative impact on your credit score. In fact, if errors are removed, your score may improve. However, while a dispute is under investigation, the disputed item typically remains on your report with a notation that it's being disputed.
I recommend mail (certified, return receipt) for serious disputes. Online disputes limit your explanation to dropdown menus and don't allow you to attach detailed supporting documentation. Mail creates a paper trail and gives you control over the narrative. Phone disputes are the worst option because you have no record of what you said or what they promised.
The FCRA requires credit bureaus to complete investigations within 30 days of receiving your dispute (§ 1681i(a)(1)). In practice, most respond within 20-30 days. If they fail to respond within 30 days, that's an FCRA violation, and you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
First, request the method of verification—ask them to explain what they did to verify the information. Often, their "investigation" is just forwarding your dispute to the furnisher and accepting whatever response they get (a rubber-stamp). If the verification is inadequate or the error is clear, you can send a follow-up dispute with additional evidence, file a CFPB complaint, or consult an attorney about suing for failure to conduct a reasonable investigation.
Potentially, yes. If the error caused you harm before it was corrected (e.g., you were denied a loan, paid higher interest rates, or suffered emotional distress), you can sue for those damages even if the error was eventually fixed. The FCRA allows recovery of actual damages, and the fact that they corrected it later doesn't undo the harm it caused while it was being reported.
It depends on whether the violation was willful or negligent. For negligent violations, you can recover actual damages plus attorney fees. For willful violations, you can recover actual damages, statutory damages ($100-$1,000), punitive damages, and attorney fees. Cases with clear willful violations and documented harm (loan denials, job loss, significant financial damage) can result in settlements or verdicts of $10,000-$50,000+.
Probably not. Most FCRA attorneys (including me) work on contingency for strong cases, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the attorney's fee comes from the settlement or is paid by the defendant under the FCRA's fee-shifting provision. This makes it risk-free for consumers to hold credit bureaus and furnishers accountable.
Yes, but be strategic. If you dispute the same error in the exact same way repeatedly without new information, the bureau may label your disputes as "frivolous" and refuse to investigate. However, if their first investigation was inadequate or you have new evidence, you can and should send a follow-up dispute explaining why their verification was wrong or providing additional documentation.
This is called "re-insertion" and is regulated by FCRA § 1681i(a)(5)(B). If a bureau re-inserts a deleted item, they must notify you within 5 business days and explain why. Additionally, they can only re-insert if the furnisher verifies the accuracy and certifies to the bureau that the information is complete and accurate. If the item is re-inserted without proper procedure, that's an FCRA violation.
Next Steps: If you have credit report errors that won't go away, gather your credit reports, dispute letters, and evidence of harm, then reach out to discuss your options.

Contact: owner@terms.law