Your Credit Reporting Rights

Inaccurate Data on Your Report? Call (312) 626-3585.

Inaccurate information can show up on credit reports. The credit bureaus sometimes misreport information from public court records, such as reporting a judgment in your favor as a judgment against you. It may mistakenly report that debt remains unpaid or was paid late, or that debt was included in bankruptcy when you did not file bankruptcy.

Resolve Errors with Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin LLC

If there is inaccurate information in your credit report, it is vitally important to get it fixed. Accurate credit reports are more important than ever now that lenders are requiring higher credit scores for loans.

If you have unsuccessfully tried to get errors on your credit report fixed, the attorneys at Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, LLC may be able to help. We are here to ensure you understand your rights and to protect those rights if they are violated.

What Are My Rights?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows consumers to sue the credit bureaus and companies who supplied inaccurate information to the credit bureaus if they do not correct mistakes after receiving a dispute from the consumer.

Consumers can obtain damages of up to $1000 as well as actual and punitive damages in some cases. Actual damages can include the extra interest you paid if other creditors increased the interest rates on your credit cards, denials of loan applications, and medical expenses that resulted from stress-related illnesses.

How Do I Get Copies of My Credit Report?

If you are having credit reporting problems, it is important to save all copies of your reports and all correspondence with them as evidence. The agencies do not always save copies of the reports they issue. The major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax) are required to provide you with one free copy of your credit report each year.

How Can I Dispute Errors?

There are a couple steps in order to dispute errors, they include:

• Step 1: is to send a letter to each credit bureau explaining exactly why the information is inaccurate along with any proof you have to support your dispute. You should send the letter to the address listed on each credit report by certified mail. Most bureaus also allow online disputes, but if you use those methods, we recommend printing a hard copy and keeping a log of when the disputes were submitted. You should also keep a log of any telephone conversations you have with the credit bureaus.
• Step 2: Once your dispute is submitted, the credit bureaus are required to notify the furnisher of your dispute and request verification of the information you are disputing. If the credit bureau requests additional information in response to your letter, you should attempt to supply it.

If all goes well, the errors will be removed from your credit report. If it does not, save all your records and consult with a Chicago credit report lawyer at ECLG.

FAQ: Your Credit Reporting Rights

1. What should I do if I find inaccurate information on my credit report?
If you find inaccuracies, you should dispute them immediately. Start by sending a letter to each credit bureau detailing the errors and providing any supporting documentation. You can also file disputes online but keep a record of all communications.

2. How can I obtain my credit report?
You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the major credit bureaus—TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax—each year. You can request your reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.

3. What rights do I have under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)?
The FCRA allows you to dispute inaccuracies on your credit report. If the bureaus fail to correct these errors after you dispute them, you may have the right to sue for damages, which can include up to $1,000 in statutory damages, as well as actual and punitive damages in certain cases.

4. How long does it take to resolve a dispute?
The credit bureaus are required to investigate disputes within 30 days. They will notify you of the outcome once the investigation is complete.

5. What if my dispute is not resolved in my favor?
If the errors remain on your credit report after the dispute process, consult with an attorney. They can help you understand your options for further action, including potential legal remedies.

Contact Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin LLC

If there were errors in your reports, reach out to the attorneys at our Chicago firm today. We offer free initial consultations and have more than 200 years of shared experience. Do not hesitate to reach out.