Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

Under federal law, consumers have an absolute right to fair and accurate reporting of information pertaining to their credit. Credit agencies are also prohibited by law from misusing a consumer's credit information, and certain privacy rights when it comes to your credit information. It also gives you the right to file a lawsuit against a business or agency that violates.

Most people have credit reports that are riddled with errors and inaccuracies. Consumers have a right to collect damages from credit reporting agencies if errors on their credit report are causing them to be denied credit, a mortgage or loan.  If you notify a credit bureau of the inaccuracy and they continue to report it, you may be able to collect damages and your legal fees because of their willful violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

It is important for consumers to check their credit reports for errors and inaccuracies at least once a year and Federal law allows you to obtain a free copy of your credit report from each major credit bureau (Equifax, Transunion and Experian) at least once a year.  Make sure not to enter your credit card information in order to obtain your free credit report. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com for a free copy of your report.