Videos – Credit Report Errors

Fair Credit Reporting Act Claims – Do I Have To Dispute With Credit Reporting Agencies Before Suing?

Do I Really Have To Dispute False Credit Information With The Credit Reporting Agencies Before Filing Suit Against The Furnisher?

Yes – With Some Exceptions
Let’s deal with the exceptions and get those out of the way first.
If debt collector (debt buyer, collection agency, or collection attorney) reports false information on your credit reports, you can sue under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) if the collector knew or should have known the information was false. For example,… (Read more)

You Have A Legal Right To Accurate Credit Reports

What does my credit report mean?
Now is the time to think about your credit report. Your credit report is a snap shot of your credit history at a specific moment in time that will greatly influence the financial terms you will receive when applying for credit. Your credit report will also influence whether you will keep the credit you already have and can influence job promotions or even obtaining employment. Because of the importance, you need to make sure… (Read more)

What Are The Benefits Of Suing Under The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)?

You discovered one or more errors on your credit reports and you have disputed the errors directly with the credit reporting agencies.
But the errors still remain.
And now you are thinking about suing the credit reporting agencies and the furnisher of the false information.
What exactly is the benefit to you of suing under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)?
First, it is the best way to force the responsible parties to correct and fix your credit report. Dispute… (Read more)

Should I Pay Off A Debt That Is Not Mine To Get It Off My Credit Report?

No. That’s blackmail.
If you don’t owe the debt then you should not pay it off. There is a cheaper solution.
Dispute it under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to the credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, Innovis, and Trans Union – and tell them you do not owe the debt. Copy the debt collector or the creditor who is reporting this debt on you.
But what if the credit agencies don’t remove it? What can you do then?… (Read more)

An Overview of How to Deal with Identity Theft

When Alabama consumers suspect or discover that they are victims of identity theft, the natural question that is asked is “What can I do to fix this?”
Now often this question comes after very intense emotions of frustration, betrayal, helplessness, and anger. To have your identity stolen is to be violated. And as we will discuss in another article, that betrayal is normally by someone we know
These feelings can last anywhere from a few days to years, particularly if… (Read more)

Frequently Asked Question About How Your Credit Report Should Show Discharged Accounts After Completing a Chapter Seven Bankruptcy

I am thinking about filing bankruptcy – what does a discharge mean?
First, a discharge is where you are “discharged” from the debts that are included in bankruptcy. The creditor cannot ever try and collect the debt from you. You can imagine a wall has come up between you and the creditor and the creditor cannot climb over, around, or under the wall to get to you in order to get you to pay this “discharged” debt.

OK, once I… (Read more)

Why Debt Buyers Must Delete Credit Reporting When They Lose Their Collection Case Against You

When Alabama consumers are sued by debt buyers, this is a very disturbing event. Fears of losing . . . fears of being garnished . . . fears of being forced into bankruptcy enter the mind.
But when the battle is finally over and the Judge announces “Verdict in favor of the defendant (consumer)” there is great joy. The case is over. The debt buyer has lost.
But what about the credit reporting by the debt buyer? If you have… (Read more)

Debt Collection & Its Impact On Your Credit Report

Debt collection can have significant credit history impact. This article is designed to help you understand how debt collection will affect their credit reports. We can help you understand your rights and protection under the law.
To schedule a free confidential consultation with a lawyer dedicated to helping consumers, contact us or call our Birmingham office at 205-879-2447 or 205-714-4443.
Important Facts for Consumers Facing Debt Collection
Debt collectors and debt buyers do have the right to put a note… (Read more)

Steps for Credit Reporting Errors

General Overview of the Dispute Process under The Fair Credit Reporting Act
Having errors on your credit report can be a frustrating and costly problem, but it can be resolved, one way or the other. We say “one way or the other” because if it truly is an error you can either get it corrected by the reporting agencies and furnishers of the information or if they fail or refuse to correct the inaccurate information, you can sue the credit… (Read more)

Identity Theft

Identity theft can be a horrific experience, and attempting to get your life back the way it was can be time-consuming and frustrating. We help people who have been victimized by identity theft with their credit issues. We are not credit repair attorneys, but we can help you with your credit issues.
Identity theft victims may discover the theft when they examine their credit report after having their application for credit turned down, or by prudently examining their credit report… (Read more)

Fair Credit Reporting

With two offices in Birmingham, Alabama, the consumer protection lawyers at Watts Law Group P.C. & M. Stan Herring P.C. assist clients in correcting their credit report, going through the dispute process, and with claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
For information about our services and our commitment to our clients, please visit our Firm Overview page.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) was enacted to regulate the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer… (Read more)

If I Win, What Happens Next?

After Success in a Debt Collection Lawsuit: Next Steps
Fact: A debt collection lawsuit is essentially a claim that a consumer owes money.
Fact: If the debt collection lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice or if the judge ruled in favor of the consumer, the final decision is that the debt is not owed to the debt buyer. Collections must stop.
Fact: A debt buyer cannot continue to report a debt that a judge has decided is not owed.
At Watts… (Read more)

I Got Sued and Won – But It’s Still On My Credit Report

I got sued and won- but it’s still on my credit report – what do I do?
If you have been sued by a debt collector or creditor, you should obtain counsel immediately. Many of the attorneys representing these groups are very good lawyers and have handled literally thousands of these same type suits. However, just because they sue you does not mean they are entitled to win automatically or obtain a judgment against you.
Like any other lawsuit, they… (Read more)

Incorrect Credit Reporting After Bankruptcy

With our convenient location in Birmingham, Alabama, the consumer protection lawyers at Watts Law Group P.C. & M. Stan Herring P.C. can assist you with correcting post-bankruptcy errors in your credit report.
Your credit score can be adversely affected by errors in your credit report. Credit bureaus (such as Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union) have an obligation to provide accurate reports, free from any known errors.
Some creditors or buyers of debt will not report your discharge to credit bureaus,… (Read more)