CREDIT CRASH — When Equifax’s Tech Glitch Tanked Consumer Scores Overnight


A Digital Misstep With Real-World Consequences

From March 6 to April 6, 2022, Equifax — one of the three major credit reporting bureaus — suffered a coding error during its transition to a new cloud system. The result? Millions of incorrect credit scores were issued to lenders. For roughly 300,000 people, scores were off by 25 points or more, enough to deny a loan, raise an interest rate, or wreck a credit rating.

While Equifax claimed the issue was fixed, many affected consumers were left in the dark. At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys are watching this case closely — and helping consumers who may have been harmed.

What Caused the Equifax Glitch?

The issue occurred while Equifax migrated its infrastructure to the cloud. During that time:

  • Incorrect scores were sent to lenders

  • No alert was sent to affected consumers

  • No guidance was given on how to verify if your score was impacted

  • Equifax issued a vague apology and claimed it wouldn’t happen again

But when a mistake affects your ability to buy a car, rent an apartment, or qualify for a mortgage, “Oops” isn’t enough.

Why a 25-Point Error Matters

A 25-point shift in a credit score can change someone from:

  • Good to fair

  • Fair to poor

  • Or from loan approved to loan denied

The lead plaintiff in a class-action suit saw her credit score drop 130 points overnight — forcing her to reapply for a car loan with worse terms.

This isn’t hypothetical — it’s damage with real financial consequences.

What If You Were Affected?

Equifax hasn’t provided a tool for consumers to check if they were impacted. But if you applied for credit between March 6 and April 6, 2022, and were:

  • Denied unexpectedly

  • Offered unusually high interest rates

  • Forced to reapply for a loan

  • Had to explain a sudden drop in credit score

…you may be eligible for legal action.

Can You Sue Equifax?

Yes. Multiple class-action lawsuits are already underway, including one filed by Morgan & Morgan. But individual legal action may be possible too, especially if:

  • You suffered financial harm

  • You lost access to credit

  • You paid more due to a false score

R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys are currently evaluating claims and helping consumers explore their legal rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

How R23 Law Can Help

Our legal team has helped clients across California:

  • Dispute inaccurate credit data

  • Force corrections under the FCRA

  • Recover damages for loan denial, interest overpayments, and emotional distress

  • Navigate credit bureau negligence cases

Contact R23 Law Today

📞 Toll-Free: 310-598-1588
📩 Request a Free Consultation
👥 Learn more About Us | Meet Our Attorneys

Don’t let a credit bureau’s tech glitch cost you your future. If Equifax hurt your score, we’re here to help.

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CREDIT CHAOS, MEET THE LAW — How the FCRA Shields You from Credit Report Disasters