CREDIT REPORT, CREDITOR’S REGRET — Who’s Liable for Reporting Errors in California
If a mistake on your credit report has negatively impacted your life
—whether it’s a loan denial, an incorrect delinquency, or a sudden drop in your credit score—you may be wondering: Who is responsible?
At R23 Law, our California Credit Reporting Error Lawyers help consumers understand who can be held liable for credit report mistakes—and what legal options are available to correct the damage.
What Types of Credit Reporting Errors Are Most Common?
Understanding the types of credit errors that can appear on your report is the first step in identifying liability. Most credit reporting mistakes fall into two broad categories:
1. Personal Information Errors
These mistakes are usually clerical but can still have consequences. They include:
Misspelled names
Wrong Social Security numbers
Incorrect birthdates
Confusion with someone who has a similar name
Although these errors may not directly affect your credit score, they can lead to loan application rejections or delays in financial approvals.
2. Account-Based Errors
These mistakes are more serious and directly affect your credit score. They include:
Accounts wrongly marked as late or delinquent
Duplicate accounts
Incorrect payment histories
Accounts that don't belong to you
These inaccuracies can severely harm your creditworthiness, leading to higher interest rates or outright denials of credit, housing, or employment.
Who Is Liable for Credit Reporting Mistakes?
Many consumers assume the credit bureaus are solely responsible—but liability can also fall on the data furnishers (the companies that supply information to credit reporting agencies), such as banks, lenders, or debt collectors.
Here’s how liability is determined:
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA):
Credit reporting agencies (like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) must investigate disputes within 30 days.
Furnishers of information (creditors, collectors, etc.) must report accurate data and correct errors promptly.
If either party fails to meet their obligations, and you suffer harm as a result, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
You May Be Eligible for Damages If:
Your dispute was ignored or denied without a proper investigation
The agency or furnisher continued to report false information after being notified
You experienced measurable financial harm (loan denial, higher interest rates, emotional distress, etc.)
You could be awarded up to $1,000 per FCRA violation, plus punitive damages and attorney’s fees in willful violation cases.
How to Take Legal Action for Credit Reporting Errors
At R23 Law, our attorneys work with clients across California to:
File effective credit disputes
Hold credit bureaus and data furnishers accountable
Pursue compensation under the FCRA and California’s Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act (CCRAA)
We don’t just help you clean up your credit—we fight for justice when creditors and agencies ignore the law.
Why Choose R23 Law?
Our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorneys have successfully represented victims of credit reporting errors against large financial institutions and national credit bureaus. We understand the stress that comes with inaccurate credit data, and we’re here to help you get your financial life back on track.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve
If you're facing credit report errors and don't know where to turn, let R23 Law's California Credit Reporting Error Lawyers advocate for you. We’ll evaluate your case, advise on your options, and pursue full compensation for any harm you've suffered.
📞 Call now to schedule a free consultation
🖊️ Or submit your case online to get started today
R23 Law Consumer Protection Attorneys Serving Clients Across California
We fight back when creditors and credit bureaus get it wrong.
