CREDIT REPORT LIES — Fix Them Fast Before They Wreck Your Future
Imagine this: You're applying for a mortgage and discover a credit card you never opened. Worse—it’s maxed out. Sound familiar?
Errors on credit reports are more common than most people think. In fact, a major FTC study found that 1 in 4 Americans had a significant error on at least one credit report.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys help consumers correct mistakes—and when necessary, take legal action against credit reporting agencies (CRAs) and data furnishers that refuse to fix them.
Step One: Get Your Free Credit Reports—Every Year
You’re entitled to one free report each year from each of the three major CRAs—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Review them carefully. Don’t assume “no news is good news.” Inaccurate credit data can cost you a:
Loan approval
Apartment lease
Job offer
Security clearance
Common Credit Report Errors That Could Be Holding You Back
Some errors are so outrageous, you can’t believe they made it through the system. Others are subtle but just as damaging. Look out for:
Accounts you never opened
Late payments older than 7 years
Closed accounts reported as “active” or “in default”
Bankruptcy or tax liens still showing after discharge or payment
Incorrect personal details like your name, address, or employer
Debt belonging to someone else with a similar name or SSN
Even one of these could be tanking your credit score.
Found a Credit Report Error? Here’s How to Fix It
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the legal right to dispute any inaccurate information—and CRAs are required to investigate.
Follow these steps:
Send a written dispute to the CRA listing the error. Include:
A copy of your report with the error highlighted
Any documents that support your claim
If the error came from a creditor or lender, send them a copy too.
Keep copies of everything, including mailing receipts.
The CRA has 30 days to investigate. If they verify the error is legit, they must fix it. If they don’t respond—or deny the dispute without real proof—you may be entitled to damages under the FCRA.
Why It’s Not Just About Fixing Errors—It’s About Accountability
If your dispute is ignored or handled improperly, that’s a violation of federal law. At R23 Law, we don’t just help you fix the error—we pursue damages when credit bureaus and furnishers fail to follow the law.
You may be entitled to:
Actual damages (for credit denials, emotional distress, etc.)
Statutory damages up to $1,000
Punitive damages for willful violations
Attorney’s fees—so you don’t pay unless we win
R23 Law Can Help You Take Back Control of Your Credit
Don’t let a reporting error derail your life. Whether it’s a single wrong account or a pattern of CRA negligence, our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorneys will step in and make it right.
📞 Contact R23 Law for a free consultation about your credit reporting issue.
