DENIED CREDIT OR A JOB DUE TO YOUR CREDIT REPORT — Don’t Ignore That Adverse Action Letter


If you’ve received an FCRA Adverse Action Letter in California, you have rights

Learn how R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys help you dispute errors, protect your credit, and take legal action.

That Letter Could Cost You a Job or Loan—Here’s What to Do Next

Getting denied for a loan, a job, or even a rental can feel like a dead end—especially when it’s tied to your credit report. But if you’ve received a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Adverse Action Letter, it’s not the end of the road.

In fact, it could be the beginning of a legal opportunity.

R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys help clients throughout the state respond strategically to these letters, correct damaging credit report errors, and even pursue compensation when rights are violated.

What Is an FCRA Adverse Action Letter?

An FCRA Adverse Action Letter is a formal notice sent by a company when they’ve made a negative decision—such as denying credit, employment, or housing—based in whole or in part on your credit report.

You may receive one after:

  • Being denied a job due to a background check

  • Getting rejected for a credit card or loan

  • Losing out on a rental application

What Must the Letter Include?

By law, the company must provide:

  • A clear statement of the adverse action taken

  • The name and contact information of the credit reporting agency that provided the report

  • Information about your right to request a free copy of your credit report

  • A notice of your right to dispute any inaccuracies

This transparency gives you a chance to verify, correct, or challenge the information that led to the decision.

Don’t Wait—Take Action Immediately

The FCRA gives you 60 days to request a free copy of the credit report used in the decision. The faster you act, the better your chances of protecting your credit and reversing any harm.

Once you get the report, check it thoroughly. If you spot inaccurate, outdated, or fraudulent information, you have the right to:

  • Dispute the error with the credit reporting agency

  • Contact the creditor directly to challenge the false information

  • Add a consumer statement to explain your side if the dispute isn’t resolved

1 in 5 Credit Reports Contain Errors—Yours Could Too

The graphic on page 3 of the document highlights a shocking statistic: 20% of consumers have an error on at least one of their credit reports. These errors often go unnoticed until they result in a job loss, loan denial, or rejected apartment application.

Steps to Take After Receiving an Adverse Action Letter

The FCRA empowers you to take charge. Here’s what R23 Law recommends:

1. Review the Letter and Request Your Credit Report

Get the report from the agency listed in the letter—usually Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

2. Examine Your Report for Inaccuracies

Check personal info, account balances, payment histories, and collections.

3. File Disputes for Any Errors

Be specific. Include documents and send the dispute by certified mail or through the credit bureau’s website.

4. Contact Creditors Directly

If a particular creditor is responsible for inaccurate data, resolve it with them directly.

5. Seek Legal Support If the Dispute Fails

If your rights were violated, or if the report continues to harm you after you've disputed errors, R23 Law can pursue damages on your behalf.

Your Rights Under the FCRA

  • Right to a free credit report after adverse action

  • Right to dispute inaccurate information

  • Right to remove outdated negative data (most must be removed after 7 years; bankruptcies after 10)

  • Right to sue for statutory damages up to $1,000 per violation, plus attorney’s fees

Why Choose R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys?

Our attorneys focus exclusively on consumer rights, especially when it comes to credit report violations. When you work with us, you get:

  • Experienced legal strategy tailored to FCRA disputes

  • Aggressive representation against credit bureaus and data furnishers

  • No upfront legal fees – we don’t get paid unless you do

  • Proven results in recovering compensation and clearing credit histories

Final Thoughts

An FCRA Adverse Action Letter may feel like a setback, but with the right approach, it can become a stepping stone. Whether you're correcting an error or holding a company accountable for violating your rights, R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys are ready to help.

Think your denial was based on bad data?
📞 Contact R23 Law today for a free consultation—and turn that rejection into a chance to restore your credit and your future.

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MIXED FILES, OUTDATED RECORDS, AND UNAUTHORIZED PULLS — Cleaning Up Your Credit Report the Legal Way