WHEN A $146 RENTAL FEE BECOMES A $14,000 CREDIT NIGHTMARE — Fighting Back Against Credit Report Errors

Aug 13

**Credit Reporting Errors Can Derail Your Life — But You Have Rights**

A single mistake on your credit report can destroy your financial reputation, tank your credit score, and close doors to housing, cars, and even relationships. A recent case highlights how quickly a small error can snowball into a crisis — and how consumers can fight back under federal law.

At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys regularly handle these high-stakes credit disputes, leveraging the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to restore clients’ credit and recover damages when companies fail to correct errors.

The Case: A Simple Truck Rental Turns Into a Credit Disaster

On June 5, 2015, a consumer rented a truck from a local agency for $146.26 and returned it the next day. Seven weeks later, his credit card showed a charge for $14,626.26 — 100 times the original fee.

Despite providing proof of the correct payment, the creditor refused to fix the charge. The error escalated:

The account was marked delinquent.
The debt was charged off and reported to all three credit bureaus.
The consumer’s credit score plummeted to the 500s.
He was denied financing for a car, a house, and even a cell phone purchase.

The Legal Battle: Using the FCRA to Correct Injustice

After months of failed disputes, the consumer hired experienced counsel and sued under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which requires credit bureaus and creditors to maintain accurate records and conduct reasonable investigations of disputes.

The case settled with:

Monetary damages for the consumer.
Full correction of credit reports and deletion of the false charge-off.
Restoration of his credit score into the 700s.

This result not only repaired his financial reputation but also reinforced the critical protections the FCRA gives to every consumer.

What California Consumers Should Know

You have the right to dispute any inaccurate or misleading credit entry.
Creditors and credit bureaus must investigate disputes and correct errors promptly under the FCRA.
Documentation is key. Keep receipts, statements, and dispute letters to prove your case.
You may be entitled to damages. If a credit reporting error harms you financially or emotionally, you can seek compensation.

Why You Need R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys

Credit report errors can destroy years of financial work in a matter of days. Navigating disputes and litigation against credit bureaus requires skill and deep knowledge of the FCRA.

R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys have successfully represented thousands of consumers, recovering millions in damages and restoring credit histories. Our team handles: