Credit Issues
Protect Your Credit, Know Your Rights
Maintaining a healthy credit score is vital for your financial well-being. Errors on your credit report can significantly impact your ability to get loans, housing, and even employment. Fortunately, you have strong legal protections. Learn more about these rights and how you can ensure your credit report accurately represents you.
Credit Reporting Errors
Mistakes happen frequently on credit reports, but you’re not helpless.
Common Errors Include:
- Accounts you don’t recognize
- Incorrect personal information (such as names, addresses, or Social Security numbers)
- Wrongly reported balances or payment histories
- Identity theft-related inaccuracies
What You Can Do:
- Review your credit reports regularly (annualcreditreport.com)
- File disputes immediately with credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
- Provide clear documentation to support your disputes
Credit Repair Act
Not all credit repair services are created equal. Understand your protections under the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA).
Important Protections:
- Companies cannot make false promises or misrepresent services
- Must provide clear contracts and allow cancellation within three days
- Cannot charge upfront fees without completing promised services
Be Aware:
- Recognize common red flags of fraudulent companies
- Understand legitimate methods of credit repair
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The FCRA empowers consumers with rights concerning their credit information.
Your Rights Under the FCRA:
● Accuracy
Ensure information on your report is correct and up-to-date.
● Access
Right to free annual credit reports and additional copies under specific circumstances.
● Disputes
Right to dispute incorrect items, with mandatory investigation by the credit bureau within 30 days.
● Privacy
Limited access to your credit information only to authorized entities.
Take Control Today
Don’t let inaccuracies damage your financial future. Act quickly to protect and restore your credit health.
