Many people don’t realize how easy it is to access their credit report or how often they can check it. Lenders, landlords, and employers often rely on these reports when making decisions that affect your financial future. Any errors can put you in a difficult position, especially if you’re denied a loan or job because of inaccurate information.
When that happens, the law provides a way to challenge those mistakes. Unfortunately, credit reporting agencies don’t always fix the errors voluntarily. Consumer protection attorney Jibrael S. Hindi is ready to help if an agency refuses to correct your credit report.
Incorrect information on a credit report does more than lower a credit score. A single mistake could lead to denied housing applications, increased insurance premiums, or higher interest rates on loans. Identity theft victims often find fraudulent accounts in their names, even something as small as a misspelled name or wrong address can cause problems.
Disputing those errors isn’t always as simple as submitting a correction request. Credit reporting agencies and creditors sometimes ignore disputes or claim the information is accurate without conducting a proper investigation. If you’re stuck dealing with this kind of frustration, hiring consumer protection attorney Jibrael S. Hindi may be the best way to force these companies to act.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows individuals to obtain their credit reports at no cost from each of the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – once yearly. That means you can check your report three times a year without paying a fee. However, additional situations can give you access more frequently.
The law requires credit bureaus to provide one free report per year, but there are circumstances where you can request additional copies without charge. If a lender denies you credit based on information in your report, you can request a free copy within 60 days of receiving the denial. Victims of identity theft can also receive extra reports to monitor fraudulent activity.
Those actively seeking employment or receiving public assistance may qualify for more frequent access. Some states even have their own laws allowing residents to request additional reports annually. If you’re unsure of your rights, speaking with an attorney can clarify whether you’re entitled to more than one free report in a year.
Credit reporting agencies aren’t always cooperative when it comes to fixing mistakes. They often rely on automated systems that don’t fully investigate disputes, leaving consumers stuck with inaccurate information that affects their financial stability.
You don’t have to accept your dispute if it’s ignored or denied without justification. Legal action may be necessary to force credit bureaus to correct their errors. Consumer protection attorney Jibrael S. Hindi can protect your rights and financial future. Learn more about how we can help by using our online form or calling the Law Offices of Jibrael S. Hindi at (844) 542-7235.