CREDIT REPORTING ERRORS

Credit bureaus make money by selling credit reports and credit scores. They make money whether those files contain true or false information about you. Credit card companies and finance companies use these reports as a way to force payment from you, and they lose money if they have to remove false information. The only effective tools available to stop false credit reporting are in the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Using this statute you can place the bureaus and your creditors on notice that they are lying about you.

What should I do if there is false information on my credit report?
The first step you should take is to find out whether the information appears on all of your reports or just some. There are currently three major credit reporting agencies (credit bureaus) that maintain and sell files about you. You should order your report from each of these credit reporting agencies directly. The law now requires that each of these credit reporting agencies provide you a free copy of your credit report at least once a year.

Once you have copies of your credit reports, you should write a dispute about each item of information that is incorrect or incomplete. You MUST send this letter directly to the credit reporting agency that is maintaining the false information. Do not merely send it to the company responsible! Make sure to keep an exact copy of the letter you sent, signature and all. Then send the letter by certified mail, return receipt request.

If you have any questions about writing your dispute, contact us. We will help you draft your dispute for free.

What kinds of evidence do I need to start a case?
In order to start a case you will need all the documents that relate to the incorrect information, and all the documents that relate to your damages. You also need to gather any copies of your credit report that are available, including copies that you have received or that anyone else has received (including a mortgage broker, car dealer, or insurance agent). If you have received any letters denying you credit you those letters will help establish how the false information about you has hurt your credit.

How much will I have to pay an attorney?
Stark Law does not charge to review your credit reports, write dispute letters or to perform an initial consultation with Ohio Consumers. If the credit bureaus do not correct your report, we will litigate your case on contingency basis and all you will have to pay is the out of pocket expenses of the litigation. If we recover, the Credit Bureaus are required to reimburse you for the attorneys fees and expenses.

DEBT COLLECTION ABUSE

How do I know if I have been the subject of collection abuse or violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?
The Federal Fair Debt Collection Practice Act (FDCPA) is a special federal law that bars all forms of unfair, abusive and deceptive collection practices.


Here are some specific types of conduct that violate the FDCPA:
• Overstating the amount that is actually owed.
• Lying about whether the debt is valid.
• Lying about or misstating your rights.
• Using profanity.
• Threatening violence or garnishment.
• Repossessing property which is not actually the subject of a lien or security interest.
• Misstating any information to a credit reporting agency.
• Informing other people that you owe money.


How can Stark Law help?
Roger Stark is one of Ohio's more experienced consumer protection attorneys. We sue abusive debt collectors for violations of both Ohio and Federal law. Many of my clients will have obtained a cash settlement of their claims. Depending on the nature of the abuse, this amount may exceed the amount of the debt owed. The best time to put an end to collection abuse is when it's happening. Don't wait until the debt collector or his creditor sues you. Take the initiative and put an end to the abuse when it's occurring. Read the information below about gathering the evidence in your case, and Contact Us.