Credit Dispute
The Credit Dispute Process Under the FCRA
Credit Report Errors Fixed — At No Cost to You.
Inaccurate credit reporting can cost you loans, housing, jobs, and peace of mind. Story Law Group helps consumers correct errors and enforce their rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) with no upfront fees.
Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that requires credit reporting agencies and companies that furnish information to them to report information fairly and accurately. When they fail, your credit – and your life – can suffer.
Under the FCRA, you have the right to:
- Dispute inaccurate or incomplete information on your credit reports
- Have the credit bureaus conduct a reasonable reinvestigation
- Have inaccurate or unverifiable information corrected or deleted
- Receive written results of the investigation
- Sue for damages if your rights are violated
If you believe your rights have been violated, you may benefit from speaking with an FCRA attorney at Story Law Group.
What Counts as an Inaccurate Credit Report?
Credit reports are filled with mistakes. Some errors are minor, but many are serious enough to affect your ability to get a loan, rent an apartment, or pass an employment background check. Common credit report errors include:
Identity Theft or Fraud
Accounts opened in your name without your permission, unauthorized charges, and other identity theft-related credit issues.
Accounts That Aren’t Yours
Accounts belonging to someone else appearing on your report, often due to mixed files or similar names and Social Security numbers.
Incorrect Balances or Payment History
Reporting the wrong past-due amount, mislabeling an account as late, or showing the wrong date of last payment.
Outdated Collection or Negative Information
Old collection accounts or negative items that should have aged off your report but are still being reported.
Duplicate Accounts
The same debt being reported more than once, which can amplify its impact on your credit score.
Public Record Reporting Errors
Inaccurate reporting of bankruptcies, judgments, or tax liens, or reporting them after they should no longer appear.
If you are unsure whether something on your report is inaccurate, Story Law Group can review your credit reports for free and help you understand your options.
Step-by-Step: How the FCRA Credit Dispute Process Works
The FCRA credit dispute process is designed to give you a way to fix errors. Done correctly, it also creates a legal record that can support a claim if the credit bureaus or furnishers fail to follow the law.
01
Identify the Inaccurate Information
Start by obtaining copies of your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Carefully review each report for errors, including:
- Accounts you do not recognize
- Incorrect balances or credit limits
- Late payments that were actually made on time
- Duplicate reporting of the same debt
- Outdated negative information
If you are not sure whether something is wrong, our team can help you review and identify potential FCRA violations.
02
Submit a Written Credit Dispute
Under the FCRA, you have the right to dispute inaccurate information directly with the credit bureaus and, in many cases, with the company that is reporting the information (the “furnisher”). A strong written dispute generally:
- Clearly identifies the items you believe are inaccurate or incomplete
- Explains why each item is wrong
- Includes supporting documentation, if available
- Requests that the bureaus conduct a full reinvestigation
Many consumers use online dispute forms, but these platforms often limit what you can say and may restrict your rights. Story Law Group prepares detailed, written disputes designed to protect your claims and create a strong record if litigation becomes necessary.
03
The Credit Bureaus’ Reinvestigation (30–45 Days)
Once the credit bureaus receive your dispute, they generally have 30 days (sometimes up to 45 days in certain circumstances) to complete a reinvestigation. During this time, they must:
- Forward relevant information from your dispute to the furnisher
- Review the information you provided
- Conduct a reasonable reinvestigation of the disputed item
- Remove or correct information that is inaccurate or cannot be verified
Too often, bureaus rely on automated systems and “rubber-stamp” responses. When that happens, they may be violating the FCRA.
04
The Furnisher’s Legal Obligations
Companies that furnish information to the credit bureaus, such as banks, lenders, and debt collectors, also have duties under the FCRA. When they receive a dispute, they must:
- Review all relevant information from the credit bureau
- Compare the disputed information with their own records
- Correct or delete any information that is inaccurate
- Report accurate information back to all applicable credit bureaus
If a furnisher fails to properly investigate or continues to report information it knows is wrong, it can be held legally accountable.
05
Results and Next Steps
After the investigation, the credit bureaus must send you the results in writing, along with:
- A summary of the reinvestigation
- An updated copy of your credit report, if changes were made
- Notice of your rights if the dispute is not resolved to your satisfaction
If inaccurate information is corrected, you may want to notify any lenders or employers who recently reviewed your report. If the information remains wrong, you may have a strong FCRA claim against the credit bureaus, the furnishers, or both.
When Credit Bureaus or Furnishers Get It Wrong
The FCRA is more than just a dispute process – it gives you the right to seek compensation when the law is violated. If a credit bureau or furnisher fails to reasonably investigate your dispute, continues to report information that is inaccurate, or otherwise violates the FCRA, you may be entitled to:
- Statutory damages (up to $1,000 per willful violation)
- Actual damages, including financial harm and emotional distress
- Punitive damages in cases of willful misconduct
- Payment of your attorney’s fees and costs
At Story Law Group, our goal is simple: hold the credit bureaus and furnishers accountable and get your credit report corrected.
Why Choose Story Law Group for FCRA Credit Dispute Cases?
Story Law Group is a consumer-focused firm that represents individuals dealing with serious credit reporting problems. We understand how damaging credit report errors can be, and we know how to enforce your rights under the FCRA.
- Focused on consumer protection and FCRA litigation
- No upfront cost – we only get paid if we recover for you
- Attorney-led strategy from start to finish
- Real communication with your legal team
- Nationwide representation in federal credit reporting cases
To learn more about our firm and approach, visit the About Story Law Group page.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About the FCRA Credit Dispute Process
How long does the FCRA credit dispute process take ?
In most cases, credit bureaus have about 30 days to complete a reinvestigation after receiving your dispute. In certain situations, such as when you recently obtained a free credit report, that period may extend up to 45 days.
Can I sue a credit bureau for failing to fix errors ?
Yes. If Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, or a furnisher fails to properly investigate your dispute or continues to report information that is inaccurate or cannot be verified, you may be able to sue under the FCRA. These cases are typically filed in federal court.
Do I need a lawyer to file a credit dispute ?
You are not required to have a lawyer to send a dispute, but having an attorney can make a significant difference. An experienced FCRA lawyer can help you craft an effective dispute, guide you through the process, and take legal action if your rights are violated.
How much does it cost to hire an FCRA attorney at Story Law Group ?
We handle FCRA cases with no upfront cost to you. Under the law, if we are successful, the defendants may be required to pay your attorneys’ fees and costs. You do not pay us out of pocket to pursue an FCRA claim.
Should I file my dispute online ?
Online credit dispute forms are quick, but they often limit your ability to fully explain the problem or provide documentation, and they may impact your legal rights. In many cases, a detailed written dispute is a better option. Story Law Group can help you prepare a dispute that protects your interests.
Still have questions? Contact us for a free case review and speak with an FCRA attorney about your specific situation.
Get Your Free Credit Dispute Case Review
If you are dealing with inaccurate credit reporting, you do not have to handle it alone. Story Law Group is here to enforce your rights, correct your reports, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Credit Report Errors Fixed — At No Cost to You.