Unfortunately, when you notice that your credit report isn’t accurate, it’s normal to be overcome with dread and panic. Though you may automatically assume you’re a victim of identity theft, this is not always the case. In some instances, the credit reporting agencies or creditors may submit incorrect information. If you believe you’re the victim of fraudulent credit reporting, you’ll want to keep reading to learn more about this process and how a Los Angeles, California fraudulent credit reporting lawyer can help you through this process.
What Is Fraudulent Credit Reporting?
When fraudulent information appears on your report, it constitutes fraud on your credit. There are a number of reasons that this can occur. For example, if someone steals your identity and opens accounts in your name, it constitutes fraudulent reporting, as you did not authorize the account’s opening. As such, you may also experience harassment from creditors because of dishonest reporting on your credit report. Not only can this violate your rights as a consumer, but some creditors may violate the law.
Similarly, if there are inaccuracies on your account, such as incorrect information from the agency or creditor, it may constitute fraud, especially if you dispute the information but it remains on your report.
What Protects Me if I’m a Victim in California?
Not only does federal law help protect you from fraudulent credit reporting, but the California legislature also helps to protect you. Luckily, there are a number of protections in place to help you recover damages you’ve incurred.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows you to know what information is in your file. If you discover the information on your credit report is inaccurate or contains fraud, the FCRA gives you the right as a consumer to dispute it. The agency will conduct an independent investigation to determine if the information is correct. If they determine that it is right, they will leave it on your report.
One of the most important protections you’ll utilize in California is the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This helps consumers and victims of debt alike be protected from unfair and abusive collection practices. As such, a collector cannot lie about their identity, threaten, harass, or call you at obscene hours.
Credit reporting fraud is a broad and confusing topic. Unfortunately, because it is often the product of identity theft or inaccurate reporting from creditors and agencies, there are many different elements that can impact the outcome of your case.
Regardless, when you notice fraud on your report, you’ll want to enlist the assistance of an experienced attorney to help you through this process. At LA Legal Solutions, our dedicated legal team will work tirelessly to help you through this complex and overwhelming process. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you through this time.
