You have diligently managed your finances, striving for a pristine credit record, only to find derogatory accounts appearing on your credit reports. This unsettling scenario is a reality for many consumers and usually happens when applying for credit or an apartment. At first, many people think that this is due to identity theft. Most often, they are the victims of a mixed credit file. As consumer attorneys, we help individuals in this situation daily. Here, we will guide you through how mixed credit files happen, how they can be fixed, and how you can potentially recover compensation for dama ..read more

While trying to get a loan, you discover a credit inquiry you don’t recognize—a mysterious mark on your credit history that raises more questions than answers. What should you do? Here’s what you should know about unauthorized credit inquiries. What is an Unauthorized Credit Inquiry An unauthorized credit inquiry is a credit check conducted without your authorization or consent. This means an unauthorized party pulls your credit without a valid reason or explicit consent. An example of consenting to a credit inquiry would be when you apply for a job and sign a document allowing that employer t ..read more

From unlocking smartphones to airport security, the convenience and efficiency of facial recognition technology is undeniable. However, as this technology finds its way into various sectors, including tenant screening, questions arise about its reliability and potential for bias. Facial Recognition Technology in the Housing Market In the housing market, tenant screening plays a crucial role in determining the eligibility of applicants for rental properties. Traditionally, this process involved background checks, credit history reviews, and references. Some landlords and property management com ..read more

Imagine the excitement of finding the perfect apartment that fits your lifestyle like a glove. You submit your application, anticipating the life you’ll build there, only to be rejected because of inaccurate rental history on your background check. This disappointment is the reality for many consumers. With a story about losing out on a dream apartment due to an outdated eviction record, we will walk you through how to bring a lawsuit against rental background check companies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The Dream Apartment Denied Meet Alex, a young professional who had been dil ..read more

Mistakes in consumer reports can seriously affect a person’s financial situation. Unfortunately, these errors can be more challenging for transgender individuals to deal with. Consumer reporting mistakes can cause financial problems. Errors on credit reports can result in being rejected for loans or housing or paying higher interest rates. Consumer Reporting Issues for Transgender Individuals There is a lack of standardized procedures across consumer reporting agencies regarding transgender-specific issues. Consumer reporting agencies may not use the same rules or have the most up-to-date info ..read more

Health insurance is a vital safety net, but navigating it can be tricky, especially when it comes to the accuracy of your medical history. This crucial bit of information can determine your insurance premiums and eligibility. So what happens when this history is misreported or incomplete? The consequences can be severe, ranging from unexpectedly high premiums to outright denials of coverage. Sadly, inaccuracies in medical histories are not rare. Insurance companies have access to extensive data, including medical records and prescription histories. This information usually comes from medical c ..read more

What if you tried to get a loan or a new credit card and were told, “Sorry, we can’t give this to you because our records say you’re no longer alive”? You’d be pretty confused, right? This error, while it may seem far-fetched, is a reality for some consumers and stems from inaccuracies in the credit reporting system. How a Credit Report Can Inaccurately Report You as Dead There’s a unique code on credit reports called a “deceased indicator.” It’s a tag that the big credit bureaus— Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—use to mark a consumer as dead. If you see one next to your name, it means that ..read more

Human trafficking is a heinous crime that involves exploiting individuals for labor, sex, or other purposes. Victims of human trafficking often suffer from physical, emotional, and financial abuse from their traffickers. Human traffickers frequently steal their victims’ identities and credit information. This can make it challenging for trafficking survivors to access financial services, housing, education, and jobs. New FCRA Rule to Help Human Trafficking Victims Fortunately, a new rule has been introduced to help trafficking victims protect their credit and rebuild their financial stability ..read more

Background checks have become a part of our daily lives. They are conducted when we apply for jobs, rent apartments, or start new relationships. These background reports are meant to protect our safety and security, but what if a relative’s criminal history affects your background report? This can be a challenging and emotionally draining situation. Let’s explore some steps you can take to tackle this problem and navigate the process of having a relative’s criminal history on your background report. How a Relative’s Criminal History Can End Up on Your Background Check First and foremost, knowi ..read more

The gig economy has revolutionized people’s work, providing flexible opportunities for earning income through various platforms. One of the essential requirements for gig workers, especially those involved in ride-hailing or delivery services, is a valid driver’s license. Many gig companies, including popular ones like Uber and Lyft, use background check services like Checkr to verify the driving credentials of their potential drivers. However, despite the convenience of these platforms, there have been instances where Checkr fails to update a driver’s license information, leading to unintende ..read more