Zombie debt is an old debt that returns to a credit report after it seemed finished. The FCRA sets limits on how long old debts may be reported and requires that what is reported be accurate.
Blog
What Happens When a Credit Report Dispute Changes Nothing
A credit report dispute sometimes ends with the entry untouched and the word “verified.” This post explains what the FCRA requires of bureaus and furnishers, and when an unchanged report may point to a violation.
How Long Negative Credit Items Stay on a Credit Report
Federal law sets outer limits on how long most negative credit items can be reported. This post explains how the limits are structured, how the clock is measured, and what the FCRA provides when old information lingers.
Identity Theft Credit Report Protections Under the FCRA
The Fair Credit Reporting Act contains specific provisions for victims of identity theft, including blocking, fraud alerts, and duties for bureaus and furnishers. This post explains how those provisions work.
Debt Reporting Errors: What the FCRA Requires of Bureaus
A debt the consumer never owed can land on a credit file through identity theft, mixed files, or data errors. This post explains the FCRA duties of bureaus and furnishers and the remedies the statute provides.
Credit Reporting Agencies and Your Legal Rights Under Federal Law
Introduction A credit reporting agency is a private company regulated by federal law that collects, assembles, and reports consumer credit information to third parties. In the United States, these agencies operate under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a federal statute...
How to Get Unauthorized Charges Removed When Your Credit Card Company Says No
Discovering fraudulent charges on your credit card is stressful enough. But what happens when your credit card company refuses to remove them? For many consumers, this nightmare turns into months of frustration, endless phone calls, and damage to their credit reports....
Dealing with a Mixed Credit Report That Blocks Your Mortgage
Applying for a mortgage is often one of the biggest financial steps in life. But imagine getting denied because your credit report includes accounts, loans, or late payments that don’t even belong to you. This situation, known as a “mixed credit report,” can be...
What You Can Do If Your Loan Was Denied Because of an Incorrect Credit Report
When you apply for a loan, lenders rely heavily on your credit report to decide whether to approve your application. Unfortunately, when that report contains inaccurate information, the result can be devastating a denied mortgage, car loan, or personal loan that could...
Can a Car Dealership Raise Your Interest Rate After You Buy the Vehicle
When you finance a car, you expect that the terms you agreed to at signing will remain the same. Unfortunately, some dealerships engage in unfair practices that leave consumers paying more than they anticipated. One of the most common complaints involves dealerships...