Consumer Credit Protection

During these trying times, even the most responsible people can find themselves at the mercy of relentless collection agencies and stubborn consumer reporting agencies (such as credit bureaus). Often, a negative notation may have been placed on your credit report. Unfortunately, it is increasingly common for credit reports to contain gross inaccuracies (from identify theft, clerical error or illegal collection agency tactics) or collection agencies to pursue the wrong consumer. Worse yet, many collection agencies have little regard for the law and choose to illegally employ harassing, misleading and offensive techniques. If you have dealt with a debt collector, credit bureau or other consumer reporting agency, you know how difficult and incredibly frustrating it can be to prevail on your own.

That is why it is important to hire an attorney familiar with the various laws related to debt collection and credit reporting. At The Law Office of Carl M. Ward, our attorneys are familiar with the applicable legal requirements for debt collectors and consumer reporting agencies, and we can put our litigation experience to work clearing your record and seeking compensation for your damages. Even a single negative notation on your credit report can result in years of increased interest rates, embarrassment or loan denials. Fortunately, there are two important federal laws that protect your rights.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA") regulates the types of behavior debt collectors may employ in collecting debts. For a full description of your rights under the FDCPA, click on the "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act" tab above. The second federal law is called the Fair Credit Reporting Act ("FCRA"). The FCRA regulates the practices of consumer reporting agencies, users of your consumer reports (including credit files) and those reporting information to consumer reporting agencies with regard to consumer reports. For a full description of your rights under the FCRA, click on the "Fair Credit Reporting Act" tab above. Both laws impose strict penalties for violations including actual damages (i.e. costs associated with increased interest rates, etc.), statutory damages (i.e. $1,000 per action under the FDCPA and up to $1,000 under the FCRA), punitive damages (under the FCRA) and attorneys' fees (leaving more of your award in your pocket). Because certain time limits apply to your rights, we encourage you to avoid delay.