How to Report a Credit Bureau for FCRA Violations and Credit Report Errors
If your credit report contains errors or if a credit bureau violates your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you can take action. Follow these five steps to report the issue and protect your financial standing.
1. File a Complaint Directly With the Credit Bureau
To start, contact the credit bureau that is reporting the error. Each bureau has its own process for disputes.
Experian
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Submit a dispute: Experian Dispute Center
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Phone: 1-888-EXPERIAN
Equifax
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Submit a dispute: Equifax Dispute Center
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Phone: 1-866-349-5191
TransUnion
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Submit a dispute: TransUnion Dispute Page
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Phone: 1-800-916-8800
Pro Tip: Always send your dispute via certified mail with a return receipt. That way, you’ll have proof of your submission.
2. Escalate Your Complaint to the CFPB
If the credit bureau fails to respond or correct the issue, don’t stop there. You can escalate your complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
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File your complaint online: Submit to CFPB
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Call the CFPB: 1-855-411-2372
Timeline: The credit bureau must respond within 15 days once the CFPB receives your complaint.
3. File a Complaint With the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
In cases of ongoing or repeated FCRA violations, you can also report the issue to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
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Submit your complaint online: Report to the FTC
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Call the FTC: 1-877-FTC-HELP
Why it matters: The FTC investigates serious violations and can take enforcement action against credit bureaus that break the law.
4. Report the Credit Bureau to Your State Attorney General
Beyond federal agencies, your state attorney general’s office can also help. This is especially helpful because some states offer extra consumer protections.
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Find your attorney general: National Association of Attorneys General
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File your complaint through your state’s consumer protection division
Taking this step ensures the bureau is held accountable at both federal and state levels.
5. Sue the Credit Bureau for FCRA Violations
If all else fails and the bureau still refuses to correct the errors, you may have the right to sue for damages under the FCRA.
You may be entitled to:
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Statutory damages – Up to $1,000 per violation
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Punitive damages – If the violation was found to be willful
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Attorney’s fees – Often covered if you win your case
Need help with legal action? Call Credit1Solutions at 877-782-7839 to speak with a credit expert today.
Where to File Complaints Against Credit Bureaus
| Issue | Where to File | Response Time |
|---|---|---|
| Credit report errors | Dispute with Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion | Within 30 days |
| Bureau ignores dispute | File a CFPB complaint | Within 15 days |
| Repeated FCRA violations | Report to FTC and state attorney general | Varies by agency |
| Seeking damages | File a lawsuit in federal court | Depends on your case |
Top 10 FAQs About Filing Complaints Against Credit Bureaus
1. Can I file complaints against all three bureaus at once?
Yes, you can! If all three are reporting the same error, file individual disputes and escalate to the CFPB and FTC if necessary.
2. What happens if a credit bureau ignores my dispute?
Under the FCRA, the bureau must respond within 30 days. If not, you can take legal action and sue for damages.
3. Can I get compensation for credit bureau violations?
Absolutely. You may receive up to $1,000 per violation, plus legal fees, if your rights were violated.
4. Can I dispute a closed account that’s inaccurate?
Yes! Even closed accounts must be accurate. Therefore, you still have the right to dispute them.
5. How do I know if my credit report has errors?
You should request your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com to check for any inaccuracies.
Need Help?
Don’t handle credit report issues alone. For assistance with disputes, complaints, or lawsuits, call Credit1Solutions at 877-782-7839 today. Their team is ready to help you take back control of your credit.