WHY IS MY CREDIT SCORE FALLING?
There are many possible reasons to lose points on your credit score, but if for some reason you’ve maintained a consistent series of accounts, this shouldn’t happen. You need to look for a leak that may be caused by theft, fraud, or an array of other mistakes.
My name is James Foley PLLC, and I’m here to protect you, and if necessary, secure awarded damages in your name. While I’m based in Fort Worth, I service needs of consumers across the country.
Your days of worrying that you could be denied for a loan, an apartment, or a job are over. Take action and educate yourself:
Your Credit is Easier to Steal than at any other Time in History
The widely reported Equifax hack of 2017 gave data criminals an entire month to steal information on over 140 million credit accounts before the issue was resolved. The resulting class action lawsuit was a slap on the wrist, and the company will recover only to potentially let the whole episode happen again.
Whatever happens, you are your best chance at survival. Whether or not your data was compromised in 2017, it’s time to check on your accounts, and ensure that you are watertight.
Obtain a free annual credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com
Review the entries and items in your report, and if you find anything suspect, look into it. This can be as major as credit cards opened using your information, to something as minor as a utility company performing a “hard” pull of your credit rather than a “soft” pull. Beware false information, outdated accounts, and companies trying to meddle with your information to line their own pockets.
Time is of the Essence
An erroneous 30-day bank-card delinquency on your credit report could lead to a 100-point drop to your credit score. -ConsumersUnion
When it comes to taking action to correct a fraudulent credit issue, days can make the difference between recovery and total loss. The statute of limitations on fraudulent reports is two years, and you can only make one free credit report pull per year, per agency. The statute starts ticking upon the dispute.
As soon as you find something problematic, it’s essential that you seek the services of a credit reporting attorney like me, without delay. Whether it’s because of the statute of limitations, your own records getting lost, or any other reason, acting now could save you thousands and keep you in good standing when approaching your next major purchase.
While fixing your own credit score is an option that many take each year, butting heads with CRA’s, creditors, and arbiters could lose you time and money, which is why it’s best to leave it in the hands of an experienced attorney, who will ensure justice is served in North Texas and beyond.
Step 1: Contacting Credit Reporting Agencies
Whenever you notice a fraudulent item on your credit report, you should begin by disputing the claim:
*** See the FORMS AND RESOURCES section for an example of a handwritten letter of dispute. You would begin by writing this letter and sending it to the CRA.
*** Include all appropriate documentation, including documents, correspondence, and phone records. Include your own contact information if requested.
*** While online disputes may be possible, the most steadfast approach is to send the letter by certified mail with “return receipt” requested, to ensure the letter arrives and is received.
Step 2: Ensure the CRA acts in your best interest
While agencies are required by law to investigate your dispute, sometimes they will accept creditor evidence instead of yours.
This is unacceptable.
When you feel your tires slipping, it’s time to seek help from someone who can force the hand of the agency.
Step 3: Get Help
My responsibilities as your credit representative are to do everything in my power to get your score to be accurate.
1. I’ll review your credit report to double check accuracy.
2. I’ll use my tried and true methods to ensure your dispute process runs according to law, and that you will be respected by the CRA that might otherwise toss you aside.
3. If the CRA does not play ball and I believe your case is winnable, I’ll engage in a lawsuit against the CRA on your behalf.
I know where to send pertinent information; and I know what documents are required. Moreover, I know how much you are owed, should you win the outcome, and will make sure the CRA doesn’t settle for less than you deserve.
The Buck Stops Here
1. Many Americans have an error on their credit report, and half of those Americans will suffer a lower credit score as a result.
2. Credit Reporting Agencies may be violating the law, and most who suffer never know, much less receive damages and repayment.
3. CRA’s are defying federal law if they ignoring dispute letters.
4. The CRA’s are acting purposefully, and are not able to explain away the issues as the result of mistakes.
Call for Your Complimentary Credit-Report Assessment, and begin your first step in letting these companies know who’s in control. I enjoy representing clients in Fort Worth and Texas as a whole, standing up for what I and you believe in.
Getting your credit report updated and your credit score raised, as quickly as possible, is in your best interest – contact James Foley PLLC, today.